About Hong Kong
Hong Kong, once called the 'Pearl of the Orient', is one of the busiest and most popular travel destinations in Asia. With its extensive array of attractions and fascinating local culture, there's always something new to find out about this metropolis. This page provides concise information about Hong Kong every curious visitor should know. You may also wish to visit the following websites to discover more about the city, and things to see and do during your stay.
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Weather
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Situated along the coastline, Hong Kong experiences a sub-tropical climate ideal for visits year-round.
Spring Summer Autumn Winter March to May June to Mid September Mid September to Mid December Mid December to February You can find detailed current and seasonal weather information at the Hong Kong Observatory website.
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Getting Here
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There are a variety of different modes of transportation available for your selection between Hong Kong, China and most major cities worldwide. Visitors can choose to travel over land, sea and air via these convenient services:
By Plane
There are frequent flights between Hong Kong, major Chinese cities and most international destinations. Please check with Hong Kong International Airport for details.By Train
MTR runs regular through-train intercity services between Guangdong Province, Beijing and Shanghai. The through-train terminus is Hung Hom Station on the Kowloon harbour front, where travellers will be required to pass through a Hong Kong Immigration Control Point.By Ferry
Hong Kong is linked to a number of neighbouring ports in China by high-speed ferries serving Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Hong Kong International Airport off Lantau Island. For more details regarding their schedule, departure and arrival terminals or for ticket arrangements, please check with the following ferry operators:
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Immigration
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All visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least six months when entering Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries do not require visas and can stay for periods varying from 7 days to 180 days, depending on nationality. If you are unsure about your status, please consult any Chinese embassy or consulate. You can also see the details for visa requirements in Immigration Department's website.
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Currencies
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The legal tender in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$), which is linked to the US Dollar at a rate of about 7.80 HKD to 1 USD, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly. Interestingly, Hong Kong banknotes are issued by three banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China), and vary in design and colour for each denomination.
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Octopus Card
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With an Octopus card, you can free yourself from carrying pocketfuls of spare change. The Octopus card is a stored value electronic card widely used in Hong Kong for public transport, parking meters and car parks, as well as for purchases at convenience stores, fast food shops, supermarkets, cake shops, vending machines and among others. To use your Octopus card, simply place the Octopus card over a reader, and the correct amount will be automatically deducted from the card's stored value.
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