Hong Kong Travel Tips, Visa, Currency, Post Office, Hospital

Hong Kong Travel Tips

Foreign Consulates in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Visa & Passport
Travelers entering Hong Kong must have a valid passport. Passport holders from certain countries DO NOT need a visitor's visa for short stays.

Hong Kong Visa/Entry Permit Application Form
Non-Visa to Hong Kong for Foreign Countries/Areas

Hong Kong bus stop Area Code 00852
Zip code 999077

Currency is Hong Kong Dollar. As the old saying goes, 'more banks than rice stalls in Hong Kong': moneychangers are everywhere. Please check the exchange rate and the service fee. Customers with AMEX cards can draw Hong Kong Currency through ATMs directly and those with VISA and Master cards can draw local currency from ATMs marked for Visa or MasterCard electronic currency.

Time zone is GMT plus 8 hours that is the same as most places in Mainland China.

Voltage is 220V. Many hotels provide transformers.

Tap water is drinkable. It meets the WHO standard.

Telephone System:
Public telephones in Hong Kong belong to the following 6 types:
Yellow telephones only for local calls: accepting 1- or 2- HKD coins
Yellow telephones for international calls: accepting 1-, 2- or 5- HKD coins
Silver telephones: accepting 1-, 2- or 5- HKD coins
Telephones accepting magnetic cards and coins for international calls
Silver telephones accepting credit cards and coins
New telephones accepting magnetic cards, credit cards and coins.

Information directory desk
1018 English 1083 Cantonese 1088 Mandarin Chinese 1013 International directory

Emergency call 999

Useful numbers
Complaint hotline (including taxi complaint): 2527 7177
Tourist Hotline of Hong Kong Tourism Board: 2508 1234
The Immigration Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: 2824 6111
Postal Directory Hotline: 2921 2222

A convenient store Internet is offered in many hotels. Cafes, shopping centers, subway stations and public library also offer free related Internet facilities. If you have your own laptop, you can connect with the Internet at some emporiums or cafes. Modem users should buy BT-to-RJ transformers, since the BT system in Hong Kong is gradually being replaced by the RJ system.

Document
Hong Kong citizens and travelers are required to carry an identification certificate or document with them.

Work Hours of Government and Office
9a.m to 5p.m (dinner time from 1p.m to 2p.m) Monday through Friday and 9a.m to 1p.m Saturday

Work Hours of Banks
9a.m to 4p.m (no break), Monday through Friday and 9a.m to 12.30p.m Saturday

Toilet
Toilets can be found on street corners, in parks, malls and parking lots, free of charge.

Smoking
Smoking is forbidden in public transportation tools and certain public places.

Tip
Some hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge while customers may add other 5% tip. For restaurants that don't levy a service charge, a 10% tip is expected. Tip taxi drivers, bellboys, and restroom attendants.

Post offices
Hong Kong General Post Office: 2, Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
Office hours: 08:00 - 18:00 (Mon. to Sat.) 09:00 - 14:00 (Sun.)
Kowloon Central Post Office: 405, Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
Office hours: 09:30 - 18:00 (Mon. to Fri.) 09:30 - 13:00 (Sat.)
Shatin Central Post Office: 1, Sheung Wo Che Road, Shatin, New Territories
Office hours: 09:00 - 17:00 (Mon. to Fri.) 09:00 - 13:00 (Sat.)

Hospitals
Sign of a minibus stop Hong Kong Island:
Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade: 2576 6555
Tang Shiu Kin Hospital
Tel: 2831 6800
Address: 282, Queen's Road East, Wan Chai
Queen Mary Hospital
Tel: 2855 3111
Address: 102, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Kowloon:
Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade: 2713 5555
Caritas Medical Centre
Tel: 2746 7911
Address: 111, Wing Hong Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
United Christian Hospital
Tel: 2379 4000
Address: 130, Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

New Territories:
Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade: 2639 2555
Pok Oi Hospital
Tel: 2486 8000
Address: Au Tau, Yuen Long, New Territories
Tuen Mun Hospital
Tel: 2468 5111
Address: Tsing Chung Koon Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories

Famous Universities
University of Hong Kong (http://www.hku.hk/)
Address: Pokfulam Road
Chinese University of Hong Kong (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/v5/en/)
Address: Shatin, New Territories
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (http://www.ust.hk/en/l)
Address: Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
(http://www1.polyu.edu.hk/main/main_e.php)
Address: Hung Hom, Kowloon

Travelers' Voices on Hong Kong Travel Tips

Oct. 6,2009 06:21 Reply

Ms.Jean(Australia) said:

Hi,
During my stay with Hongkong, I also plan to do a 1 day trip to Macau, can I used the octopus card to buy the round trip ferry fare from Hongkong to Macau? Can I use it for buses, taxis and fast food chains in Macau?

Are you able to tell me how much is the minimum amount you can buy for Octopus card?

Also, can I buy Hongkong and MOP dollar with Australian currency?

Thanks.

Jean

Oct. 10,2009 01:58
Mr.Jamie replied:

As I know, the card can not be used to buy ferry tickets. It can not been used in Macau by now, only two KFC in Macau accept Octopus. Suggest you change you money in advance. Minimum amount: 150HKD for the first time and 100HK is useable.

Sep. 26,2009 07:00 Reply

Ms.RONNYSAN(Malaysia) said:

Thank you greatly Mr Jamie;
I was browsing and read somewhere there are Urban ships coming to
Hongkong and going back to Haikou 5 times a month,ferrying cars or
passengers between the two places.I saw the date 23rd Oct and 27th Oct
HongKong to Haikou.The 23rd Oct date suits me fine as my family and I will
be in HK on 22nd Oct coming by train from Guangzhou
Wonder where is the ferry terminal in HK name something like Jiuzhou ferry
pier or Zhoutouzi ferry pier.Any help is very much appreciated.
Thanking you in advance.

