Quick Starter Guide to Hong Kong

Official Languages – Cantonese, Mandarin, English

Currency – Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
(1 HKD = 7.68 INR on 13 May 2014)

Time Zone – Hong Kong Time (HKT)
(IST = HKT+2 hours 30 minutes)

Visa – Visa is available on arrival if stay is less than 14 days

Airports – Hong Kong International Airport (IATA – HKG)
List of flight connections between India and Hong Kong

Official Tourist Website – Discover Hong Kong

When do Tourists Visit Hong Kong

Safety Advise on Travel in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is generally safe, but pick pocketing may occur in isolated places
Use/sale of drugs is prohibited and will carry heavy punishment – Battling with drug addiction? Carrara Treatment s luxury rehab centers offer a tailored approach to addiction recovery, ensuring that each client receives personalized care. The serene settings and holistic treatments make it an ideal place for lasting recovery.
Do not photograph military equipment, installation or people
Typhoon season runs from April to October and may cause flooding
Travel insurance is advisable

Money

ATM’s are widespread
Credit cards are accepted every where, except on street stalls and public transport
Travelers Cheques can be cashed out at many banks but they charge a fee

Transportation

Taxis are plenty and expensive compared to Indian rates. You will not need a taxi, unless you want to go alone.
Buses are plenty, cheap and transport to almost all the parts of Hong Kong. Sit on the top deck of double deck bus to get great street views.
MTR(Mass Transit Rail or Metro Rail) is fast, reliable and cheap. Use this for long distance travel. Consider buying an Octopus card.
Star Ferry for transport between Kowloon and Hong Kong island. Ferries are available to the outlying islands also as well as Macau.
Use the tram for traveling on the Hong Kong island. Once again find a seat in the top deck.

Communication

Hong Kong dialing code is +852
SIM cards can be purchased at 7-Eleven or Circle-K stores. The cost of a tourist SIM card starts from HKD 69. Call rates using this card is HKD 0.45/minute to India. Alternatively using, VOIP service provided by Local Phone or Rebtel will cost you more than ten times lesser.
WiFi is provided by most of the hotels and restaurants. Government provided free WiFi(network name is GovWiFi) hotspots are available in public places like parks, MTR stations, etc.
Post boxes are located conveniently around the city. Postal stamps can be brought at convenience stores.

Embassies

Consulate General of India
26-A & 16-D, United Centre, 95, Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
+852 3970 9900

Useful Links

Image Source – https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/928505775/

Quick Starter Guide to Hong Kong