Quick Facts

Language:

• Chinese and English are the official languages
• Most people speak English in shops, restaurants and hotels

Currency Exchange:

• Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) notes come in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 denominations
• Coins come in 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1, $2 and $5 denominations
• Foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques can be changed all over Hong Kong in banks, hotels and money-changers, but banks usually offer the best exchange rate
• Check the net rates before entering into a transaction with a money changer

Shopping Hours:

• Hong Kong Island
  • Central District 10am-6pm
  • Causeway Bay and Wan Chai 10am-9.30pm
• Kowloon
  • Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok 10am-9pm
  • Tsim Sha Tsui East 10am-9pm
• Most shops are open seven days a week

Transportation:

• M.T.R.
  • The Mass Transit Railway is fast, efficient, clean and inexpensive
  • Fares, based on distance, range from HK$3.50 to HK$10
• K.C.R.
  • The Kowloon-Canton Railway is electrified and runs from Kowloon to the border with China
  • Trains run every 4-15 minutes
  • Fares range from HK$3 to HK$7.50 on ordinary class, depending on distances
• M.T.R./ K.C.R. Stored Value Tickets save the trouble of buying a ticket for each journey

Airport Departure Tax:

• HK$50, in cash (no charge for children under 12)

Method of Payment:

• All major credit cards are widely accepted

Tipping:

• 10% service charge is standard at hotels and restaurants; tip more if service is good