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Situated
at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong is ideally
positioned at the centre of rapidly developing East
Asia. With a total area of 1,103 square kilometres,
it covers Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula just
opposite, and the New Territories the more rural section
of Hong Kong, which also includes 262 outlying islands.
Hong Kong, described as a 'barren rock' over 150 years
ago, has become a world-class financial, trading and
business centre and, indeed, a great world city.
Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR)
of the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1997, after
a century and a half of British administration. Under
Hong Kong's constitutional document, the Basic Law,
the existing economic, legal and social system will
be maintained for 50 years. The SAR enjoys a high degree
of autonomy except in defence and foreign affairs.
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards
the temperate for nearly half the year. Temperatures
can drop below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceed
31 degrees Celsius in summer. About 90 per cent of the
rainfall occurs between April and September.
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Dive Services
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French
Divers
12 Prince's Terrace
Mid Level's
Hong Kong
Telephone: +85295010748
info@frenchdivers.com
http://www.frenchdivers.com
You wish to learn diving and rescuing in Hong Kong, in a human
size school, to be trained at home and at sea, now it is possible.
Discover FrenchDivers wild range of PADI, EFR and DAN certifications.
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Travel/Tips
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Getting
There
Air Service
Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau
Island is one of the world’s best and most modern airports
offering a comprehensive range of facilities and services
to the travelling public. It is the main entry point to
Hong Kong, Asia’s world city, as well as being the travellers’
gateway to China and to the rest of Asia.
To and From the Airport
Getting to and from the Hong Kong International Airport
is easy, convenient and relatively inexpensive.
Rail
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) high-speed Airport Express
is the fastest way between the downtown areas and the airport.
The line whisks passengers from Hong Kong Station adjacent
to the Central MTR Station on Hong Kong Island via Kowloon
and Tsing Yi stations to the airport in about 23 minutes,
trains run every 12 minutes. A free Airport Express shuttle
bus service from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations serves major
hotels. Both these stations provide free in-town check-in
services. Details of train fares and operating hours >>
Taxis
Taxis are readily available from the taxi pick-up area in
front of the Arrivals Hall. All taxis can go to and from
the airport. All fares are metered and there are fare details
inside each cab.
Hong Kong International AirportBuses
There are nine convenient Airbus routes called "A"
routes that can take you to and from the airport with fewer
stops than an ordinary city bus. Fares range between HK$14
and HK$45. When you exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right for
Airbuses and ordinary city buses ("E" route buses).
Ferries to Tuen Mun
There is also a ferry link from Tung Chung New Development
Pier at Chek Lap Kok to the town of Tuen Mun in the New
Territories. The ferry operates 6am - 11pm daily.
Charter Coaches and Limousines
Arriving passengers can also book their own personal limousines,
mini-vans, vans and group coaches (buses) that will whisk
their party to their destination. Operators have counters
located in the Arrivals Hall and in the Ground Transportation
Centre.
Airport - Mainland China Coach Service
The Hong Kong International Airport is also a hub for ground
transport to Mainland China and cities in the Pearl River
Delta. Click for more information on coach service to the
mainland >>
Airport - Mainland China Ferries Service
High-speed ferries provide fast and efficient service to
nearby cities in Mainland China. Book a ticket prior to
boarding from the ticketing desks located in the transfer
area on Arrivals Level 5 before the immigration counters.
Then hop aboard a bus from the airport’s air side (i.e.,
before immigration) that will take you to the Skypier for
your connection to cities like Dongguan, Macau, Shekou and
Shenzhen.
Air Passenger Departure Tax & Surcharges
All passengers 12 and above departing Hong Kong International
Airport must pay a HK$120 Air Passenger Departure Tax which
is normally included in the price of the airline ticket.
However, passengers who arrive and depart the same day from
Hong Kong are exempt from the tax.
In order to maintain the current standards of safety, security
and passenger services, passengers departing Hong Kong International
Airport need to also pay a security charge of HK$33.
Immigration/Customs
Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a valid passport. Passports
should be valid for at least six months after your planned
departure date from Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries
are not required to obtain visas for periods varying from
seven days to 180 days, depending on nationality. Check
with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.
For more information about Visa requirements please refer
to Visit Visa/ Entry Permit Requirements by clicking here.
Airport Now, frequent business travel to Hong Kong is easier
than ever with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) Travel Pass. For more details on the Travel Pass,
please visit the Immigration Department's website.
Visas for mainland China can be obtained in Hong Kong. They
require one photo and usually take three working days to
process. Visas can be obtained through the Visa Office of
People's Republic of China, Office of the Commissioner of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic
of China in Hong Kong, China Travel Service (HK) Ltd, or
China International Travel Service HK Ltd.
All visitors entering Hong Kong must go through customs
clearance.
Departing visitors should note that enhanced security measures
are now in effect at Hong Kong International Airport. Visitors
are reminded not to carry any sharp objects with a point
or blade such as knives, cutters, scissors, razor blades,
or household cutlery in carry-on luggage. Instead, visitors
should place such items in check-in baggage. Some personal
protection devices like the spray mace, while legal in some
countries, are prohibited in Hong Kong. To avoid any unnecessary
delays, please follow the guidelines from HKIA.
Please refer to the Customs & Excise Department web
pages for more information about prohibited articles /goods.
Accommodation
Hotels are situated on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, in the
New Territories and on the outlying islands. You can stay
among the big city lights, in the verdant countryside or
by the beach - the choice is yours. No matter where you
stay, all of Hong Kong's attractions are close at hand.
The excellent public transport system means you are only
a short journey away from the bustle of the city or the
tranquillity of the outlying islands.
Many of Hong Kong's luxury hotels are among the best in
the world. All the major international chains are represented,
along with a dazzling array of local and regional hotels.
What's more, there are a multitude of hostels and guesthouses
to satisfy the budget-conscious traveller.
Electricity
The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ,
so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances
and electrical equipment.The majority of electrical outlets
in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive
adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.
Tipping
Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge
but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants
that don't add a service charge will expect a 10 per cent
tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys,
porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily
accept loose change.
Local Transportation
Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient,
relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers
extension areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese.
Currency
Currencies
Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100
cents in a dollar. Coins, issued by the government, are
bronze-coloured for 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents; silver-coloured
for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; nickel and bronze for HK$10. Notes
issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations
of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. The
Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10.
Banks
Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday,
and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. They close on Sundays and
public holidays. Some banks and branches are open slightly
longer hours. Some banking services are not available an
hour before closing.
ATM Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost
everywhere and some HSBC "Electronic Money" machines
provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$) facilities for Visa
and MasterCard holders. American Express cardholders have
access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and
travellers' cheques at the Express Cash ATMs in town.
Business Hours
Generally, business hours are weekdays 9:00am-5:00pm, and
Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm. Major banks are open weekdays 9:00am-4:30pm,
and Saturdays 9:00am-12:30pm. Closed Sundays and public
holidays.
English and Chinese are the official languages The vast
majority of shops are open every day. Generally, shops are
open from 10:00am-7:00pm. But there are exceptions. Stores
in busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui
stay open even later, perhaps until 9:30pm. Those in Central,
meanwhile, have usually closed their doors by 7:00pm
Telephones
Advance communication systems developed in Hong KongAs one
of the world's highest per capita users of cellular phones
and radio pagers, Hong Kong thrives on efficient telecommunications.
Local calls from public coin phones cost HK$1 for five minutes.
Postal Services
Postage is inexpensive and the service is reliable. The
main post offices are on Hong Kong Island, next to the "Star"
Ferry in Central, and at 10 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui in
Kowloon. Enquiries: +852 2921 |
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