CIKM 2009 - Hong Kong Information

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT + 8 hrs.

WEATHER IN NOVEMBER
The weather in October/November in Hong Kong is lovely when the mild, dry autumn comes - another good time of year to visit.  Temperature ranges from 20oC (68oF) to 25oC (77oF) and humidity is around 65%.  For reference, a summary of last year’s weather report can give you a hint of how the weather looks like.  Current weather and 7-day weather forcast can also be checked from Hong Kong Observatory.

Recommended dress

LANGUAGES
Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong.  Over 95% of the residents speak Cantonese and Mandarin (Putonghua) is increasingly widespread. English is the common language in international business.

CURRENCY
The official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) which is pegged to the US dollar at HK$7.8 to US$1.00.

Three banks, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), the Bank of China (Hong Kong), and the Standard Chartered Bank, all issue their own colorful notes, in denominations of HK$10 (Bank of China did not issue $10 note), HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000.  The government also issues a $10 note. As for coins, they are issued by the government in bronze for HK10¢, HK20¢, and HK50¢ pieces; in silver for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; and in nickel and bronze for HK$10.  The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has a list of currency in ciculation in Hong Kong.

BANKS AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and some may also open on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  ATMs are located throughout the city.
Currency exchange is available at banks, at the airport and at exchange kiosks in the shopping areas. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. U.S. dollar traveler's checks are easily cashed.

TIPPING
Bills in restaurants and bars will normally have a 10% service charge added.  If paying by credit card do not add any additional tip as, generally, this will not be given to the waiter/server.  If paying by cash, it is customary to leave the small coins in the change as an additional tip.  For taxis, one normally rounds the fare up to the nearest dollar; no other tipping is required for taxis.

ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply is 200/220 volts, 50 Hz.  Three-rectangular pin plugs are the norm.  Foreign appliances may require an adapter.

MOBILE PHONE NETWORKS
Using your mobile phone in Hong Kong is convenient as most of the wireless systems used around the world – 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. Before leaving home check with your network provider to make sure they have a roaming service to the various destinations you will be visiting, and be sure to check pricing.

You can also rent local SIM cards or mobile phones when you arrive in Hong Kong, at the airport or in town.

DINING
Hong Kong is a gourmet paradise renowned for its exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavours along with a wide variety of culinary delights.  A list of recommended restaurants can be found at the Hong Kong District Food Guide.

The most common Chinese food in Hong Kong is Cantonese, from China's southern Guangdong province.  Dishes consist of extremely fresh food, quickly cooked and only lightly seasoned.  Popular ingredients are fruit and vegetables, fish and shellfish.  Cantonese restaurants also have the best selection of dim sum ("little eats"), a midday meal consisting of small flavoured buns, dumplings and pancakes, washed down with copious amounts of tea. You will be charged for everything, including tea, rice, and even those side dishes placed automatically on every table, which are often mistaken for complimentary snacks.  Tips are generally expected, even if the bill includes 10% service charge.

In most Chinese restaurants, the usual drink with your meal is jasmine tea, often brought to your table as a matter of course.  Beer and wine are also popular.  Bottled water are available for purchase at convenient stores like 7-Eleven and Circle-K as well as supermarkets.

ATTRACTION
Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area, with The Peak, Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha among the most awe-inspiring.  You’ll find more from the official website of Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Hong Kong is the consummate entertainer, offering every kind of after-dark diversion from upmarket pursuits like opera and theatre to a drinking scene that includes Wan Chai's sleazy hostess bars and the alleyway crawlspaces of Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace to numerous ego-shattering karaoke places.

SHOPPING
Shopping in Hong Kong goes way beyond buying stuff you need: it is a social activity, a favourite recreation, an after-hours release.

Know, too, that in spite of the credit-card decals on the door, most stores will insist on cash or add 3% - 5% to the total.  Shopping at stores with the Quality Tourism Services Scheme sign on the window buys you some protection, since the shop belongs to the organization, but if you have troubles, head for the police, the Consumer Council, or the Hong Kong Tourim Board itself.  The Hong Kong Tourism Board provides a map of shopping areas and a list of "What to Buy" products.

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