Time

Hong Kong time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Climate

Hong Kong enjoys a sub-tropical climate with distinct seasons.  Temperature in March ranges from 18ºC to 23 ºC with average humidity of about 82%.  For the latest weather information, please visit http://www.weather.gov.hk.

Airport Departure Tax

Entry Formalities

Citizens of most countries do not require visa to enter Hong Kong for short-term stay ranging from 14 days to 3 months.  Please check with your travel agent for the latest entry requirements.  If you need advice on individual case, please address your enquiries to:

	Any Chinese diplomatic and consular mission in your country, or
	Immigration Department, HKSAR
	Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
	Website: http://www.immd.gov.hk/

Language

Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong.  All road signs, menus and tourist publications are bilingual.  Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect in Hong Kong while Putonghua has become more popular nowadays.

Currency, Office and Bank Hours

The currency unit of Hong Kong is Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) which is pegged to the US Dollar at the rate of HK$7.8 to US$1 with narrow fluctuation.  Most foreign currencies and travellers’ cheques are easily exchanged in banks, hotels or money changers.  Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Banks open from 0900 to 1630 while offices generally open from 0900 to 1700 on Monday to Friday.

Electricity

The standard electrical voltage is 220 volts AC, 50HZ.  Most electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-rectangular-pronged plug.

Transportation

Metered taxis, buses, Mass Transit Railway, in addition to the famous ferries, trams and trains form a fast, convenient and inexpensive local transportation network. For details of transportation in Hong Kong, please visit http://www.td.gov.hk.

Telecommunication

Internet and international direct dialing are easily accessible in Hong Kong. The mobile telephone systems are also widely used.  Most hotels have internet access for people bringing their laptops.  You can enjoy wireless broadband service which is common at major shopping malls and coffee shops.

For further information, please visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board at http://www.discoverhongkong.com.