There shouldn't be much of a language barrier to face. English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, with many taxi drivers, police, sales people and the like being competent in the language. Official signage and public transport announcements are in both English and Chinese.
When it comes to the weather, Hong Kong enjoys a mild climate from mid September to late February. In the months of May to mid September it can be hot, wet and humid, with August being the wettest month.
For getting around, Hong Kong's public transport system is considered among the world's best, with trains, buses, trams, ferries, taxis and the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) covering much of the destination.
The MTR network comprises around 150 stations, from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Central on Hong Kong Island to Tsuen Wan and Lantau Island. Taxis are colour-coded, with the colour indicating where a taxi is permitted to operate: red taxis serve urban areas including all of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; green taxis serve the New Territories; and blue taxis serve Lantau Island.
A good number of hotels and other accommodation establishments such as off campus student housing are located convenient to an MTR station. Some are close to more than one station, like Campus Hong Kong, which offers stylish and well-appointed student dormitories and rooms near Tsuen Wan West Station and Tsuen Wan Station. From Tsuen Wan it's a 20 minute trip on the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui and 30 minutes to Central.
Official business hours in Hong Kong see most offices open from 9 am to 6 pm or longer during the week Monday to Friday, with many also opening on a Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Major banks are open from 9 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday and on a Saturday until 12.30 pm.
Retail shops generally are open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with those in popular shopping areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay often welcoming customers until 9.30 pm or even later. When it comes to restaurants, these tend to stay open to around 11 pm. Bars and clubs – as you'd expect – stay open into the wee hours of the morning and longer.
Most shops in downtown areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui and Central accept major credit cards, while vendors and stalls at open-air markets usually only take cash.
You'll find ATMs almost everywhere in Hong Kong, many of which take international cards. Some HSBC 'Electronic Money' machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders.
The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most electrical outlets take a three-pronged UK-style plug. It might be a good idea to carry an adaptor, which can be bought at most convenience stores.
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places in Hong Kong. This includes restaurants, bars, malls and karaoke venues. The ban also applies to public transportation vehicles and facilities, and both indoor and outdoor areas of some places like public beaches, swimming pools and escalators.
Anyone found smoking or carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe in a designated no-smoking area is liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500. The same penalty applies for littering or spitting.
Martin Wynn
