Traveling Tips
At the Heart of Asia
Hong Kong has long established its status as the premier sourcing hub of Asia Pacific and is continually named the world’s freest economy. Millions of suppliers and buyers from across the globe visit the city every year.
The city’s accessibility is a key advantage: visa-free access for nationals of around 170 countries and regions; half the world’s population within a five-hour flight; around 1,000 flights daily to and from some 170 destinations worldwide, including 50 Mainland China cities.
In particular, it is Hong Kong’s role connecting the Mainland with the rest of the world that is paramount to its continued economic success, and draws people, commerce and finance from around the world and from north of the border.
Official Languages:
English and Chinese (in practice, Cantonese); Mandarin is widely accepted.
Currency:
The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is pegged to the US dollar at HK$7.80 to US$1, but check around for the best exchange deal.
Banking Hours:
Generally 9am - 4:30pm Mondays to Fridays (some banks/branches operate extended hours); 9am -12 noon Saturdays (selected branches only).
Transport:
Hong Kong has a sophisticated transport system, comprising Mass Transit Railway (MTR), buses, trains, trams, ferries and taxis, which cover extensive areas of the city and have signs and announcements in both English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin).