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Where East meets West, Hong Kong has long been a favourite with visitors. Renowned as a shopping haven and business centre, the ‘Oriental Pearl’ combines the modern with the traditional.
Exquisite cuisine, spectacular festivals, bustling open air markets, a wonderful natural harbour combine with an historic past to make the thriving metropolis of Hong Kong. Shopping is an experience not to be missed with exotic, traditional Chinese antiques, arts and crafts, and delicate silks, jade or pearl all available. |
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WEATHER Back to top
The best time to travel to Hong Kong is between October and November, the autumn months when the temperatures are milder. January and February are usually rainy and cold months while June to September temperatures average 86°F (30ºC) with 95% humidity. Some rain and humidity can be expected throughout the year. Even during the height of summer it is worth bringing some warm clothing to combat the fierce air conditioning in shops and offices.
Hong Kong |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Rainfall (mm) |
27 |
44 |
75 |
140 |
298 |
399 |
371 |
377 |
297 |
119 |
38 |
25 |
Rainfall (inches) |
1.1 |
1.7 |
2.9 |
5.5 |
11.7 |
15.7 |
14.6 |
14.8 |
11.7 |
4.7 |
1.5 |
1.0 |
Min Temp (°C) |
14 |
14 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
26 |
25 |
23 |
19 |
15 |
Max Temp (°C) |
19 |
19 |
21 |
25 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
30 |
28 |
24 |
20 |
Min Temp (°F) |
56 |
57 |
62 |
68 |
75 |
79 |
80 |
79 |
78 |
74 |
67 |
60 |
Max Temp (°F) |
65 |
65 |
70 |
77 |
84 |
86 |
89 |
88 |
86 |
82 |
76 |
69 |
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GOOD TO KNOW Back to top
Approximation of what things cost?
- Glass of wine HK$ 40 – 80
- Beer HK$ 25 – 40
- Lunch per person HK$ 140 – 200
- Dinner per person HK$ 240 – 380
- Taxi per km HK$ 1.5
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts; 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the unit of currency; 1HK$ is divided into 100 cents. Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Banks and moneychangers charge commission as do hotels that provide exchange services. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely distributed. Some HSBC "Electronic Money" machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders.
Approximate Currency Exchange Rates |
HKD 1.00 = |
USD 0.13 |
GBP 0.07 |
CAD 0.14 |
AUD 0.17 |
ZAR 0.92 |
EUR 0.10 |
NZD 0.21 |
Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only. Please go to our Currency Converter for the latest rates.
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Language: Cantonese and Mandarin are the main dialects spoken in Hong Kong. English is widely used although no longer the medium of instruction in local schools.
Passport/Visa Note: All passports must be valid for at least one month after period of intended stay. All visitors must be in possession of onward or return tickets, except when in transit to mainland China or Macao, as well as all documents required for next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Hong Kong.
Health: There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong. Food and water are safe, although visitors should consider only drinking bottled water for the first few days of their stay. Take precautions against mosquito bites as there is a risk of dengue fever. Hong Kong's health facilities are first class, but expect payment in cash. Medical insurance is advised. Cases of bird flu have been reported and although the risk for travellers is low, all close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but waiters will expect some loose change, and if no service charge is included a 10% tip is expected. Taxis fares are rounded up to the nearest dollar (usually automatically by the driver).
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Safety: Hong Kong is a safe travel destination although caution should always be exercised when travelling to a city. Pickpockets are likely to target unsuspecting tourists so one should minimise these incidences through vigilance. Walkers in Hong Kong's Country Parks have recently been targeted by robbers; it is advisable to stay on marked trails and not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards. The typhoon season is usually between April and October, which may cause flooding and landslides.
Communications: The international access code for Hong Kong is +852. The outgoing code is 001, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Mobile phones can also be rented on arrival at the international airport. Internet cafes are widely available, and access is free at many coffee shops, shopping malls, MRT stations and public libraries in town.
Duty Free: Travellers to Hong Kong over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 60 cigarettes or 15 cigars or 75g tobacco; 750ml non-sparkling wine; and a reasonable amount of items for personal use. For travellers to Hong Kong who are non-residents, the following items may be brought in duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of wine or spirits; and other items for personal use. Prohibited items include narcotics, psychotropic drugs, firearms and ammunition; counterfeit items, endangered species, and copyright infringed products.
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CONTACT US
Please complete the Far East Enquiry Form and we'll come back to you with ideas and costs for a wonderful holiday in Hong Kong.
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