Language

English is the official language of the conference.  As a visitor, you can expect to encounter minimal problems communicating in English and Mandarin in Hong Kong, as most taxi drivers, salespeople, tourism industry employees and police have reached competent levels of the languages. All official signs and public transport announcements, as well as most menus, are in both English and Chinese.

 

Weather

Summer in Hong Kong is hot, humid and sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. The temperature can exceed 31°C but high humidity levels can make it feel even hotter.
The average temperature in June to August ranges from 26°C to 31°C.  Detailed information about current and seasonal weather can be found on the Hong Kong Observatory website. When you are in Hong Kong, you can dial 1878 200 to check the latest weather.

 

Time Zone

Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+08) all year round.

 

Currency and Exchange Rates

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the legal tender in Hong Kong. It is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.80 HKD to 1 USD, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly. Foreign currency exchanges are easy to access. Currency exchange counters are available at the Hong Kong International Airport, banks, and hotels.  ATMs are widespread and operate 24 hours.

 

Live rates by XE Currency Converter: www.xe.com/currencyconverter.

 

Credit Cards

Most shops in Hong Kong accept major credit cards; however, at open-air markets, most vendors will only take cash. As these can offer attractive bargains and are found all over Hong Kong, it’s best to bring both cash in Hong Kong dollars and credit cards when shopping. 

 

Telephone & Wi-Fi

Hotels will usually charge for local phone calls and International Direct Dial (IDD) services.  It costs HK$1 for five minutes of local phone calls from public telephones.

 

Free Wi-Fi service is available at the Hong Kong International Airport, some government buildings including public libraries, and MTR stations. You can access the Internet for free at many coffee shops and convenience stores in town. Most hotels offer broadband Internet access at a charge.

 

Electricity and Voltage

The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts, but if not, you will need a transformer for any appliance or electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your electrical equipment at most convenience stores.

 

 

(Source: Hong Kong Tourism Board)