Hong Kong: main airports
Hong Kong is served by Hong Kong International Airport, one of the main air hubs in Asia, located on Chek Lap Kok island.
A special administrative region of China with its own customs, currency and border system, Hong Kong offers one of the densest skylines in the world overlooking Victoria Harbour, the lively neighbourhood life of Mong Kok and Central, and the green hiking trails that cover much of the territory outside the urban area.
Hong Kong: recommended activities
Hong Kong: visa and entry requirements
Citizens of around 170 countries and territories can visit Hong Kong without a visa for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days depending on nationality (for example 90 days for the US, EU, Canada, Australia; 180 days for the UK). A passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended departure date, an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds for the stay are required.
Hong Kong has its own border system separate from that of mainland China: those continuing on to China or Macau need a separate visa or entry permit.
Hong Kong: safety
Hong Kong is generally considered a very safe destination, with violent crime rare even at night.
Take the usual care in the most crowded areas (pickpocketing in markets and on public transport) and check weather advisories during typhoon season (May to November), when public transport and flights can suffer sudden disruptions.
Hong Kong: health situation
No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry. Up-to-date routine vaccinations are recommended. Healthcare is of a very high standard, with efficient public and private hospitals in the urban area.
Air quality can be affected by urban pollution and, at certain times, regional haze: those with respiratory issues can monitor the air quality indices published daily.
Hong Kong: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), pegged to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.8 to 1. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's useful to have cash for street markets, small shops and some public transport; the rechargeable Octopus card is accepted on most transport and in many shops.
The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and English, the latter widely spoken in tourism and business settings.
