Directory A–Z

Discount Cards

Hostel Card

If you arrive without a Hostelling International (HI) card, you can apply for one at the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association or at any affiliated hostel. There are seven HI-affiliated hostels in Hong Kong, mostly in remote locations in the New Territories.

Seniors Card

Most museums are either free or half-price for those over 60. Most forms of public transport offer a 50% discount to anyone over 65. A passport or ID with a photo should be sufficient proof of age.

Student, Youth & Teacher Cards

Hong Kong Student Travel, based at Sincerity Travel (永安旅遊 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2730 2800; www.hkst.com.hk/; Room 833-8343, Star House, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; h9.30am-8pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun; fStar Ferry), can instantly issue you any of the following cards for HK$100. Make sure you bring your student ID or other credentials along with you.

AInternational Student Identity Card (ISIC, www.wysetc.org) Provides discounts on some forms of transport and admission to museums and other sights.

AInternational Youth Travel Card (IYTC) Gives similar discounts to the ISIC card for anyone aged under 26 but not a student.

AInternational Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) Holders may enjoy discounts at certain bookshops.

Hong Kong Museums Pass

This pass allows multiple entries to seven of Hong Kong’s museums. Passes are valid for seven consecutive days, cost HK$30 and are available from Hong Kong Tourism Board outlets and participating museums.

Electricity

Embassies & Consulates

About 120 countries have representative offices in Hong Kong, including over 60 consulates-general, 60 consulates and six 'officially recognised bodies'. These include:

Australian Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2827 8881; http://hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au; 23rd fl, Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai; h9am-5pm Mon-Fri; mWan Chai, exit C)

British Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2901 3000; www.gov.uk/government/world/hong-kong; 1 Supreme Court Rd, Admiralty; h8.30am-5.15pm Mon-Fri; mAdmiralty, exit F)

Canadian Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 3719 4700; 5th fl, Tower 3, Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central; mCentral, exit A)

French Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 3196 6100; www.consulfrance-hongkong.org; 26th fl, Tower II, Admiralty Centre, 18 Harcourt Rd, Admiralty; mAdmiralty, exit C2)

German Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2105 8788; www.hongkong.diplo.de; 21st fl, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty; mAdmiralty, exit C2)

Indian Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 3970 9900; www.cgihk.gov.in; Unit A, 16th fl, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty; h9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri)

Irish Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2527 4897; www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/hong-kong; 33 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan; h10am-noon & 2.30-4.30pm Mon-Fri; mCentral)

Japanese Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2522 1184; www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp; 46-47th fl, 1 Exchange Sq, 8 Connaught Pl, Central; mCentral, exit D1)

Kazakhstani Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %general enquiries 852 2548 3841, visa application 852 2548 3773; www.consul-kazakhstan.org.hk; Unit 3106, 31 fl, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Rd Central, Sheung Wan; hvisa applications 10am-1pm (drop-off), 3-5pm (pick-up) Mon, Wed, Fri)

Laotian Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2544 1186; 14th fl, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen’s Rd West, Sheung Wan)

Nepalese Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2369 7813; 715 China Aerospace Tower, Concordia Plaza, 1 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; mHung Hom, exit D1)

Netherlands Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2599 9200; http://hongkong.nlconsulate.org; Room 2402B, 24th fl, 23 Harbour Rd, Great Eagle Centre)

New Zealand Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2525 5044; www.eit.ac.nz; Room 6501, 65th fl, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai; h8.30am-1pm, 2-5pm Mon-Fri; mWan Chai, exit C)

US Consulate ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2523 9011; 26 Garden Rd, Central; mCentral, exit J2)

Emergency

Police emergency	999
Police	852 2527 7177

Health

The occasional avian- or swine-flu outbreak notwithstanding, health conditions in the region are good. Travellers have a low risk of contracting infectious diseases compared to much of Asia. The health system is generally excellent. However, observe good personal and food hygiene and take antimosquito measures to prevent infectious diseases such as dengue fever. If your health insurance doesn’t cover you for medical expenses abroad, consider supplemental insurance.