Sep. 29,2009 01:03
Mr.Jamie replied:

Where have you found the ferry infor?

Sep. 24,2009 07:19 Reply

Ms.RONNYSAN(Malaysia) said:

hi there;
Is there a ferry/cruise service from HongKong to Haikou one way.
What other alternative method to go Haikou example from Macao
or Shenzhen.Bus or train service is okay too
A family of 4 person intends to travel in October 2009.
Thanks

Sep. 26,2009 02:11
Mr.Jamie replied:

Currently, there is no regular passenger ferry from Hong Kong or Macau to Haikou. At 16:00 of every Tue, Thu and Sunday, there is one ferry leaving from Guangzhou Nansha Port and arriving at Haikou Xiuying Port.

At Shenzhen Futian Bus Station, there is one bus departing to Haikou directly at 16:50, taking 14hours on the way. The fare is 220RMB. So, the best method should be flying to Haikou from Shenzhen directly.

Sep. 15,2009 03:35 Reply

Mr.Joseph(Philippines) said:

Hi,

We have quite a hectic schedule for Hongkong trip this coming Saturday and Monday.
Saturday:Our plan is to visit the following: from Hotel (BP Internation Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui) --> Big Buddha --> Victoria Peak --> Wax Museum.

Monday--> from Hotel--> St Joseph Church at Hongkong Island--> Kowlooon sightseeing--> back to the hotel.

We're planning to take the MTR and buses, is it advisable to buy octopus card? If not, is there any card that will be for single day pass acceptable to MTR and bus?

Thanks so much for your help.
Please advise if it's advisable to buy

Sep. 18,2009 21:44
Mr.Frankie replied:

Hi Mr, a little suggestions. I think you could change St Joseph Church and the Big Buddhas, since the church, Victoria Peak and Wax Museum are located in Hong Kong Island closely. Since you just have two days for traveling, no need to purchase an Octopus card. And, it seems no other card could be used on MTR and bus, except of cash.

Apr. 3,2009 14:23 Reply

Mr.Bill Meehan(United States) said:

Hi I would like to know the zip code of this address:
Flat A6 Hamburg Villa, 8 Eastbourne RD. Kowloon tong, KLN...
Thanks

Sep. 9,2009 02:19
Mr.Jason replied:

No zip code in Hong Kong. If you want mail someting, just write the detail of address, like the one you gave.

Sep. 9,2009 00:25 Reply

Mrs.Pam(Israel) said:

Good day!

We will be staying at Hongkong from Sept 19-Sept 21,2009.
Is it advisable to buy an Octopus card?
Itinerary only includes going to Victoria Peak/St Joseph's Cathedral and Jumbo Kingdom on the first day.
Second day will be tour package.
Third day is just walk on the shopping mall near the hotel.

Thanks so much,
Pam

Sep. 9,2009 02:14
Mr.James replied:

So, I think you can travel without the card, for it seems it is only needed in the first day. :-) Need to prepare changes.

Aug. 26,2009 04:07 Reply

Ms.angel(philippines) said:

hello,
can you explain me about octopus card? what are the priveledges on using octopus card?
I have no idea on this.
It's my first time to visit hongkong this coming september.
thank you very much.

Aug. 26,2009 04:40
Mr.Hank replied:

Hi Angel, you could get the helpful information on the Octopus Card respectively at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/octopus-card.htm
http://www.octopuscards.com/consumer/en/index.jsp

Jul. 28,2009 00:21 Reply

Mrs.Suysie(Philippines) said:

Hi,

Can I use credit card to purchase or pay for an "on loan" octopus card at the Airport?

Thanks,

Jul. 31,2009 21:25
Mr.Andrew replied:

Yes, as I know it can be paid by cerdit card. But still suggest take some HKD with you. There is different kind of Octopus card. It seems the 300HKD card including round trip express line and all MTR fee within three days can be purchased by credit card.

Apr. 12,2009 02:19 Reply

Mrs.dean(south africa) said:

I would like to purchase this octopus card,but can I use it for trains & buses & trams?? and also to get into the tourist sites eg: the peak,the theme park etc???As I would like to purchase one card for everything.Would I also get a discount??

Apr. 13,2009 08:31
Ms.Lee(Hong Kong) replied:

Buying an Octopus card is highly recommended. You can use this card for fast food restaurants, pharmacy stores, supermarkets, convenient stores, the public transportation (buses, trams, trains, MTR...) etc...It is even slightly cheaper to pay by the octopus card than cash!. The deposit of the card is HKD50- but you can get the deposit and the remaining money back at the MTR stations. When there is no value in the card, you can top it up ( add value ) at any MTR stations, convenient stores, fast food restaurants etc.. ( at where you can use the card. ) Have a pleasant stay in HK!

Jun. 8,2009 04:19
Mr.Alan lau(Malaysia) replied:

Hi Ms Lee,

Where can I buy the Octopus Card at the airport and how long does it valid? If I buy in the airport, can these card be eligible for refund when we leave Hong Kong?

Thanks

Jun. 9,2009 20:07
Mr.Shan replied:

Hi Alan, you could buy the Octopus Card at the Airport Express station or any MTR station in HK. And, the card also could be refund at these stations. Well, I have found some detains about this card on this website, see here: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/octopus-card.htm

10.

Apr. 3,2009 10:45 Reply

Ms.gie(phils) said:

where can we buy that octopus card? what is the use of that card, how much should we put money in octopus card. thanks.

Apr. 11,2009 03:49
Ms.Joan Chen replied:

The answers to your questions could be found at:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/octopus-card.htm
Highly recommend to purchase one when you in Hong Kong. It is so helpful for traveling!

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