hk_quick_facts

Language

			Chinese and English are the official languages
			Most people speak English in shops, restaurants and hotels.

Currency Exchange

			Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) notes come in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 & $1,000 denominations.
			Coins come in 10 cent, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1, & $2 and $5 denominations.
			Foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be changed all over Hong Kong in banks,
			hotels and money-changers, but banks usually offer the best exchange rate.
			Check the net rates before entering into a transaction with a money changer.

Shopping Hours

			Hong Kong Island
			Central District 10am-6pm Causeway Bay and Wan Chai 10am-9.30pm

			Kowloon
			Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok 10am-9pm Tsim Sha Tsui East 10am-9pm Most shops are open seven days a week.

Transportation

			M.T.R.
			The Mass Transit Railway is fast, efficient, clean and inexpensive. Fares, based on distance, range from HK$3.50 to HK$10.

			K.C.R.
			The Kowloon-Canton Railway is electrified and runs from Kowloon to the border with China. Trains run every 4-15 minutes. Fares range from HK$3 to HK$7.50 on ordinary class, depending on distances.

M.T.R./ K.C.R. Stored Value Tickets save the trouble of buying a ticket for each journey.

Airport Departure Tax

HK$50, in cash. (No charge for children under 12)

Method of Payment

All major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

10% service charge is standard at hotels and restaurants. Tip more if service is good.