Environmental Hazards

Mosquitoes These are prevalent in Hong Kong. You should always use insect repellent during warm and hot weather, and if you’re bitten use hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling.

Centipedes Lamma Island is home to large red centipedes, which have a poisonous bite that causes swelling and discomfort in most cases, but can be more dangerous (and supposedly in very rare cases deadly) for young children.

Wild Boars & Dogs Wild boars and aggressive dogs are a minor hazard in some of the more remote parts of the New Territories. Wild boars are shy and retiring most of the time, but are dangerous when they feel threatened, so give them a wide berth and avoid disturbing thick areas of undergrowth.

Snakes There are many snakes in Hong Kong, and some are deadly, but you are unlikely to encounter any. Still, always take care when bushwalking, particularly on Lamma and Lantau Islands. Go straight to a public hospital if bitten; private doctors do not stock antivenene.

Required Vaccinations

There are no required vaccinations for entry into Hong Kong, unless you will be travelling to the mainland or elsewhere in the region.

Health Insurance

Visitors without a Hong Kong Identity card can use public hospitals by paying private market rates, which are multiple times the normal rate. However, if you have the appropriate supporting documents, many private health insurances reimburse these fees.

A health insurance plan with international coverage may allow you to receive inpatient medical and certain surgical treatments in Hong Kong, but do check with your insurer about coverage of outpatient services, ie services that do not require overnight stay in hospital.

Tap Water

Hong Kong tap water conforms to World Health Organization standards and is considered safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled for reasons of flavour and prestige.

Medical Services

The standard of medical care in Hong Kong is generally excellent but expensive. Always take out travel insurance before you travel. Healthcare is divided into public and private, and there is no interaction between the two.

Clinics

There are many English-speaking general practitioners, specialists and dentists in Hong Kong, who can be found through your consulate, a private hospital or the Yellow Pages. If money is tight, take yourself to the nearest public-hospital emergency room and be prepared to wait. The general inquiry number for hospitals is 2300 6555.

Hospitals & Emergency Rooms

In the case of an emergency, all ambulances (999) will take you to a government-run public hospital where, as a visitor, you will be required to pay a hefty fee for using emergency services. Treatment is guaranteed in any case; people who cannot pay immediately will be billed later. While the emergency care is excellent, you may wish to transfer to a private hospital once you are stable.

Hong Kong Island

Queen Mary Hospital (瑪麗醫院 GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2255 3838; www3.ha.org.hk/qmh; 102 Pok Fu Lam Rd, Pok Fu Lam; g30x, 55, 90B, 91) Public.

Ruttonjee Hospital (律敦治醫院 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2291 2000; www.ha.org.hk; 266 Queen's Rd E, Wan Chai; mWan Chai, exit A3) Public.

Kowloon

Hong Kong Baptist Hospital (瑪嘉烈醫院 GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2339 8888; 222 Waterloo Rd, Kowloon Tong) Private.

Princess Margaret Hospital (瑪嘉烈醫院 GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2990 1111; www.ha.org.hk; 2-10 Princess Margaret Hospital Rd, Lai Chi Kok) Public.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital (伊利沙伯醫院 GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2958 8888; 30 Gascoigne Rd, Yau Ma Tei; g112, mJordan, exit C1) Public.

New Territories

Prince of Wales Hospital (威爾斯親王醫院 GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2632 2211; 30-32 Ngan Shing St, Sha Tin) Public.

Pharmacies

APharmacies are abundant; they bear a red-and-white cross outside and there should be a registered pharmacist available inside.

AMany medications can be bought over the counter without a prescription, but always check it is a known brand and that the expiry date is valid.

ABirth-control pills, pads, tampons and condoms are available over the counter in pharmacies, as well as in stores such as Watson’s and Mannings.

Internet Access

Getting online in Hong Kong is a breeze.

Increasingly available in hotels and public areas, including the airport, public libraries, key cultural and recreational centres, large parks, major MTR stations, shopping malls and almost all urban cafes and bars. You can also get a free 60-minute PCCW Wi-Fi pass, available at HKTB visitor centres.

