Good to know

The local time in Hong Kong is GMT + 8.

Hong Kong's climate is subtropical with distinct seasons. For the most updated weather information, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory: https://www.hko.gov.hk

The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220V, 50Hz. 3-rectangular-pin sockets are used and most hotels provide adaptors for electrical appliances.

The legal tender in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar ($), which is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of about HK$7.80 to US$1, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly. Visitors can exchange your currency for Hong Kong dollars at banks, hotels or any money exchanger that is accredited by the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme. ATM provides 24-hour cash withdrawal (in Hong Kong Dollars).

The official languages in Hong Kong are Chinese and English. All official signs and public transport announcements, as well as most menus, are bilingual.

Hong Kong has an excellent public transport system that is considered one of the best in the world. Depending on where you are going, you have a choice of MTR , buses, trams, ferries and taxis. These clean and efficient options cover extensive areas of Hong Kong and have signs and announcements in both English and Chinese.

Hong Kong has strict laws about maintaining environmental hygiene, including fixed penalty fines of HK$3,000 for littering or spitting.

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places in Hong Kong, including restaurants, bars, malls and karaoke venues. 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 the Hong Kong Wetland Park.

For more information about Hong Kong, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board: https://wwww.discoverhongkong.com.

In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 999.

If you lose your passport, make a 'lost report' at the nearest police station (call Police Hotline +852 2527 7177 for locations or refer to their website to find a Report Room: https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/contact_us.html). Then contact your consulate to have your passport replaced.

If your wallet or valuables are lost or stolen, please notify your hotel immediately and report to the police. Keep a separate record of your credit card number(s) and report the loss to your card issuer(s) as quickly as possible. Most issuers have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.

The Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which provides assistance for enquiries about purchases from shops, restaurants, hair salons and accommodation accredited by the QTS Scheme. Please click to view QTS-accredited restaurants:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/dine-drink/qts-scheme/search.jsp
and QTS-accredited retail shops:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/shop/qts-scheme/search.jsp

Free Wi-Fi is available in the Hong Kong International Airport, major tourist attractions, shopping malls, parks and gardens, visitor centres, sports venues, museums, ferry terminals, cooked food centres, various government buildings and MTR stations, as well as at the seating and public areas and business centre in most hotels.

‘My HKG (Official) ’ provides passengers with real-time flight information, boarding alerts, an airport indoor-area map and real-time navigation, airport directional signage translation, and information on airport transport, facilities, services, shopping and dining.

Developed by Airport Authority Hong Kong.

MTR Mobile brings you useful information related to travelling on the MTR, such as fare information, recommended routing, estimated journey time and interchange platforms. Check out the Tourist Information section for details on attractions and tourist tickets.

Developed by MTR Corporation

With MyMapHK app, you can search for and view the geographical locations and information of over 120 public facilities in Hong Kong while on the move. 'Hiking' and 'Old Hong Kong' themes take you on an exploration of the beautiful countryside and offer a look at Hong Kong in the old days.

Developed by Lands Department

This mobile application allows visitors and consumers to easily find 'No Fakes Pledge' shops through the search criteria of maps, merchant’s name and merchandise category.

Developed by Intellectual Property Department

iM Guide is a multimedia mobile app that offers audio, text and multimedia description on museum exhibits. It currently offers information on certain parts of Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum as well as the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail.

Developed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).

MyObservatory is a personalised weather app providing location-specific weather service in Hong Kong. MyObservatory also provides push notification services, including weather warnings in Hong Kong and 'Location-based Rain Forecast' service.

Developed by Hong Kong Observatory

Wi-Fi.HK facilitates the public and visitors’ search for Wi-Fi.HK hotspots in Hong Kong, which are offered by participating organisations from public and private sectors completely free of charge or free for a certain period of time.

Developed by Digital Policy Office