Map

Click here for a hotel map. 

Weather

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Temperatures range from 26º to 33º C/ 78º to 91º F. Pack lightweight clothing, a sweater or light coat for rainy days. A hat or umbrella is great for daytime sun.

Time

Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. For the current time in Hong Kong, please click here.

Language

Cantonese and English are Hong Kong’s official languages.

Currency & Credit Cards

Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Coins, issued by the government, are bronze-colored for 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents; silver-colored for HK$1, HK$2 and HK$5; nickel and bronze for HK$10. Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500 and HK$1,000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10.

Financial institutions and money changers charge commission. Similarly, commissions are payable in hotels and major retail outlets that provide exchange facilities for their customers. Elsewhere, the rates of exchange for cash and traveler’s checks are marginally different, and coins are not exchangeable.

The display of net rates of exchange by money changers is a legal obligation. Visitors are advised to check rates and the amount of any additional commission payable for the exchange of traveler’s checks before handing over the money for exchange. Receipt notes must be issued by law. There are no restrictions on currencies being brought in or taken out of Hong Kong.

Foreign currencies and traveler’s checks can be exchanged at financial institutions, banks, hotels and private money changers throughout Hong Kong, including the airport. Financial institutions generally offer the best exchange rates.

Credit Cards & Automated Teller Machines

Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Keep in mind your financial institution at home will automatically make the currency exchange before you receive your monthly statement.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere, and some “Electronic Money” machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$) facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders. American Express cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and traveler’s checks at the Express Cash ATMs in town.

Click here for currency conversion

Laws

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in most enclosed public places, including restaurants, karaoke venues, malls and some bars and outdoor areas (e.g., public beaches and swimming pools, transport interchanges and outside escalators)

For more information on smoking regulations, please click here.

Litter

Hong Kong has strict laws to maintain a clean environment, including fixed penalty fines of HK$1,500 for littering or spitting. Please help keep Hong Kong clean and beautiful.

Health Care

Like many international cities, Hong Kong has world-class hospitals providing outstanding care. Visitors are required to pay US $570 if they use the Accident and Emergency services in Hong Kong public hospitals. The Hong Kong government assures visitors they will receive the emergency care they require. People who cannot pay immediately will be billed later.

Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your local physician because requirements can change.

It is important to obtain travel health insurance before leaving home since your regular health insurance may not include coverage outside your country of residence. In an emergency, you can contact police, fire or ambulance services by dialing 999 on any telephone.

Electrical Conversion

The standard electrical voltage is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug.

Sales Taxes

All goods, other than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free. This makes Hong Kong one of the world's most attractive shopping destinations.

Tipping

Most restaurants will levy a 10 percent service charge, but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10 percent tip; however, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.