You can also purchase a PCCW account online or at convenience stores and PCCW stores, and access the internet via any of PCCW’s 7000-plus wi-fi hot spots in Hong Kong.

If you don’t have a computer there are a few options where you can log on.

Central Library (香港中央圖書館 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 3150 1234; www.hkpl.gov.hk; 66 Causeway Rd, Causeway Bay; h10am-9pm Thu-Tue, 1-9pm Wed; mTin Hau, exit A1) Free access.

Pacific Coffee Company ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2735 0112; www.pacificcoffee.com; Shop L121, The One, 100 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; h7am-midnight Mon-Thu, 7am-1am Fri & Sat, 8am-midnight Sun) Internet is free for customers. There are dozens of other branches throughout Hong Kong.

Left Luggage

MTR train and ferry Left-luggage lockers/services are in major stations, including Hung Hom station, Kowloon station and Hong Kong station; the West Tower of Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan, from where the Macau ferry departs; and the China ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. Lockers cost between HK$20 and HK$30 per hour (depending on size).

Airport The Hong Kong International Airport provides a left-luggage service (%852 2261 0110; www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/arrival/t1/baggage/left-baggage.html; Level 3, Terminal 2, Hong Kong International Airport; per hr/day HK$12/140; h5.30am-1.30am).

Accommodation Most hotels and even some guesthouses and hostels have left-luggage rooms and will let you leave your gear behind, even if you’ve already checked out and won’t be staying on your return. There is usually a charge for this service, so be sure to inquire first.

Legal Matters

ACarry your passport all the time. As a visitor, you are required to show your identification if the police request it.

AAll forms of narcotics are illegal in Hong Kong. Whether it’s heroin, opium, ‘ice’, ecstasy or marijuana, the law makes no distinction. If police or customs officials find dope or even smoking equipment in your possession, you can expect to be arrested immediately.

AIf you run into legal trouble, contact the Legal Aid Department (%24hr hotline 852 2537 7677; www.lad.gov.hk), which provides residents and visitors with representation, subject to a means and merits test.

Maps

Most popular trails have maps at the starting point and bilingual signs along the trails. If you’re heading for any of Hong Kong’s four major trails, you can get a copy of the trail map produced by the Country & Marine Parks Authority, which is available at the Map Publication Centres.

Money

ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants; some budget places only take cash.

ATMs

AMost ATMs are linked up to international money systems such as Cirrus, Maestro, Plus and Visa Electron.

ASome of HSBC's so-called Electronic Money machines offer cash withdrawal facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders.

AAmerican Express (Amex) cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and travellers cheques at Express Cash ATMs in town.

Changing Money

Hong Kong has no currency controls; locals and foreigners can bring, send in or take out as much money as they like. No foreign-currency black market exists in Hong Kong; if anyone on the street does approach you to change money, assume it’s a scam.

Banks Hong Kong banks generally offer the best rates, though two of the biggest ones (Standard Chartered Bank and Hang Seng Bank) levy a HK$50 commission for each transaction for those who don’t hold accounts. Avoid HSBC, which levies HK$100. If you’re changing the equivalent of several hundred US dollars or more, the exchange rate improves, which usually makes up for the fee.

Moneychangers Licensed moneychangers, such as Chequepoint, abound in touristed areas, including Tsim Sha Tsui. While they are convenient (usually open on Sundays, holidays and late into the evenings) and take no commission per se, the less-than-attractive exchange rates offered are equivalent to a 5% commission. These rates are clearly posted, though if you’re changing several hundred US dollars or more you might be able to bargain for a better rate. Before the actual exchange is made, the moneychanger is required by law to give you a form to sign that clearly shows the amount due to you, the exchange rate and any service charges. Try to avoid the exchange counters at the airport or in hotels, which offer some of the worst rates in Hong Kong.

Credit Cards

The most widely accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners Club and JCB – pretty much in that order. It may be an idea to carry two, just in case.

