Hong Kong is an international city and has a large number of tourists from all over the world throughout the year. According to the statistics of the Government of Hong Kong, the number of international tourists who visited Hong Kong in 2005 reached 10.8 million, which represents an increase of 13.1% compared to 2004. Countries such as Australia, Canada, France, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Great Britain and the United States contribute to significant tourism growth for Hong Kong. This article presents some critical tips for travelers so that tourists can enjoy more and have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong.
1. Identity and personal security
Tourists must carry valid personal identity documents, such as a passport, during their stay in HK. It is a very safe city according to the low crime rate. However, due to the dense population, it is not suggested to carry a large amount of cash when going out, as most stores in Hong Kong accept credit cards. Expensive belongings should be kept in the hotel safe. You can easily find police officers on the streets whenever you run into trouble.
2. Service charges
Most restaurants, except fast food stores, will add a 10% service charge to the bill. Therefore, you can choose to give the odd change dollars as service tips. For the taxi driver or bellboy at the hotel, there is no pre-established rule for service tips, you can choose to give when you think the service is deserved.
3. Telephone service
All local phone calls are free except the public phone, which charges HK $ 1 for every 5 minutes. The emergency call is 999 and it is free to call even on a public phone. You can use an IDD phone calling card or credit card for long distance calls, or just through the carrier for collect calls at all public phone counters.
4. Drinking water
Drinking water in Hong Kong meets the standards of the World Health Organization. However, you can also choose to buy the water bottle in supermarkets if you think it is necessary.
5. Taxi
All taxis only accept cash and have the invoice printed whenever you request it. It is easier to take a taxi at the taxi rank or outside the hotel. Many of the taxi drivers could understand simple English. It is suggested to write down your destination (in English) on paper to minimize misunderstandings. Taxi rates are based on the meter, which is HK $ 15 for the first 2 km and HK $ 1.4 for the next 0.2 km. In addition, there are tunnel rates ranging from HK $ 3-45 depending on the tunnel you have. to drink. The loading chart is clearly displayed on the inner side of the doors so that you can check it before paying. In case of complaints or lost cases, you can write down the name of the taxi driver and his license plate number, which is clearly displayed on the front seat support, and inform the police hotline: 2527 7177 when necessary.
6. Mass Transit Rail (MTR)
Hong Kong has 6 MTR routes, covering most of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories.
1. Tsuen Wan Route: Tsuen Wan to the center
2. Kwun Tong route: from Yau Mat Tei to Tiu Keng Leng
3. Route Tseung Kwan O: North Point to Po Lam
4. Main route: Sheung Wan to Chai Wan
5. Tung Chung Route: Tung Chung to Hong Kong
6. Airport route: from the airport to Hong Kong
Due to the convenience of MTR and the compact area of HK, most tourists find that it is not necessary to rent a car during their stay. Also, due to the very heavy traffic and the complexity of the city’s roads, tourists are not recommended to drive. In case you really need to rent a car, you can check with your hotel and be prepared with your passport and driving license.
7. Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR)
The KCR is the main railway linking the New Territories and the city of Kowloon. Pass through Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu, which takes about 40 minutes the entire route. Lo Wo is the last station you can go through to enter China with a valid visa. The train will leave every 3 to 10 minutes, with the former starting at 5:35 am while the latter leaving at 12:20 pm The ordinary fair and the first class fair cost HK $ 18 and HK $ 36 respectively from Hung Hom to Sheung Shui.
8. Tram
Tram service started in 1904 and is the oldest transportation system in HK. It only serves Hong Kong Island from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, plus another route to Happy Valley. The first tram starts at 6:00 am and runs until 1:00 pm and the fair costs HK $ 2 for adults and HK $ 1 for children under 12 years of age. It is the cheapest means of transport in Hong Kong, and a walk on the upper stairs is highly recommended to enjoy all the scenery on the streets of Hong Kong.
9. Star Ferry
Hong Kong harbor scenery is famous in the world, especially the night scenery. In addition, there is a spectacular light show next to the commercial buildings of Hong Kong Island at 8:00 pm every night that you should not miss. The Star Ferry has been serving the port for more than 100 years, and the fair costs less than HK $ 3 per trip. You can take the Star Ferry from Cental to Tsim Sha Tsui around 8:00 pm You can enjoy the harbor scenery on the ferry and continue with the light show on Starlight Road from Tsim Sha Tsui.
10. Hong Kong International Airport
The most convenient route to Hong Kong International Airport is via the MTR, which takes about 23 minutes from the center. It goes through Kowloon, Olympic, Tsing Yi stations, and the train will leave every ten minutes. With the MTR, you will never miss the plane due to the traditional traffic jam.
Apart from the MTR, you can take the airport bus that starts from 6:00 am in the morning until 11:00 pm at night. Covers most of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with major hotels.