FAQs about Hong Kong

If you've got any questions about Hong Kong, please check out our FAQ.

Q: What is the SAR? Where is Hong Kong?
A: SAR is a special administrative region. Hong Kong is one of two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China. It's situated on the south coast of China and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and a group of over 260 outlying islands.

Q: What is the weather in Hong Kong?
A: From March to the middle of May is the spring, which brings warm and more humid weather. The temperature ranges between 20°C/68°F - 26°C/79°F. Summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. August has the highest average rainfall of any month. The temperature ranges between 27°C/80°F and 32°C/90°F. From the middle of September to early December is the autumn. It's the sunniest season in Hong Kong, with warm weather and low humidity. The temperature ranges between 23°C/73°F and 28°C/82°F. From the middle of December to February is usually the winter. Winter in Hong Kong is cool and dry. The temperature ranges between 15°C/59°F and 20°C/68°F.

Q: When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
A: Being one of the major tourist destinations in the world, people visit Hong Kong throughout the year. However, Hong Kong is located in the subtropical region, and has hot and humid summer. This is the worst time to visit Hong Kong. The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to early December, when the weather is warm and sunny (low humidity and clear weather).

Q: I'm a citizen of *****. Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong?
A: Citizens of about 170 countries and territories may visit Hong Kong without a visa for a period ranging from 7 days to 180 days. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the period of intended visit. Please, visit Visa Information on our website to get the detailed information about visa-free countries and the time periods.

Q: How to get to the city center from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)?
A: There are several ways. Airport Express, Aiport Bus and taxi are the most popular ways among travelers.
Airport Express is the fastest way to get to downtown. The fare to Central costs HK$100 and takes 24 minutes. Besides, there are discounts up to 40% if you travel in a group.
Aiport bus. There are two bus routes that are very popular among tourists. 1. A11 - this route covers the north part of Hong Kong Island (Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Fortress Hill and North Point). The fare is HK$40 and the journey to the final point takes about 80 minutes. 2. A21 - this route goes along Nathan Road, Salisbury Road and Chatham Road South towards Hung Hom Station and covers Mongkok, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom. The fare is HK$33 and the journey to the final point takes about 70 minutes.
And the last one is a taxi. It has one indisputable advantage - door-to-door non-stop transfer. The fare to Kowloon (Mongkok, Yau Ma Tei or Tsim Sha Tsui) - HK$220-240, to Hong Kong Island (Central, Wan Chai Causeway Bay) - HK$290-310. Additional charges: every baggage - HK$5. So, taxi is a bit expensive if you travel along, but is suitable for a group or family.
Read more about Transfer to and from Hong Kong Aiport.

Q: Is public transport easy accessible?
A: Hong Kong has an excellent public transportation network, which is able to satisfy all the needs of tourists. Visitors and residents have a choice of MTR, buses and taxis in Kowloon; on Hong Kong Island to this list the tram is added. In addition, there is the Star Ferry between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Visitors can use Octopus card to pay their trips in public transport. Read more about Hong Kong Transport.

Q: What is the Octopus Card?
A: The Octopus Card is a convenient way to pay fares for majority of public transport in Hong Kong. In addition, the MTR charges less for journeys made using an Octopus Card instead of conventional single-journey tickets. There are two types of Octopus Card for tourists: Airport Express Travel Pass and Standard On-Loan Octopus (Child, Adult, Elder). Airport Express Travel Pass costs HK$220/HK$300 and includes 1/2 journey(s) on the Airport Express between the Hong Kong International Airport and the urban areas of Hong Kong. Also, it allows three days of unlimited rides on the MTR (except East Rail Line First Class, and travel to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations). You can buy it at the Airport Express service counter in the arrivals hall.

Q: What currency is used in Hong Kong?
A: Hong Kong currency is Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Notes are in denominations of HKD1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of HKD10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.
Use our Currency Converter to see the actual rates.

Q: What voltage and plug/outlet type are used in Hong Kong?
A: Electricity in Hong Kong is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second (220V/50Hz). The majority of electrical outlets have a British three-pin rectangular blade plug that has a protective fuse inside to protect cords from high-current circuits.

Q: Where to stay in Hong Kong?
A: Hong Kong offers more than 150 hotels, with over 50 000 rooms. Most hotels are located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mongkok in Kowloon, and in Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and North Point on Hong Kong Island. These are the tourist areas of Hong Kong and have easy access to public transportation network, including MTR, buses, taxis, ferries and trams. The prices of hotel rooms vary from season to season and also depend of stars of the hotels. Here is the list of Hong Kong Hotels.

Q: How far Hong Kong from Shenzhen?
A: Shenzhen is next to the New Territories. A trip from Kowloon Hung Hom station to Shenzhen takes about 1 hour.