Some shops add a surcharge to offset the commission charged by credit companies, which can range from 2.5% to 7%. In theory, this is prohibited by the credit companies, but to get around this many shops will offer a 5% discount if you pay with cash.

If a card is lost or stolen, you must inform both the police (%852 2527 7177; www.police.gov.hk) and the issuing company as soon as possible; otherwise you may have to pay for the purchases that have been racked up on your card.

American Express (%emergency 852 2811 6122, general card info 852 2277 1010; www.americanexpress.com/hk/)

Diners Club (%852 2860 1888; www.dinersclub.com)

MasterCard (%800 966 677; www.mastercard.com)

Visa (%800 900 782; www.visa.com.hk) Might be able to help you should you lose your Visa card, but in general you must deal with the issuing bank in the case of an emergency.

Denominations

The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is divided into 100 cents. Bills are issued in denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500 and HK$1000. There are little copper coins worth 10¢, 20¢ and 50¢, silver-coloured HK$1, HK$2 and HK$5 coins, and a nickel and bronze HK$10 coin.

Three local banks issue notes: HSBC (formerly the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank), the Standard Chartered Bank and the Bank of China (all but the HK$10 bill).

Opening Hours

The following list summarises standard opening hours.

Banks 9am to 4.30pm or 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday.

Museums 10am to between 5pm and 9pm; closed Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.

Offices 9am to 5.30pm or 6pm Monday to Friday (lunch hour 1pm to 2pm).

Restaurants 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm.

Shops Usually 10am to 8pm.

Post

Hong Kong Post (www.hongkongpost.com) is generally excellent; local letters are often delivered the same day they are sent and there is Saturday delivery. The staff at most post offices speak English, and the green mail boxes are clearly marked in English.

Receiving Mail

If a letter is addressed c/o Poste Restante, GPO Hong Kong, it will go to the GPO on Hong Kong Island. Pick it up at counter No 29 from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday only. If you want your letters to go to Kowloon, have them addressed as follows: c/o Poste Restante, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, 10 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Overseas mail is normally held for two months and local mail for two weeks.

Sending Mail

On Hong Kong Island, the General Post Office (中央郵政局 GOOGLE MAP ; 2 Connaught Pl, Central; h8am-6pm Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm Sun; mHong Kong Station, exit A1 or A2) is just east of the Hong Kong station. In Kowloon, the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office (尖沙咀郵政局 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Ground & 1st fl, Hermes House, 10 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; h9am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 2pm Sun; mEast Tsim Sha Tsui, exit L1) is just east of the southern end of Nathan Rd. Post office branches elsewhere keep shorter hours and usually don’t open on Sunday.

You should allow five to six days for delivery of letters, postcards and aerogrammes to Europe, Australia and the USA.

Courier Services

Many MTR stations have DHL outlets, including the MTR Central branch ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2877 2848; www.dhl.com.hk/en.html; MTR Central) next to exit H, and the MTR Admiralty branch ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2400 3388; www.dhl.com.hk; Shop G2, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai; h24hr, closed Sat; mWan Chai, exit C) next to exit E.

Postal Rates

Local mail is HK$1.70 for up to 30g.

Airmail letters and postcards for the first 20/30g are HK$2.90/5.50 to most of Asia and HK$3.70/6.50 to the rest of the world – and HK$150 and HK$160 respectively per kilogram thereafter. Aerogrammes are HK$2.50 to Asia and HK$3.70 to the rest of the world.

Speedpost

Letters and small parcels sent via Hong Kong Post’s Speedpost (www.hongkongpost.com/speedpost) should reach any of 210 destinations worldwide within two days and are automatically registered. Speedpost rates vary enormously according to destination; every post office has a schedule of fees and a timetable.

PRACTICALITIES

Media

AThe main English-language newspaper in the city is the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com). A daily broadsheet that has always toed the government line, both before and after the handover, it has the largest circulation and is read by more Hong Kong Chinese than expatriates.

AOther options include Hong Kong Standard (www.thestandard.com.hk) and Hong Kong Economic Journal (www.ejinsight.com).

