| Q: |
When
is the best time to see Hong Kong? |
| A: |
Hong Kong is
an all-year-round destination, although the most
popular time to visit is from the middle of September
to the end of February, when the weather is cooler.
At its coolest (mid-December to February), the temperature
averages 59°F/17°C; at its warmest (late May to
mid-September), it averages 82°F /23°C but may
reach 91°F/26°C. |
|
|
| Q: |
Do I need a visa
to visit Hong Kong? |
| A: |
Visitors from
most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa
for periods of 7 days to 6 months, depending on
nationality. |
|
|
| Q: |
What vaccinations
should I have? |
| A: |
Normally, no
vaccinations are required by the Hong Kong authorities.
However, visitors should check with their travel
agent when making reservations, as health regulations
may change without notice. |
|
|
| Q: |
Where is the best
area to stay? |
| A: |
Hong Kong is
compact, so visitors are never too far from shopping
and major sights. Also, Hong Kong has an excellent
transportation system so visitors can easily reach
other areas, no matter where they stay. Most hotels
are located in the heart of the city, such as in
Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong
Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East
in Kowloon. There is also a growing number of resort-style
hotels in the New Territories which offer relaxing
alternatives. |
|
|
| Q: |
How much is the
airport tax on departure from Hong Kong? |
| A: |
Along with most
Asian destinations, Hong Kong charges an airport
tax. Here, it is HK$80 (about US$10.26) for travellers
aged 12 years and older. |
|
|
| Q: |
Will I be expected
to pay tips? |
| A: |
Most restaurants
will levy a 10 per cent service charge, but will
expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants
that don't add a service charge will expect a 10
per cent tip. However, the tipping is left to your
discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants
and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change. |
|
|
| Q: |
Will I be able
to use my electrical equipment in Hong Kong? |
| A: |
Voltage in Hong
Kong is 220 volts, so a transformer will be needed
to operate 100-volt appliances. Most major hotels
provide hair dryers and other amenities. |
|
|
| Q: |
What can one expect
to eat and drink in Hong Kong? |
| A: |
To enjoy Chinese
dining at its best, visitors may want to become
acquainted with provincial Chinese cuisines by reading
up on them before arriving in Hong Kong. Some of
the dishes will be familiar and some won't. When
in doubt about what to order, ask the waiter for
recommendations. In addition to Chinese restaurants,
there is a great variety of Asian and Western dining
available. Both Asian and Western beverages are
widely served; tap water is purified. |
|
|
| Q: |
Is Hong Kong safe
for the visitor? |
| A: |
Yes, Hong Kong
is one of the safest cities in the world even at
night, when people may walk alone with confidence. |
|
|
| Q: |
Is English widely
spoken? |
| A: |
Very widely
spoken. There will be no problems in communicating
with people in most hotels, restaurants and even
some taxis. |
