City University of Hong Kong

The Croucher Foundation

Advanced Study Institute

Wireless Sensor Networks

4 - 8 DECEMBER 2006 (MON - FRI)
CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

Department of
Computer Science
 NEWS 
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VISITING HONG KONG
  * Entry Requiments and Customs   * Getting Here
* Money * Currency Exchange
* Getting Around * Accommodations
* Restaurants * Attractions
* Nightlife * Shopping
* Organized Tour * Side Trips
* Quick Facts * Maps
For further enquiries, please contact the Local Arrangements Chair at asi06@cs.cityu.edu.hk.
Entry Requirements and Customs
Most nationalities need only a valid passport to enter Hong Kong, although the length of time you can stay varies. Citizens of the United Kingdom get six months whereas most European nationalities, along with travellers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Eire and the United States can stay for up to three months. Hong Kong Visas can be applied from the Immigration Department.

Once in Hong Kong, visitors must carry photo identification at all times, such as a passport or driver's license. Safeguard your passport in an inconspicuous, inaccessible place like a money belt. If you lose it, visit the nearest consulate of your native country as soon as possible for a replacement. As an extra safety precaution, it's a good idea to photocopy your passport.

Visitors 18 and older are allowed to bring into the SAR duty-free a 1-liter (34-oz.) bottle of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco). With effect from 1 November 2005, Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department has implemented a Red & Green Channel System at all entry points. Green Channel is for Nothing to Declare Passengers while Red Channel is for passengers with Goods to Declare. For duty-free concessions of visitor and local resident, please consult the Customs and Exercise Department.

Getting Here
Hong Kong International Airport is some way from the downtown areas, 34km west of Central, on the north coast of Lantau Island, but it's connected to the urban areas by excellent rail and road links. The high-speed Airport Express can be accessed directly from arrivals (every 12min; 5.54am–12.48am), whisking you to Central on Hong Kong Island in 24 minutes (HK$100), via Tsing Yi (12min; HK$60) and Kowloon (20min; HK$90). There are taxi ranks, bus stops and free Airport Express shuttle bus stops at the Airport Express stations, plus a left-luggage service at Airport Express Hong Kong station (6am–1am) in Central. Access to and from the airport can be made by franchised bus, taxi, and ferry as well.

By land, the only way into Hong Kong is through mainland China by Intercity Passenger Services (Through Train) and bus services. The Beijing-Kowloon Railway provides a direct link between the two cities in approximately 26 hours and costs HK$1,191 for a bed in a deluxe, two-bed cabin, HK$934 for a "soft bed" in a four-bed cabin, and HK$601 for a "hard bed" in a six-bed cabin, one-way. Service is also available from Shanghai in a little more than 23 hours, costing HK$508 to HK$1,039 one-way, and from Guangzhou East, costing HK$190 to HK$230 and taking approximately 2 hours. For detailed fare information, check out KCR Intercity Through Train e-Ticketing Services.

Several non-franchised bus companies in Hong Kong offer cross boundary coach services to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other destinations in Guangdong Province. Buses depart from eight major locations: one on Hong Kong Island, and the rest in Kowloon and the New Territories. Timetables of all routes available on the Transport Department web site.

There are two important long-distance ferry terminals, one located at China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui and another at Sun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan which is accessible by taking MTR. A third China ferry pier is being built in Tuen Mun and is anticipated to be completed by the National Day in 2006. Macau ferries run frequently throughout the day and take an hour. Ferries also run between Hong Kong and Xiamen (20hr), Guangzhou (2–3hr), Shekou (45min) and Zhuhai (1hr 10min). A list of ferry companies providing ferry services connecting Hong Kong with Macau and Mainland China can be found here (Chinese). There is also a berth for international cruise liners at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Money

The basic unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is divided into 100 cents.

Three banks, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), the Bank of China (Hong Kong), and the Standard Chartered Bank, all issue their own colorful notes, in denominations of HK$10 (Bank of China did not issue $10 note), HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. The government also issues a $10 note. As for coins, they are issued by the government in bronze for HK10¢, HK20¢, and HK50¢ pieces; in silver for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; and in nickel and bronze for HK$10. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has a list of currency in ciculation in Hong Kong.

There are ATMs (automated teller machines) throughout Hong Kong, making a credit or debit card the most convenient way to obtain cash since it eliminates the hassle of exchanging money only during banking hours. Holders of MasterCard and Visa can use ATMs at the airport and various convenient locations around the city, including the Star Ferry concourses in Kowloon and Central, all major MTR (subway) stations, and major banks such as HSBC and Hang Seng Bank (which has 24-hr. machines). American Express cardholders have access to Jetco ATM and can withdraw local currency or traveler's checks at the Express Cash machines at both American Express offices. China UnionPay RMB bankcard holders can withdraw Hong Kong dollars from Hong Kong ATMs (Chinese).