AThe Běijīng mouthpiece China Daily (www.chinadaily.com.cn) also prints an English-language edition.

AHong Kong has its share of English-language periodicals, including a slew of homegrown (and Asian-focused) business-related magazines. Time, Newsweek and the Economist are all available in their current editions.

Smoking

All indoor areas of eateries are now smoke-free. The ban does not apply to unsheltered outdoor spaces.

Weights & Measures

Although the international metric system is in official use in Hong Kong, traditional Chinese weights and measures are still common. At local markets, meat, fish and produce are sold by the léung, equivalent to 37.8g, and the gàn (catty), which is equivalent to about 600g. There are 16 léung to the gàn. Gold and silver are sold by the tael, which is exactly the same as a léung.

Public Holidays

Western and Chinese culture combine to create an interesting mix – and number – of public holidays in Hong Kong. Determining the exact date of some of them is tricky, as there are traditionally two calendars in use: the Gregorian solar (or Western) calendar and the Chinese lunar calendar.

New Year’s Day 1 January

Chinese New Year 28–31 January 2017, 16–19 February 2018

Easter 14–17 April 2017, 30 March–2 April 2018

Ching Ming 5 April 2017, 5 April 2018

Labour Day 1 May

Buddha’s Birthday 3 May 2017, 22 May 2018

Dragon Boat (Tuen Ng) Festival 30 May 2017, 18 June 2018

Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day 1 July

Mid-Autumn Festival 4 October 2017, 24 September 2018

China National Day 1 October

Chung Yeung 28 October 2015, 17 October 2018

Christmas Day 25 December

Boxing Day 26 December

Telephone

As in the rest of the world, public telephones are increasingly rare.

International Calls & Rates

To make a phone call to Hong Kong, dial your international access code, Hong Kong’s country code, then the eight-digit number.

The 'country' code for Hong Kong is 852. To call someone outside Hong Kong, dial 001, then the country code, the local area code (you usually drop the initial zero if there is one) and the number.

Phone rates are cheaper from 9pm to 8am on weekdays and throughout the weekend. If the phone you’re using has registered for the IDD 0060 service, dial 0060 first and then the number; rates will be cheaper at any time.

Local Calls & rates

All local calls in Hong Kong are free. However, hotels charge from HK$3 to HK$5 for local calls.

Mobile Phones

Any GSM-compatible phone can be used here.

Mobile phones work everywhere, including in the harbour tunnels and on the MTR.

Service providers, including PCCW ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Ground fl, 113 Des Voeux Rd, Central; h10am-8.30pm Mon-Sat, 11am-8pm Sun; mHong Kong Station, exit A1 or A2), have mobile phones and accessories along with rechargeable SIM cards for sale from HK$98. Local calls cost between 6¢ and 12¢ a minute (calls to the mainland are about HK$1.80/minute).

Phonecards

You can make an International Direct Dial (IDD) call to almost anywhere in the world, but you’ll need a phonecard to do so. They are available at PCCW stores, 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores, Mannings pharmacies or Vango supermarkets.

Time

AHong Kong Time is eight hours ahead of London (GMT); 13 hours ahead of New York (EST); the same time as Singapore, Manila and Perth; and two hours behind Sydney (AEST).

AHong Kong does not have daylight-saving time.

Toilets

Hong Kong has a vast number of public toilets. All MTR stations have toilets, but finding them sometimes requires asking. Markets, villages and parks also have facilities. Equip yourself with tissues, though, as they are often out of toilet paper.

Almost all public toilets have access for people with disabilities, and baby-changing shelves in both men’s and women’s rooms.

Tourist Information

Hong Kong Tourism Board (香港旅遊發展局 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui; h8am-8pm; fStar Ferry) has helpful and welcoming staff, and reams of information – most of it free. Also sells a few useful publications.

