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Travel Information
VISA
Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months after the
planned departure date from Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain
visas and can stay 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.
WEATHER
Late May to mid-September is the summer season in HK. It is hot and humid. Temperatures
range from 26C to 33C, humidity near 86 percent. Short sleeves and cotton are best, with
a lightweight sweater for air-conditioned restaurants. An umbrella or hat can ward off
the intense sunshine.
CURRENCIES
Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Since the
mid-1980s, the value of the Hong Kong dollar has been pegged at HK$7.8 to the US dollar,
and consequent rates of exchange to other currencies. However, the market rate exchange to
the US dollar fluctuates marginally. Notes come in denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50,
HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000; and coins are 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, HK$1, HK$2, and
HK$5, and HK$10.
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephones
As a global communications hub and one of the highest per capita users of cellular phones,
Hong Kong thrives on efficient telecommunications. Local private landline calls are free
and cost only HK$1 for five minutes from public telephones. Hotels usually make a charge.
Mobile Services
Using your mobile phone in Hong Kong is convenient as most of the telephone systems used
around the globe - like GSM 900, PCS 1800, CDMA and WCDMA - operate in Hong Kong. Mobile
operators in Hong Kong also have roaming agreements with most overseas operators enabling
visitors to use their own mobile phone when they come to Hong Kong.
 ELECTRICAL CURRENT
The standard electricity supply is 220volts AC. Outlets use the 3-pin system. Visitors may
require a transformer and a plug adaptor. A plug adaptor is necessary to convert 2-pin plugs
to the standard 3-pin plugs and these can be bought at any airport or electrical supplier.
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been recognised as the world's best airport for
the sixth time in seven years in the annual Skytrax survey and named Asia-Pacific's Most
Efficient Airport in 2007 by Air Transport Research Society. Over 85 airlines operate flights
to over 150 destinations worldwide, including about 40 Mainland Chinese cities.
http://www.hongkongairport.com/
Passenger Guide: http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/tbu/index.htm
TRANSPORTATION 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.
Buses
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).
INSURANCE
IBSS 2008 does not take any responsibility whatsoever for any illness arising or injury or
damage to persons or properties during the School or social events. Delegates are therefore
kindly requested to take out their own insurance to cover all such risks.
For more information about Hong Kong, please visit:
www.discoverhongkong.com
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