Currency Exchange Rates
HK $7.78=US $1, HK $4.3=NT $1
For more Foreign Exchange Rates, please visit: http://www.xe.com/
Visa
The visa is needed for foreign visitors.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm
Language
Cantonese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong. Most travel agents in Hong Kong are fluent in English. Chinese is getting popular in Hong Kong these years.
Time Difference
There is no time difference between Taiwan and Hong Kong.
For foreign visitors, you may refer to the website: http://www.worldtimezone.com/
Climate
Summers in Hong Kong are usually hot and humid with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius (84.2 degrees Fahrenheit). July is typically the hottest month and has a record of reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The occurrences of rain are more frequent during May to September in Hong Kong, and a raincoat is needed during Summer. Winter here may consist of wind and rain with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Spring (March to May) is the blooming season with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Autumn is probably the best time for tourism with temperatures at around 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Phone call
Public telephone: A local call costs around HK $1. You may buy phone cards at the airport or convenience stores.
International Direct Dialing：It is available in every hotel with a higher price.
Cell Phone Prepaid Card: It is sold at the convenience store.
Internet Service: Internet is popular in Hong Kong. Most hotels offer the internet services.
Emergency Hotlines:
Ambulance = Dial 999
Directory inquiries: 1083 (Cantonese) 1088 (Chinese) 1081(English)
International Dialing:
Telephone NO.:
From Taiwan to Hong Kong:
002 +852( Country Code) + Local number
From Hong Kong to Taiwan:
001+886( Country Code) + Local number
Cell Phone:
From Taiwan to Hong Kong:
002 +852( Country Code) + the cell phone numbers after “09”
From Hong Kong to Taiwan:
001+886( Country Code) + the cell phone numbers after “09”
For more international dialing codes, please visit:
http://www.kropla.com/dialcode.htm
Voltage
Voltage: 220v , 50Hz
P.S. The plug in Hong Kong is different from that in Taiwan. You may bring an adapter or borrow it from the hotel.
Tips
Restaurant: The percentage is around 10% as shown on the bill.
Hotel: About HK $ 10-20
Others: HK $ 2-5 for each taxi driver
Transportation
The convenient transportation in Hong Kong makes travel easier. Public transport systems include MTR, taxi, ferry, rail, bus tram and so on. Please refer to the following information.
MTR:
The quick and efficient MTR rail system covers all major attractions in Hong Kong. The MTR offers ten lines: Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, Tung Chung, West Rail, East Rail, Ma On Shan and Disneyland Resort, as well as an Airport Express. Besides, the MTR operates a Light Rail system running between Yuen Long and Tuen Mun in the New Territories, plus an inter-city train service into Mainland China.
Taxis:
You may hail taxis on the street (except on roads with double yellow lines) or summon taxis by phone. They can bring you to either the busy downtown or remote areas. Taxis here are divided into different colors for offering services in different areas. But all taxis can drive you to or from Hong Kong International Airport.
• Red taxis run in most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road and the south side of Lantau Island.
• Green taxis serve the rural areas of the New Territories.
• Blue taxis operate on Lantau Island.
Buses:
Bus routes include almost all of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. For getting around Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, you may take Kowloon Motor Bus, New World First Bus and Citybus. If you want to get Lantau Island, take New Lantao Bus. Long Win Bus provides bus services to north Lantau and the airport. Final destinations are written in both English and Chinese on the front of the bus. Fares are usually ranging from HK$1.20 to HK$45 according to the travelled distance. Exact change is required.
Ferries:
Ferries bring you to ply the waters of Hong Kong connecting Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the Outlying Islands, Macau and Mainland China.
Trams:
Tram is a cheap and convenient transportation, bringing you along an east-west path across north Hong Kong Island. When weaving through busy city districts, the upper decks of these trams offer you magnificent views. The working hour of the trams is from early morning until midnight. The flat fare is around HK$2 (HK$1 for seniors aged 65 or above and children under 12) and exact change is required.
