General information to assist you during your visit to Hong Kong.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

Climate: Hong Kong's climate is governed by monsoons. Although Hong Kong lies within the tropics, it enjoys a variety of weather because of these seasonal winds. The winter monsoon blows from the north or northeast from September to mid-March, and the summer wind blows from the south or southwest from mid-March to September.

During the summer monsoon, the weather is hot and humid; during the winter monsoon it is cool. Average temperature range from 58'F in February to 95'F in August. The mean relative humidity ranges from a low of 67 percent in November to 84 percent in May; many days the humidity approaches one hundred percent accompanied by heavy clouds. Late fall is the most pleasant time of year with generally dry and sunny weather and temperatures of 70'F to 75'F. The average annual rainfall is 95 inches.

Clothing: Summer is hot and humid. It is also the rainy and typhoon season. Short sleeve shirts and cotton dresses are suitable. Winter is short - January to February - but it can be cold and damp and light woolen coats may be required. Autumn is the best time of the year to visit Hong Kong.

POPULATION

Hong Kong's population at the mid-2005 was approximately 6.9 million people with the overwhelming majority being ethnic Chinese. The majorities were born in Hong Kong with others coming from China or other countries in Asia. The expatriate community includes about 50,000 U.S. citizens, representing a major foreign presence in the territory. Other major expatriate groups are from the Philippines, Canada, Japan, Korea, Australia, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

LANGUAGE

The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English. Cantonese is the most common Chinese dialect spoken, although Mandarin is becoming more common, and English is widely used in government and business.

WORKWEEK

Business hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday has traditionally been a half-day but, due to the competition to keep staff, many companies now advertise a 5-day workweek.

BANKING

Banking in Hong Kong is relatively easy with many major U.S. banks represented in the region. The current rate of exchange is approximately HK$7.75 to one U.S. dollar. Most major credit cards are accepted and money can be easily changed at financial institutions and hotels.

TRANSPORTATION

Air
Almost all major international airlines service Hong Kong, including Continental, Northwest and United Airlines. Many have daily non-stop flights between Hong Kong and the U.S. Hong Kong International Airport is located in Chek Lap Kok, approximately 60 miles from the Consulate General. Train, taxi, airport bus, limousine service and hotel transportation are readily available to and from the Airport. An airport departure tax of HK$120 for adults (under 12 is free) is levied on all passengers.

Land and Sea
There are train, hovercraft and boat services between Hong Kong and China; jetfoil and hydrofoil service between Hong Kong and Macau. Your hotel or travel agent can assist you in arranging for trips to Macau and China. Passport and visas are required for trips to China.

Buses - Along with taxis are the most common form of public transportation in Hong Kong. Maps which list the public bus routes are available from your hotel and bus kiosks. There are regular, air-conditioned and traditional double decker buses that operate on fixed routes which are well marked. The "public light bus", commonly called "mini-bus", generally has shorter runs and cost a little more; however, the mini-bus will pick-up and discharge passengers anywhere along the route, except where prohibited by the double yellow line.

Ferries - The biggest bargain in Hong Kong. Ferries operate between Hong Kong Central and Wan Chai to Kowloon as well as to the Outlying Islands. Service is good and efficient. The "Star Ferry" runs between Central and Wan Chai in Hong Kong and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, a popular shopping area. The ride takes five minutes and ferries run continuously from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Mass Transit Railway (MTR) - Underground subway system - the fastest transportation for getting around Hong Kong. Most of the system is underground with well-marked entrances. MTR stations are indicated on maps of the area. A Customer Service Center in each station provides change and sells stored-value tickets. The MTR uses "Octopus" cards with microchips embedded in them. To use just flash the card above the sensor and the fare is automatically deducted from the card. The Octopus cards can also be used on KCR trains and some buses as well.

Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) - This system runs from Hung Hom in Kowloon to Lo Wu in Shenzhen, China, with many stops in the New Territories such as Sha Tin and Tai Po. It is the fastest and most convenient means of traveling from Kowloon to China, and within the New Territories.

Taxi - Taxis may be flagged down at the hotel entrance or anywhere on the street where there are barriers or a double yellow line on the street or curb. In the evening look for a taxi with a lighted sign on top of the vehicle. All taxis are metered. Fares start at HK$15.00. When a trip involves the Cross Harbour Tunnel, an additional fee is charged to cover the tunnel tolls. It is not customary to tip but rather to round the fare up to the next Hong Kong dollar. In cases of long journeys or extra baggage, a small tip is appropriate.

Peak Tram - Peak Tram, which originates at the Lower Peak Tram Station directly across the street from the Consulate General, slowly climbs to Victoria Peak, 1,890 feet above sea level. The Tram Terminal at the Peak has restaurants as well as snack bars and shopping arcade. Service is from 7:00 a.m. until midnight. The view at sunset and in the evening is spectacular.

Trams - Trams run the length of the harbor from Kennedy Town to Shaukiwan and, from the top desk, it's a great way to see the sights, if you are not in a hurry. Enter in the rear and pay in front on the way out.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications facilities in Hong Kong are excellent. Most major long distance credit cards are honored and hotels have long distance and facsimile services readily available. U.S. visitors should check with their current cellular service providers before departing the U.S. to determine if they have an existing roaming arrangement with a Hong Kong operator. Except from some CDMA phones and a few models of GSM and CDMA phones, U.S. travelers will likely have to rent a phone from their cellular provider before leaving the U.S. due to a difference in the frequency bands used for cellular and PCS service. Travelers who do not currently have cellular phone service or whose provider does not have a roaming agreement with a Hong Kong operator can rent a cellular phone, using a prepaid SIM card, from telephone companies upon arrival at the Chek Lap Kok Airport.

SHOPPING

Hotels and many department stores accept major credit cards. Please ensure that your carbons are returned or destroyed. Stores which are members of the Hong Kong Tourism Board have a circular seal on their window which has the outline of a Junk as their logo. The HKTB does not accept legal responsibility for these stores but will follow up on any complaints. In addition, there are shops at the China Fleet Arcade that are open to U.S. Government Employees and other authorized individuals.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Hong Kong is considered a low-threat city. As in any large metropolitan area, however, visitors should exercise normal precautions. Hong Kong receives over 11 million tourists per year, so beware of pickpockets and confidence artists who offer deals too good to be true. When in crowded area, keep a hand in your pocket over your wallet. One should be aware at all times of persons nearby, and should stand back from the curb until ready to cross the street.