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    HONG KONG

    Your Comprehensive Destination Guide

    At a Glance

    Total area: 1,110 sq. km (428 sq. mi)

    Capital: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR)—its capital

    Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam

    Population: Approx. 7.4 million

    Language: Chinese (Cantonese) and English

    Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

    Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Sat until 1:00 pm

    Telephone/Communication: Hong Kong Standard Time (UTC +8), Country Code: +852 

    Climate: Subtropical. July through September is hot and muggy; December through February is cold and dry; and May through November is typhoon season.

    VAT Refund in Hong Kong
    • Hong Kong does not impose VAT or GST.
    • There is no consumption tax on goods or services.
    • No tourist refund scheme is available for shopping.

    Corporate & Import Duties

    While there’s no VAT, import duties apply to certain goods:

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Tobacco products
    • Hydrocarbon oil
    • Methyl alcohol

    Travel Requirements

     
    Entry Requirements

    Visa: Not required for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.

    Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least one month beyond your intended stay.

    Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked to show evidence of a return or onward ticket.

    Entry/Exit Records: Issued electronically—no passport stamp.

    Customs & Declarations

    Prohibited Items: Firearms, explosives, controlled drugs, and endangered species products are banned.

    Duty-Free Allowances:

    • 1 liter of alcoholic beverage (over 18 years old)
    • Cigarettes and tobacco: Small amounts allowed (e.g., 19 cigarettes or 1 cigar)

    Getting there from the US

    • Major Airport: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
    • Direct Flights: ~14–16 hours from LA, SF, or NYC
    • Airlines: Cathay Pacific (flag carrier), United, American Airlines, Delta, Singapore Airlines
    Travel Safety Tips

    Health & Vaccination Requirements for Hong Kong

    Vaccination Requirements: No mandatory vaccinations for travelers from the U.S.

    Recommended: Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, etc.), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (especially for extended stays or medical treatment), Typhoid (if staying with locals or in rural areas)

    Health Precaution

    Air Quality: It can be poor. Travelers with asthma or respiratory issues should monitor pollution levels.

    Mosquito-borne Illnesses: Very low risk, but protection is recommended in warmer months.

    Food & Water Safety: Tap water is generally safe; bottled water is widely available.

    COVID-19 (as of 2025)

    • Currently, there are no testing or vaccination requirements in place.
    • Mask-wearing may still be encouraged in medical settings or public transport.
    Before You Go:

    General Safety

    • Overall Safety: Hong Kong is considered one of the safest cities in Asia for travelers.
    • Police Presence: The city has a strong police presence and low violent crime rates.
    • Emergency Number: Dial 999 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

    Petty Crime Awareness

    • Pickpocketing: Rare, but can happen in crowded markets or MTR stations—always watch your belongings.
    • Bag Safety: Use anti-theft bags and don’t hang them on the back of chairs at outdoor restaurants or cafés.

    Protests & Public Gatherings

    • Stay Informed: Hong Kong has experienced political demonstrations in recent years. These are mostly peaceful but can disrupt transport.
    • Avoid Protests: Foreigners are advised to avoid participating in demonstrations and steer clear of large crowds.

    Transportation Safety

    • MTR (subway): Clean, safe, and efficient. Avoid rush hour if you dislike crowded spaces.
    • Taxis: Regulated and metered—ensure the driver starts the meter.
    • Octopus Card: Use this smart card to secure public transit payments easily.

    Weather & Natural Hazards

    • Typhoon Season: June to October. Pay attention to Typhoon Warning Signals from the Hong Kong Observatory.
    • Heavy Rain: Can cause flash floods and landslides—avoid hiking during extreme weather.

    Food & Water Safety

    • Street Food: Generally safe and delicious—choose stalls with high turnover and cleanliness.
    • Tap Water: Technically safe, but many locals use filters or boil it. Bottled water is widely available.

    Health & Insurance

    • Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, especially to cover medical emergencies.
    • Pharmacies: Widely available and well-stocked.
    • Hospitals: Hong Kong has excellent private and public hospitals with English-speaking staff.

    Travel Documents

    • Passport Safety: Keep a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) separate from the originals.
    • Hong Kong Immigration: You’ll receive an electronic arrival slip—keep a digital or printed copy for departure.

    Fun Facts!

    • Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers worldwide, with over 9,000 high-rise buildings! The dramatic skyline is a stunning contrast to the city’s lush mountains.

    • Hong Kong is often called the “Dim Sum Capital of the World.” Dim sum means “touch the heart.” Enjoying small bites with tea (yum cha) is a beloved weekend ritual.

    • Hong Kong is home to the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It stretches over 800 meters and helps locals commute up the city’s hilly streets.

    • Once one of the largest film producers in the world, Hong Kong was the birthplace of martial arts cinema and home to icons like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Chow Yun-fat.

    • Although part of China, Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems” principle, meaning it has its own legal, financial, and immigration systems.

    • The Star Ferry has been crossing Victoria Harbour since 1888. It’s one of the world’s most scenic (and cheapest!) boat rides—offering postcard views for just a couple of Hong Kong dollars.

    • Hong Kong hosts the world’s largest permanent light and sound show every night. The Symphony of Lights features over 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour in a synchronized display of lasers, music, and LED lights.

    • In Hong Kong, many buildings skip the 4th and 14th floors due to tetraphobia (the fear of the number 4, which sounds like “death” in Cantonese). You’re more likely to find floors labeled 3A or 15A!

    • The traditional Dragon Boat Festival originated in China, but Hong Kong elevated it to an international sport! The city hosted the inaugural international dragon boat races in 1976.

    • Wild monkeys roam freely in some of Hong Kong’s forest parks, such as Kam Shan. You can spot rare pink dolphins in the waters off Lantau Island, adding to the magical experience!

    Top Places to Visit in Hong Kong

    Traveling to Hong Kong is an unforgettable experience filled with contrasts and surprises. From sky-high cityscapes to peaceful mountain trails, world-famous cuisine, and quiet temple courtyards, this dynamic destination offers something for every kind of traveler. With its efficient infrastructure, friendly locals, and an unusual combination of cultures, Hong Kong makes it easy to explore, connect, and be inspired.

    Whether you’re here for a quick stopover or a deep dive into its neighborhoods and nature, Hong Kong invites you to slow down, look up, and savor the vibrant rhythm of a city that never sleeps—yet always finds time for tea.

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