Credit cards are a safe way to carry money, provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and generally offer relatively good exchange rates. Although many of the smaller shops in Hong Kong will give better prices if you pay in cash with local currency, most shops accept international credit cards, although some of the smaller ones do not. Look for credit card signs displayed on the front door or near the cash register. Readily accepted credit cards include American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. Note, however, that shops have to pay an extra fee for transactions that take place with a credit card - and they will try to pass on that expense to you. Keep this in mind if you're bargaining, and make sure the shopkeeper knows whether you're going to pay with cash or plastic. All major hotels and better restaurants accept credit cards, but budget restaurants often do not.

Hong Kong is not a particularly tip-conscious place and there is no obligation to tip, say, taxi drivers; just round the fare up. It's almost mandatory to tip hotel staff at least HK$10.00, and if you make use of the porters at the airport, about HK$2.00 a suitcase is expected. The porters putting your bags on a push cart at Hong Kong or Kowloon Airport Express station do not expect a gratuity, however. It's all part of the service.

Most hotels and many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Check for hidden extras before you tip; some mid-range hotels charge HK$3.00 to HK$5.00 for each local call when they are actually free throughout the territory and some restaurants consistently get the bill wrong.

Currency Exchange
Since October 1983 the Hong Kong dollar (HK$) has been linked to the U.S. dollar (US$) at an exchange rate of HK$7.8 to US$1. The Link is maintained through the operation of a strict and robust Currency Board System.

Money exchange is available at Travelex and major banks. Although you may get better exchange rates at banks, service charge applies if you do not have an account with the bank.

Getting Around
Hong Kong's public transport system is efficient, comfortable, extensive and cheap, although it can be extremely crowded in rush hours. Each mode of transportation - bus, minibus, ferry, tram, and train/subway - has its own fare system and therefore requires a new ticket each time you transfer from one mode of transport to another. However, if you are going to be in Hong Kong for a few days, consider purchasing the Octopus (HK$50 deposit required, refundable, but handling charge applies) This electronic smart card allows users to hop on and off trains, trams, subways, buses, some minibus and ferries without worrying about purchasing tickets each time or fumbling for exact change. It also gives a slight discount over regular fares using an Octopus. Alternatively, you can also buy an Octopus good for 3 days of unlimited travel for HK$300, including the trip from and to the airport on the Airport Express Line.
  • Taxis - Fares are comparatively low. The basic flag fall rate is HK$15 for the first 2 kilometres in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island, and the meter adds on HK$1.40 every 200 metres.
  • Buses - Double-deckers and coaches have their final destinations marked in English and Chinese on the front top panel. Fares are low (ranging from HK$1.20 to HK$45).
  • Ferries - The "Star" Ferry, Hong Kong's most scenic (and inexpensive) mode of travel across Victoria Harbour, celebrated 100 years of service in 1998. Other ferry services are available to the New Territories, outlying islands as well as mainland China and Macau.
  • Minibuses- Minibuses are small passenger vans, carry 16 passengers, that differ by their colour. Minibuses can be stopped almost anywhere on the street (not on double yellow lines), though these often have the destination written in Chinese only. Fares for both are bit higher than buses, usually in the HK$1.50 to HK$20 range.
  • Trains - The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is fast, clean, efficient and inexpensive (route map and fares). The Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) is a commuter railway that runs from Hung Hom in Kowloon to the boundary with mainland China. The West Rail, opened in 2003, links up Northwest New Territories and West Kowloon while the Light Rail (LR) system connects the New Territories towns of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long.
  • Peak Tram - A quick way to Hong Kong's highest point. This cable railway has been operating since 1888, and climbs 373 metres to Victoria Peak in eight minutes. Single journey costs HK$20 while return journey costs HK$30.
  • Hongkong Tramways - Running along the harbour side of Hong Kong Island, double-decker trams rock, rattle and roll along the same tracks they've travelled over since 1904, offering one of the best views in town. Flat fare only at HK$2.
  • Car Hire - Avis, Dah Chong Hong and Toyota Rent-A-Car are available in Hong Kong.
Accommodations
Hotel facilities in Hong Kong are among the world's best. Ranging from super deluxe to modest tourist class, they offer the highest possible standard of comfort and service. Many of them are managed by renowned international chains. Currently, Hong Kong has over 35,100 rooms in over 90 hotels situated on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, in the New Territories and on the outlying islands. No matter where you stay, all of Hong Kong's attractions are close at hand.. With occupancy usually under 90%, you should always book rooms well in advance, especially if you have a particular hotel, location, or price category in mind. There are 3% government tax and a 10% service charge in additional to listed hotel room rates.