In addition to the office at the Star Ferry Visitor Concourse, HKTB has visitor centres at the airport ( GOOGLE MAP ; Chek Lap Kok; h7am-11pm), in Halls A and B on the arrivals level in Terminal 1 and the E2 transfer area; at The Peak (港島旅客諮詢及服務中心 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.discoverhongkong.com; Peak Piazza, The Peak; h11am-8pm; Peak Tram ), between the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria; and at the border to mainland China (羅湖旅客諮詢及服務中心 2nd fl, Arrival Hall, Lo Wu Terminal Bldg; h8am-6pm).

China Travel Service has four counters at the airport.

Outside these centres, and at several other places in the territory, you’ll be able to find iCyberlink screens, from which you can conveniently access the HKTB website and database 24 hours a day.

Travel Agencies

The following are among the most reliable agencies and offer the best deals on air tickets:

Concorde Travel ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2526 3391; www.concorde-travel.com; 7th fl, Galuxe Bldg, 8-10 On Lan St, Central; h9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat)

Forever Bright Trading Limited ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852-2369 3188; www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk; Rm 916-917, Tower B, New Mandarin Plaza, 14 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon; h8.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, to 1.30pm Sat; mEast Tsim Sha Tsui, exit P2)

Traveller Services ( GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2375 2222; www.traveller.com.hk; 18E, Tower B, Billion Centre, 1 Wang Kwong Rd, Kowloon Bay; h9am-6pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat)

Travellers with Disabilities

People with mobility issues have to cope with substantial obstacles in Hong Kong, including the stairs at many MTR stations, as well as pedestrian overpasses, narrow and crowded footpaths, and steep hills. On the other hand, some buses are accessible by wheelchair, taxis are never hard to find, most buildings have lifts (many with Braille panels) and MTR stations have Braille maps with recorded information. Wheelchairs can negotiate the lower decks of most ferries.

Easy Access Travel (香港社會服務聯會 %852 2855 9360; www.rehabsociety.org.hk; Ground fl, HKSR Lam Tin Complex, 7 Rehab Path, Lam Tin; mLam Tin, exit D1) Offers tours and accessible transport services.

Transport Department (www.td.gov.hk) Provides guides to public transportation, parking and pedestrian crossings for people with disabilities.

Visas

Visas are not required for:

ABritish passport holders for stays up to 180 days – or 90 days for citizens of British Dependent Territories and British Overseas citizens

Acitizens of Australia, Canada, the EU, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and the USA for stays up to 90 days

Aholders of many African (including South African), South American and Middle Eastern passports for visits of 30 days or less.

Anyone wishing to stay longer than the visa-free period must apply for a visa before travelling to Hong Kong.

If you require a visa, you must apply beforehand at the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy; see www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/.

Visa extensions must be applied for in person at the Hong Kong Immigration Department ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2824 6111; www.immd.gov.hk; 2nd fl, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai; h8.45am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9-11.30am Sat; mWan Chai, exit C) seven days from visa expiry.

If you plan to visit mainland China, you must have a visa.

You can check all visa requirements at www.immd.gov.hk/en/services/hk-visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html.

VISAS FOR CHINA

Everyone except Hong Kong Chinese residents must have a visa to enter mainland China. Visas can be arranged by China Travel Service, the mainland-affiliated agency; a good many hostels and guesthouses; and most Hong Kong travel agents.

At the time of writing, holders of Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and most EU passports – but not USA ones – can get a single visa on the spot for around HK$150 at the Lo Wu border crossing, the last stop on the MTR’s East Rail. This visa is for a maximum stay of five days within the confines of the Shēnzhèn Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The queues for these visas can be interminable, so it is highly recommended that you shell out the extra money and get a proper China visa before setting off, even if you’re headed just for Shēnzhèn. If you have at least a week to arrange your visa yourself, you can go to the Visa Office of the People’s Republic of China ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %10-11am & 3-4pm Mon-Fri 852 3413 2424, recorded info 852 3413 2300; www.fmcoprc.gov.hk; 7th fl, Lower Block, China Resources Centre, 26 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai; h9am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Fri; mWan Chai, exit A3). For further details see www.fmprc.gov.cn.