Essentials to include when you pack—from the proper travel documents to the right clothing.
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Planning:
Entry Requirements: A passport valid for at least another 6 months, and for some nationalities, a visa. U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Time: 13 hours ahead of U.S. eastern standard time.
Money: The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 7.8 to 1. For quick conversions when out shopping or dining, divide the Hong Kong amount by 8. Neighboring Macau and Shenzhen have their own currencies but many tourist-heavy places just over the border will accept Hong Kong dollars.
Phone Calls: Local directory assistance is 1081. Emergency is 999. Standard phone numbers in Hong Kong are 8-digit. No need to dial the city code, 852, if you are in the city. The biggest cell phone networks are on the GSM standard; inexpensive temporary SIM cards can be bought at convenience stores and phone shops.
When to Go: Peak summer months (mid-June through mid-September) are hot and humid. November through April has comfortable temperatures, from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (14 to 25 degrees Celsius).
Getting There: Hong Kong International Airport is connected to over 150 cities through 800 flights a day.
Getting Around: The fastest way to get into town from the airport is the Airport Express train, which begins just outside the baggage pickup area. For shorter stays, ask station attendants about farecards for travelers. If staying more than four days, consider getting an Octopus stored value card that can be used on MTR underground railway and many other systems, including minibuses and ferries, as well as at some convenience stores and cafes.
Checklist:
Passport/Visa: Visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months. A number of countries have visa-free privileges for entry into Hong Kong, but time limits vary, so check this list: www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm. Separate visa arrangements are necessary for crossing the border into mainland China, though entry into neighboring Macau is visa-free for most nationalities: www.iist.unu.edu/apsec2001/visatoMacau.htm.
Climate: Hong Kong is in a subtropical zone, and the weather can change quickly, though it is generally cool and dry from December through February, and hot and humid from April through September. Monsoons and tropical storms do affect the surrounding area. Check the Hong Kong Observatory's website. www.hko.gov.hk
Immunizations: No proof is required for entry, though those traveling on to other parts of Asia should check requirements for their final destinations. www.welltogo.com.au
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are a bother most of the year in outlying districts close to water and/or heavy vegetation. Malaria is not a concern in Hong Kong, but dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis do occur. Most convenience stores and pharmacies sell insect repellent sprays and patches.
Hiking gear: Bring sensible, non-slip shoes. The city is mostly flat but there are older areas with cobblestone steps and hilly terrain, both of which can become slippery during rainy weather. Most of Hong Kong's hiking trails are well-paved. Carry sunscreen.
Toiletries: Many products can be found at the city's two big pharmacy chains, numerous department stores, and neighborhood shops. For departure from Hong Kong, note that there are rules on carry-on liquids and aerosols. For details, see www.hongkongairport.com/eng/tbu/security.htm#new_rule.
Attire: Weather in Hong Kong ranges from cool to hot, but the air conditioning in some restaurants, concert halls, and theaters is downright cold. Wear multiple light layers of clothing so that you can easily adjust to your surroundings.
Voltage converter: Hong Kong electricity is 220 volts, so a converter will be needed to protect computers and appliances that are set to operate on lower-voltage currents. Try www.globalsources.com/manufacturers/Voltage-Converter.html.
