Land Mass
Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China and spreads out over 1,100 square kilometres (425 square miles).

The main areas are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. Hong Kong Island lies just south of Kowloon and the two are separated by Victoria Harbour. The New Territories lie north of Kowloon and run up to the boundary with mainland China.

As well as making up the bulk of Hong Kong's land mass, the New Territories also include more than 260 outlying islands.

Official Language
The official languages are Chinese and English, with Cantonese the most widely spoken Chinese dialect. Use of Putonghua is growing.

All major signage is in English or is bilingual

Climate
Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is from the middle of September to the end of February, when the weather is cooler. At its coolest (mid-December to February), the temperature may fall to 10oC (50oF); at its warmest (late May to mid-September), it averages 28oC (82oF) but may reach 33oC (91oF).

Drinking water
Tap water is generally safe to drink but bottled water is still recommended.

Ememrgency numbers
999 Police, Ambulance, Fire

Population
Hong Kong has a population of approx. 6.8 million

Religion
Hong Kong is a multicultural city with a multiracial population living in harmony. Tolerance for the customs and traditions of all religions and ethnic groups is part of the city's cosmopolitan philosophy.

Electricity
Voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts, so a transformer will be needed to operate 100-volt appliances. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.

Tipping
Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10 per cent tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.

Health Requirements
Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your local carriers because requirements can change.
For more health advice, visit the Department of Health website.

Currency
Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Coins, issued by the government, are bronze-coloured for 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents; silver-coloured for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; nickel and bronze for HK$10. Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10.

Currency Exchange
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. Banks and money changers charge commission. Similarly, commissions are payable in hotels and major retail outlets which provide exchange facilities for their customers. As elsewhere, the rates of exchange for cash and travellers' cheques are marginally different and coins are not exchangeable.

The display of net rates of exchange by money changers is a legal obligation. Visitors are advised to check them - and also the amount of any additional commission payable for the exchange of travellers' cheques - before handing over the money for exchange. Receipt notes must be issued by law. There are no restrictions on currencies being brought in or taken out of Hong Kong.

Passport and visa
Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.

Chinese Embassy www.chinaembassycanada.org

Chinese National Tourist Office http://www.cnta.com.cn/lyen/index.html

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