Local Information

Hong Kong’s strategic location at the heart of the world’s fastest growing economies along with its sophisticated infrastructure, easy accessibility, business-friendly environment, professional expertise and vibrant lifestyle converge to become what is recongnized as Asia’s premier destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.

Time Difference

Hong Kong Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

Climate

Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical. May to August are hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the mornings. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 31 C whereas at night, temperatures generally remain around 26 C with high humidity. There is usually a fine dry spell in July which may possibly last for one to two weeks, or for even longer in some years.

For more information on Hong Kong's climate, please refer to the website of the Hong Kong Observatory.

Currency and Exchange

The monetary unit is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD):

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at international airports, banks or currency exchange stores.
The exchange rate is approximately (http://www.xe.com/ucc/):

1 USD = 7.78 HKD; 1 EUR = 10.3 HKD; 1 AUD = 7.69 HKD; 1 YEN = 0.093 HKD

Tipping & Taxes

There is no sales tax in Hong Kong. The only tax you may be charged is 5% government tax on hotel rates. Most upscale hotels add this to a 10% service charge, making for a total surcharge of 15%.

Tipping is not a Chinese custom; however in Hong Kong, tipping is becoming expected from westerners. It is expected to tip hotel porters about HK$10. If you make use of the porters at the airport, HK$2 per bag is expected.

Electricity

220-Volt / 50-Hz system

For more details, please visit Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR Government.

Smoking Regulation

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, karaokes, malls and bars. The smoking ban also covers both indoor and outdoor areas of some premises such as public beaches and swimming pools, escalators and the Hong Kong Wetland Park. It also applies to public transport carriers and facilities. Furthermore, no person shall smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe in designated no smoking areas, or they shall be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.
Related link: List of no-smoking locations

Emergency and Useful Phone Numbers

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999
For more information, please go to: Hong Kong tourism board -- Useful phone numbers

Useful Links

Hong Kong tourism board

The commissioner’s office of China’s foreign affairs ministry in the HKSAR

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