Visa and Passport Requirements
Visitors to Hong Kong must have valid passports. People of most countries do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong for tourism and can stay for periods varying from seven to 180 days, depending on their nationalities. Delegates can check with the Chinese embassy in your country and the Immigration Department of Hong Kong for details. To facilitate visa application, delegates may request the CRF 2017 Secretariat to issue an invitation letter upon registering for the Conference.
Time Zone
Hong Kong is eight hours ahead of the Universal Coordinated Time.
Climate
Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate. The average temperature in March is around 17oC to 26oC. Delegates are advised to look up the latest weather forecast provided by the Hong Kong Observatory before packing up for the Conference.
Language
The official languages of Hong Kong are English and Chinese. All official signs and public transport announcements, as well as the menus of most restaurants, are bilingual. Most taxi drivers, salespersons, tourism industry employees are able to communicate in English.
Currency Exchange
The official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). One US Dollar is approximately HKD 7.76. Delegates can change your currency for HKD at any authorised money exchanger or bank. You are advised to look for a money exchanger that is accredited by the Quality Tourism Services Scheme .
Banks, Automatic Teller Machines and Credit Cards
Major banks are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday. Automatic Teller Machines can be found almost everywhere and provide 24-hour cash withdrawal for HKD.
International credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, UnionPay and American Express are commonly accepted by hotels, retail shops and restaurants in Hong Kong. Such premises usually display stickers showing the credit cards they accept at their entrances.
Telecommunication
Local SIM cards can be purchased at more than 2,000 7 x 24 convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K or VanGO). Delegates may consider buying a Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card at any 1010 centres in town, including the outlet at 5/F of the Hong Kong International Airport Arrival Hall and the convenience stores.
International Direct Dial (IDD) service to most countries and regions of the world is available at most hotels for a fee.
Electricity
The electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The plug/socket system in Hong Kong is a three-pronged UK-style plug.
Tax
There is no goods and services tax (GST), value added tax (VAT) or any other sales tax in Hong Kong.
Service Charge
Most restaurants in Hong Kong add a 10 per cent service charge to the bill. Please check with the waiter about the charges before being seated.
Plastic Shopping Bag Charge
All retail businesses in Hong Kong are required to charge a minimum levy of HKD 0.50 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers. It also applies to plastic bags distributed for foodstuff in air-tight packaging. Be environmentally responsible by bringing your own bag.
Smoking Restrictions
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places in Hong Kong, including restaurants, bars and malls. The smoking ban is also implemented on public transport carriers, within public transport facilities, and in both the indoor and outdoor areas of some premises, including public beaches and swimming pools, escalators, and inside public parks. Any person smoking or carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe in a no-smoking area will be liable to a fixed penalty of HKD 1,500.
Insurance
Delegates are advised to take out insurance before visiting Hong Kong. Please check with your insurance company about their 24-hour emergency support telephone numbers.
Getting Around Hong Kong
There are plenty of ways to get around Hong Kong , whether it’s by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram. Hong Kong is famous for its safe, efficient and reliable public transport systems.
