Hong Kong travel tips
Hong Kong is one of Asia’s top destinations, famous for its shopping and culinary delights. Getting around is quick and easy, and is supported by an excellent tourist infrastructure. However, pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas. Here are some basic tips and comments to be aware of.
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To fit in at a Chinese restaurant or teahouse, remember when someone serves you hot tea, it's customary to tap two bent fingers on the table as an expression of thanks.
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A great way to escape the hustle and bustle is to combine a train or ferry ride to the outer islands where life is lived at a slower pace and floating restaurants serve delicious fresh seafood with a natural backdrop.
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There are laws against public spitting and littering, but they are rarely enforced. Be prepared for very blatant and at times loud spitting anywhere you go.
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Most currencies can be exchanged at the banks or local moneychangers. Travellers cheques denominated in most countries can also be exchanged. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
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Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge, but will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10 per cent tip. However, the tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.
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Going for a sauna and massage can be very relaxing. It can also be dangerous. Check the massage parlour out before lying down and submitting yourself to those deft hands. Though there are many places offering massage, it’s a good idea to check that these people have in fact studied for the job as you could come away with more aches and pains than you started out with, or be offered more than you bargained for as sexual favours are not uncommon.
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It is possible to go surfing in Hong Kong. Tucked away in one of Hong Kong's most inaccessible corners rests Dai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) - one of the region’s few remaining unspoilt natural jewels. As the seasons change and autumn brings the north-easterly monsoon, the swell increases and waves have been known to have four-metre faces, although two to three metres would be average.
Useful travel tips resources
Footprint Guides - Hong Kong
Essential resource on travel in Hong Kong from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Exhaustive site covering all there is to see and do in Hong Kong.
http://www.discoverhongkong.com
Asia Travel Tips – Hong Kong
Covers hundreds of topics related to travel in Asian countries.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/
More topics on this site…
Hong Kong travel information
Hong Kong health and safety
Hong Kong maps and geography
Essentials
Visas: Depending on nationality, up to six months without visa
Season: Year round
Money: Hong Kong Dollar – ATMs found almost everywhere
Language: Chinese (Cantonese) and English – both official
Emergency #: Police, fire, ambulance: 999