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Hong Kong is known to be one of the world's busiest commercial,
financial and corporate markets, manufacturing centres and container
ports. It is also the global gateway to China and easily accessible
to different parts of the world. The cultures and traditions of
East and West, of ancient and modern, are united in Hong Kong, creating
a dynamic and cosmopolitan society.
Population
With a population of 7 million, of which 95% are Chinese, the official
languages are Chinese and English, with a large percentage of the
population being bilingual. Cantonese is the most widely spoken
local dialect and Mandarin is becoming more popular. Street signs,
menus and tourist publications are bilingual.
Geography
Hong Kong is a small territory of just 1,091 sq km, nestling on
the Southern coast of China. It is made up of the Hong Kong Island
(78 sq km), the Kowloon Peninsula (46 sq km), and the New Territories
plus 260 outlying islands (967 sq km).
Climate
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. The average temperature in
April / May lies between 16°C (61°F)
and 25°C (87°F). The average rainfall
in May is about 316mm per month. Short sleeves and cotton work best
with a lightweight sweater for indoors as all restaurants, shopping
malls, conference and entertainment venues are air-conditioned.
Time Difference
Hong Kong time is GMT plus 8 hours.
Food
Dining out is gourmet's delight, an exciting adventure with a limitless
choice of restaurants and dishes. There are more than 30,000 restaurants
in Hong Kong, providing visitors with a truly international eating
experience. From the cuisine of regional China to spices of our
Asian neighbours; from the classic dishes of continental Europe
to the nouvelle and traditional cuisine of North America. In Hong
Kong, seafood is a passion; only the best and the freshest is offered.
The range of restaurants is immense with high standards.
Shopping
Hong Kong is the shopping window of the world. Its diversity will
astonish the most seasoned shopper. It is a haven for choices -
from fashion to furniture, from antiques to jewellery and from cameras
to computers. This range of choices extends to the shopping environment.
There are designer boutiques and street stalls, classic shopping
malls and frenetic markets, modern art galleries and antique shops,
and they are open every day of the week. Nothing could be simpler
than shopping in Hong Kong.
Tipping
Most restaurants add 10% service charge automatically and waiters
also expect to pick up loose change. Larger gratuities are expected
when there is no service charge. Small tips are common for bellboys,
doormen and cloak room attendants. Taxi drivers also tend to pick
up loose change.
Currency Exchange/Credit Cards
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). It is pegged
to the US$ at approximately HK$7.8 to US$1. Most foreign currencies
and traveller's cheques can be changed at banks, money-changers,
hotels and major retail outlets. Banks usually offer the best exchange
rate. The Hong Kong Dollar notes are available in $10, $20, $50,
$100, $500 and $1,000 denominations. Coins come in 10 cents, 20
cents, 50 cents, $1, $2, $5 and $10 denominations. All major credit
cards are widely accepted. Check the cash prices; it may be lower
than the credit card price.
Office and Banking Hours
Most offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 09:00
to 13:00 on Saturdays. Major banks are open from 09:00 to 16:30
on weekdays and 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturdays. Banking facilities
are available within the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Security
The same local Police Force that has made Hong Kong one of the
safest cities in the world continues to maintain law and order.
However, delegates are advised to carry some identification with
a photograph at all times.
Electricity & Water
Local voltage is 220V at 50Hz. Adaptors can be easily bought, and
most hotels have multi-voltage fitting for electric razors. All
water direct from government main meets the World Health Organisation
standards. Bottled water is widely available.
Public Transport
Hong Kong is geographically compact with plentiful taxis day and
night and are inexpensive with meters clearly displayed. Excellent
public transportation in the form of buses, trams and the Mass Transit
Railway (MTR) is relatively cheap and frequent. The famous Star
Ferry operates from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central District and to Wanchai
from Hong Kong's airport at Chek Lap Kok, you can reach the Central
District by the Airport Express Line (AEL) in about 30 minutes.
Hong Kong's fast air-conditioned airbus can also take you direct
from the new Airport terminal to convenient points including Tsim
Sha Tsui, Central and Wanchai, Causeway Bay, Taikoo Shing and Kowloon
MTR Station, which are all close to most major hotels. The airbuses
leave from the airport every 10 to 15 minutes and the airbus fare
ranges from HK$13.5 to HK$52.In-town check-in facilities are available
at Hong Kong AEL Station and Kowloon AEL Station. Hotel shuttles
run between major hotels on Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and the
Hong Kong and Kowloon MTR Stations. Please check with your hotel
front desk for more information.The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Centre is within walking distance of the Wanchai MTR Station.
For more information about visiting Hong Kong, please also visit
the website of the HKSAR Government http://www.info.gov.hk
and the Hong Kong Tourism Board website http://www.discoverhongkong.com
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