Types of accommodations:

  • Hotels are establishments located in purpose-built premises. offer modern design and facilities, as well as full air-conditioning. Most provide 24-hour room service. There are telephones and power points in all bedrooms, and every bathroom has a universal-type power outlet for electric shavers. Other facilities vary in different hotels.
  • Guesthouses and hostels are establishments located in general purpose high-rise buildings. The facilities available at guesthouses are comparatively more limited than at hotels. There are local people guesthouse and a tourist guesthouse.The difference is primarily the target clientele of each establishment. You should confirm with the particular establishment whether it is suitable for you. All licensed guesthouses should display a logo at a prominent place inside the premises.

Sleep safe and sound, with peace of mind. Patronise licensed hostels and guesthouses.

Restaurants
Hong Kong is a gourmet paradise renowned for its exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavours along with a wide variety of culinary delights. A list of recommended restaurants can be found at the Hong Kong District Food Guide.

The most common Chinese food in Hong Kong is Cantonese, from China's southern Guangdong province. Dishes consist of extremely fresh food, quickly cooked and only lightly seasoned. Popular ingredients are fruit and vegetables, fish and shellfish. Cantonese restaurants also have the best selection of dim sum ("little eats"), a midday meal consisting of small flavoured buns, dumplings and pancakes, washed down with copious amounts of tea. You will be charged for everything, including tea, rice, and even those side dishes placed automatically on every table, which are often mistaken for complimentary snacks. Tips are generally expected, even if the bill includes 10% service charge.

In most Chinese restaurants, the usual drink with your meal is jasmine tea, often brought to your table as a matter of course. Beer and wine are also popular. Bottled water are available for purchase at convenient stores like 7-Eleven and Circle-K as well as supermarkets.

Attractions
Nightlife
Hong Kong is the consummate entertainer, offering every kind of after-dark diversion from upmarket pursuits like opera and theatre to a drinking scene that includes Wan Chai's sleazy hostess bars and the alleyway crawlspaces of Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace to numerous ego-shattering karaoke places.
Shopping
Shopping in Hong Kong goes way beyond buying stuff you need: it is a social activity, a favourite recreation, an after-hours release.

Know, too, that in spite of the credit-card decals on the door, most stores will insist on cash or add 3% - 5% to the total. Shopping at stores with the Quality Tourism Services Scheme sign on the window buys you some protection, since the shop belongs to the organization, but if you have troubles, head for the police, the Consumer Council, or the Hong Kong Tourim Board itself. The Hong Kong Tourism Board provides a map of shopping areas and a list of Hong Kong "Must Buy" products.

Organized Tour
Please refer to 'Related Activities'.
Side Trips
If you have a day or two to spare, or even just an afternoon, take advantage of Hong Kong's ties and transportation to Mainland China and Macau. Do explore the cities, culture and countryside of one of the most fascinating destinations on Hong Kong's doorstep. China Travel Service has more information about different tours and other useful information.
Quick Facts
Hong Kong has a population of six and a half million and rapidly growing with the influx of Chinese immigrants since the British handover. About 98% of the population is Chinese, and approximately 60 per cent of Hong Kongers born in Hong Kong. Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though use of Mandarin (Putonghua) is growing. All major signage is in English or is bilingual.

Unlike much of Asia, Hong Kong enjoys a winter (Dec - Mar). It does not snow or particularly rain during winter but temperatures drop as low as 10 degrees Celsius - cold enough for warm jackets. Spring (Mar - May) is warm, pleasant and a nice time weather wise to visit. Summer (May - Aug) the weather is alternatively hot, rainy and humid. September is typhoon month in Hong Kong before the lovely month of October when the mild, dry autumn comes - another good time of year to visit. Current weather and 7-day weather forcast can be checked from Hong Kong Observatory.

Hong Kong is a city that always dresses up, not down, and wandering around in shabby clothes will win you no friends. The wearing of thongs, or flip-flops, is greatly frowned upon in Hong Kong, and many establishments will refuse entry to wearers. Sandals are, however, considered quite respectable. When the temperature start to drop during the winter months of Dec to Feb you will need at least one warm jacket and a few jumpers.

Petty crime in Hong Kong is minimal. Therefore for tourists Hong Kong is considered very safe both day and night. The police are known to be friendly and helpful - those wearing a red label on their shoulder badge speak English. In an emergency, you should call 999 and follow the instructions of the operator.

Maps

Some information here were extracted from Fodors, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, and Star Asia Travel. Companies listed here are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong.