Do I Need a Hong Kong Visa?
Most nationals don't need visas for short stays, including nationals of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. There are however a few rules and regulations when it comes to Hong Kong immigration. We've got them covered in our Do I Need a Hong Kong Visa article.
If you plan to work or study in the city, you'll need to apply for a visa from your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
Travel to China
For those traveling to China, there are a number of entry options from Hong Kong. You can obtain a Chinese visa in advance and use a bonded ferry straight to China, or alternatively you can pick up a visa in Hong Kong from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Address- Ministry of Foreign Affairs , 7/F Lower Block, China Resources Building, 26 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. The center is open weekdays 9-12 and 2-5.
Be warned; somewhat farcically you cannot take any luggage into the building, and it must be left on the street outside.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter Hong Kong, although you may consider a vaccination against Hepatitis A. Thankfully, there is no malaria in Hong Kong, although parts of China are a different matter. Bird Flu outbreaks in 1997 and 2003 have seen Hong Kong introduce stringent controls on poultry. Nevertheless, with periodic outbreaks in Southern China , precautions should be taken. Avoid poultry and dairy products in street restaurants and avoid contact with poultry and birds.
Currency
Hong Kong has it's own currency, the Hong Kong dollar ($HK). The currency is pegged to the US dollar at around $7.8 Hong Kong dollars to one US dollar. ATM's are abundant, with HSBC the dominant bank; Bank of America also has a number of branches. Exchanging money is also straightforward, although the banks usually offer better rates than money changers.
Crime
Hong Kong has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and assaults on foreigners are almost unheard of. That said, the usual precautions should be taken against pickpockets in tourist areas and on public transport. Hong Kong police are helpful and speak English.
Weather
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, despite having four distinct seasons. The ideal time to pay a visit is September to December: when humidity is low, it rarely rains and is still warm. In summer you will find yourself continually shuttling between the heat and air-conditioned transport and buildings that blast out cold air. Typhoons occasionally hit Hong Kong between May and September.
Language
Cantonese is the local dialect of Chinese spoken in Hong Kong. Mandarin usage is on the rise, however it is not widely known. English has suffered a decline in recent years, although most people have at least a basic knowledge.
Help When in Hong Kong
The U.S. Consulate General is located at 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, 24-hours telephone number +852 2523-9011
Making that call- Essential Numbers
Local calls, within Hong Kong, from landlines are free and you can freely use phones in shops, bars and restaurants for local calls.
International Dialling Codes
Hong Kong - 852
China - 86
Macau - 853
Local
Directory Assistance in English - 1081
Police, Fire, Ambulance - 999
