About Hong Kong

Accessibility

Located at the heart of Asia, Hong Kong is a highly accessible city. There are around 95 airlines servicing more than 155 destinations worldwide, with over 800 aircraft movements every day. The state-of-the-art Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok of Lantau Island operates 24 hours a day. For more information about Hong Kong International Airport, please visit www.hongkongairport.com

Passport and Visa

Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a liberal visa policy, allowing visa-free entry to nationals of more than 170 countries and territories. For country-specific visa information, please visit www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm. For delegates from countries for which visas are required for entry to Hong Kong, please check with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

For delegates traveling to other cities in China, an entry visa to China is required. Please obtain your visa from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate within your current place of residence. The travel documents must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of traveling.

Travel and Transport between Airport and Hotel

A variety of transportation options are available for passengers traveling between the Hong Kong International Airport and Sheraton Hotel Hong Kong:

Limousine service arranged by the Hotel

HK$590 per limousine
Pick-up location: Hotel Counter, B10 in Terminal 1.
Traveling Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Airport Shuttle

HK$130 per head
Service hours (from Airport to the hotel): 06:15 - 23:45 every 30 minutes)
Pick-up location: Hotel Counter, B10 in Terminal 1.
Traveling Time: Approximately 1 hour

Airport Express Railway Service

Single journey ticket to "Kowloon Station" costs HK$90 per ticket
Service hours (from Airport to City): 06:12 - 23:12 (every 12 minutes)
Participant is required to get off at "Kowloon Station" and then transfer to a taxi or Airport Express Shuttle-bus "K2" to the hotel. The taxi fee between Kowloon Station and the hotel is about HK$50 and the Airport Express Shuttle-bus is free of charge.

Taxi

Urban taxis are red. The current rates are HKD18 on flag fall for the first two kilometers plus HKD1.5 every further 0.20 kilometer. Additional charges for luggage and tolls apply. Taxis only accept HK Dollars in cash.
Approximate time: 45 minutes (dependent on traffic)
Approximate cost: HKD300 - HK$350

Business Hours

Generally, offices of commercial establishments and Government departments are open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Some are open on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturdays.

Most shops and department stores are open daily from 10am to 9pm, while 24-hour convenience shops are located all over the city.

There is no sales tax on goods and services in Hong Kong. Hotels and restaurants usually add 10% service charge to their bills. Tipping may be appropriate when a service charge is not included.

Climate

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with seasonal changes. In May, the temperature ranges from 24°C to 29°C. Humidity can reach nearly 84 per cent. An umbrella or a hat can protect you from the intense sunshine. The hotels and restaurants all offer air conditioning so it is advisable to bring a light jumper or pashmina to wear when indoors. Go to www.hko.gov.hk for weather forecast before deciding what to pack.

Currency and Credit Card

Most foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, hotels and moneychangers. There are no restrictions on the type or amount of money that can be brought into or taken out of Hong Kong.

All major credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong and can be used to obtain cash advances at banks and automatic teller machines (ATMs).

Electricity

The standard voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC/50 cycles. The plug/ socket system in Hong Kong is a 3-rectangular-pin type.

Language

Both Chinese and English are official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect in Hong Kong. Most signs are in both English and Chinese.

Public Transportation

Hong Kong is so compact that getting around is quick and easy. An efficient public transport system - networks of urban underground trains (MTR), numerous routes of trams, buses and ferries - enable visitors to explore Hong Kong conveniently and safely on their own. An octopus card can be purchased which will allow travel on all forms of public transport (including the Star Ferry and trams).

Time Zone

Local Hong Kong time in May is eight (8) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +08).

Telecommunication

International direct dialing, internet and e-mail facilities are easily accessible in Hong Kong. Most of the mobile telephone systems used around the globe operate in Hong Kong. Local SIM Cards can be purchased at convenience stores.

Discover Hong Kong
For the most updated tourist information, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board at www.discoverhongkong.com

 

Disclaimer: Information contained is correct as of 31 March 2011 and may be subject to change.