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HONK KONGEssential Guide to Hong Kong  Everything you need to know before and during your stay in Hong Kong. Before you Leave: Q: When is the best time to visit Hong Kong? A: Hong Kong is a year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is from the middle of October to the end of February, when the weather is cooler. Q: What should I pack to wear? A: Hong Kong boasts a subtropical climate which means that loose-fitting cotton clothing generally fits the bill. The exception is from mid-December to February, when it might fall to a mild 10°C (50°F) but even in the summer, it pays to bring along a light sweater - air-conditioning in some restaurants and hotels is often turned up high. Rain showers are more likely (through May to September), so be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket or umbrella. Spring (March to mid-May) Temperatures and humidity rise gradually in spring. Evenings can be cool but lightweight jackets suffice. Average temperatures range from 18°C-27°C (64°F-80°F), and humidity is about 82 per cent. Summer (late May to mid-September) Hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 26°C-33°C (78°F-91°F) and humidity near 86 per cent. Short sleeves and cotton clothes are best, with a lightweight sweater for indoors as restaurants tend to set air-conditioning on high. Autumn (late September to early December) Clear and sunny days are the norm in autumn making short sleeves and light jackets most suitable. The average temperature ranges from 18°C-28°C (64°F-82°F), humidity about 72 per cent. Winter (mid-December to February) Winters are mild with low humidity at 72 per cent. Though the temperature ranges from 14°C-20°C (57°F-68°F). Q: Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong? A: Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a valid passport. For UK nationals passports should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain visas for periods varying from seven days to 180 days. (It is recomended you check prior to travelling). Q: Will I require any vaccinations? A: Vaccinations are not compulsory. Check with your doctor, travel agent or airline when making reservations because requirements can change. Q: Do I need to organise my own insurance? A: Whilst the Hong Kong Tourism Board will do everything it can to make sure your trip runs smoothly, there are of course elements that are beyond our control. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you take out your own insurance to cover such eventualities as flight delays or cancellations, loss of baggage, accident or injury etc Q: Is local transportation easily accessible? A: Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient, inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers the greater Hong Kong area with signs in English and Chinese. Q: What is the rule with tipping? A: 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. Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Hong Kong? A: 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. Q: Is English widely spoken? A: Very widely spoken. You will have no problems in communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and most taxis. However, it is worth having your address written in Cantonese as not all taxi drivers speak English. Q: What is the local currency? A: The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Q: How do I best obtain currency in Hong Kong? A: Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere, some providing 24-hour cash withdrawal (HK$) facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders. American Express cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and travellers' cheques at the Express Cash ATMs in town. Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. They close on Sundays and public holidays. Some banks and branches are open slightly longer hours. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing. Q: What hours are shops open? A: Generally, business hours are weekdays 9:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm. The vast majority of shops are open every day. Stores in busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui stay open even later, until around 9:30pm.  Business Etiquette Q: Will I require business cards? A: Business cards are extremely important in Hong Kong and are exchanged automatically. When presenting one to a Chinese person, hold it out with both hands. Q: Is there anything I need to know if I have a business lunch/dinner? A: Eating is a favourite pastime of the Chinese, and business is often conducted over a meal. A good knowledge of behaviour is useful to show your respect for Chinese etiquette and tradition. As a rule in Hong Kong, it is better to dress up rather than dress down for business meetings. Apart from ensuring you are on time for a lunch/dinner meeting, you should wait for the host to show you to your seat. It is considered impolite to fill your own glass without first filling the glasses of others. At the end of your meal, place your chopsticks across the bowl to indicate that you have finished. 
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