Points For Travel Attention

Visas

A Passport is required to visit Hong Kong. Losing your passport here is a particular hassle, as obtaining a new one involves a long bureaucratic process. UK passport holders can stay in Hong Kong for up to six months without a visa. Citizens of Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for up to three months. American citizens, Japanese, South African and Germans can stay for one month without a visa. Visitors to Hong Kong are supposed to show that they have adequate funds for their stay and an onward ticket.

The British Consulate is at 1 Supreme Court Road, Admiralty. The American Consulate is at 26 Garden Road, Central.

Currency

The Hong Kong currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in one dollar. There are no controls concerning currency and the HK$ can be taken in and out of the country. You can change money in the Bank of China and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. The smaller banks also change money but may charge a larger commission fee.

Language

The majority of Hong Kong's population speak Cantonese but English is the language of business, commerce and everyday life for many people. It is unlikely that you will experience many (or indeed any!) language problems until you get away from the main hub of the city. The Chinese government are now encouraging the use of Mandarin too and students of this subject are becoming more numerous.