Hong Kong Travel Information & Guides
Hong Kong is the gateway to Northern Asia and China.
With the world's busiest harbour framed by towering skyscrapers and bustling with container ships, sampans and junks, Hong Kong remains one of the world's dynamic and exciting cities.
Recharge your batteries and indulge yourself. There is no better place to do that than right here in Hong Kong. Take advantage of being in one of the world's greatest destinations, a charismatic city with astonishing diversity and sophistication.
A place to experience mesmerising views, vibrant energy, exciting nightlife, a bustling harbour, tranquil beaches and green countryside. It is a shopping paradise and the Culinary Capital of Asia.
Discover the excitement of Hong Kong with Travel Clearance!
Airports
Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) is 45 km from central Hong Kong.
By bus the journey time is 60 minutes.
Duty Free
Visitors are allowed to bring with them Free of Duty: 1 litre of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco), 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Passport Requirements
Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods from 7 days to 6 months, depending on their nationalities. Visas will be required for visits into China.
For any other than Australian passport holders please check with your travel agent regarding visa formalities.
Climate
Mar - May: Humid with daily temperatures 22-26 ° C; Jun - Sep: Hot and humid with rain, 27-32 ° C
Oct - Nov: Sunny and dry, 21-25 ° C; Dec - Feb: Cool and clear, 15-17 ° C
Language
Official languages are Chinese and English.
Cantonese is the predominant Chinese language spoken in Hong Kong, though there is an increasing use of Mandarin Chinese.
Communications
Most hotels have direct dialling facilities. Check with the operator for long distance and international charges, which may also be found in the telephone directory. Outgoing international code: 001.
The international country IDD code for Hong Kong is 852, for Australia 61.
Currency
The Hong Kong Dollar is divided into 100 cents.
Notes - $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000.
Coins - 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2, $5, $10.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted for goods and services at hotels, banks and stores.
Time Zone
Hong Kong's time is GMT + 8 hours, normally 2 hours behind Sydney.
Health
There are no specific health requirements for travel to Hong Kong, however there maybe an occasional risk of Malaria in the rural areas of the New Territories close to the Chinese border.
Electricity
The voltage is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. 3 pin British type plug.
Adaptors will be required for any Australian appliances.
Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10% service charge and also expect to keep the change. Where tipping is voluntary, 10% is fine. Taxi drivers, bell-boys, restroom attendants and doormen may also be tipped if the service is good.
Useful Contacts
Australian Consulate General
23/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Telephone: 2827 8881
Faxsimile: 2585 4457
