Country – Hong Kong

Quick Starter Guide to Hong Kong

Official Languages – Cantonese, Mandarin, English

Currency – Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
(1 HKD = 7.68 INR on 13 May 2014)

Time Zone – Hong Kong Time (HKT)
(IST = HKT+2 hours 30 minutes)

VisaVisa is available on arrival if stay is less than 14 days

Airports – Hong Kong International Airport (IATA – HKG)
List of flight connections between India and Hong Kong

Official Tourist WebsiteDiscover Hong Kong

When do Tourists Visit Hong Kong

  • High Season – October to mid-January; May
  • Average Season – March; April; September
  • Low Season – Mid-January; February; June to August

Safety Advise on Travel in Hong Kong

  • Hong Kong is generally safe, but pick pocketing may occur in isolated places
  • Use/sale of drugs is prohibited and will carry heavy punishment
  • Do not photograph military equipment, installation or people
  • Typhoon season runs from April to October and may cause flooding
  • Travel insurance is advisable

Money

  • ATM’s are widespread
  • Credit cards are accepted every where, except on street stalls and public transport
  • Travelers Cheques can be cashed out at many banks but they charge a fee

Transportation

  • Taxis are plenty and expensive compared to Indian rates. You will not need a taxi, unless you want to go alone.
  • Buses are plenty, cheap and transport to almost all the parts of Hong Kong. Sit on the top deck of double deck bus to get great street views.
  • MTR(Mass Transit Rail or Metro Rail) is fast, reliable and cheap. Use this for long distance travel. Consider buying an Octopus card.
  • Star Ferry for transport between Kowloon and Hong Kong island. Ferries are available to the outlying islands also as well as Macau.
  • Use the tram for traveling on the Hong Kong island. Once again find a seat in the top deck.

Communication

  • Hong Kong dialing code is +852
  • SIM cards can be purchased at 7-Eleven or Circle-K stores. The cost of a tourist SIM card starts from HKD 69. Call rates using this card is HKD 0.45/minute to India. Alternatively using, VOIP service provided by Local Phone or Rebtel will cost you more than ten times lesser.
  • WiFi is provided by most of the hotels and restaurants. Government provided free WiFi(network name is GovWiFi) hotspots are available in public places like parks, MTR stations, etc.
  • Post boxes are located conveniently around the city. Postal stamps can be brought at convenience stores.

Embassies

  • Consulate General of India
    26-A & 16-D, United Centre, 95, Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
    +852 3970 9900

Useful Links

Image Source – https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/928505775/

Quick Starter Guide to Hong Kong

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