Must-Know Tips For Traveling To Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of those international cities that have a vast number of tourists who come from all over the world all year long. The Hong Kong government has statistics that indicate that the number of international tourists who visited Hong Kong in 2006 reached over 10 million, which is about a 13.1% increase when compared to years before. Tourists are coming from everywhere, including: Australia, France, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States to name a few. There are some critical traveler’s tips that tourists need to be aware of so that they can enjoy their vacation without getting into trouble.

Safety first. Tourists should always carry a valid identity card like a passport during their stay in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a low crime rate but it is densely populated, so you don’t want to carry a huge amount of cash. When you go out shopping, you will want to use credit cards and travelers checks wherever possible. Lock up your expensive items in the hotel safe, and when you’re on the street quickly find a policeman if you encounter any problems.

Restaurants. There is a service charge that will be added to the bill when you eat in most restaurants in Hong Kong as a result. You may want to give out service tips for the taxi driver or the bus boy. However, there is no preset form when it comes to service tips, so you can choose to give out whatever you want based on the service that you receive.

Telephone service. It is free unless you use the public telephone, which charges a Hong Kong dollar for every five minutes use. Unlike America, where an emergency call is 911, in Hong Kong. it’s 999, and it’s free even if you use a public telephone. If you choose to call long distance, you can use your credit card or telephone card. or you can simply call the operator. If you use a public telephone, you will need to call collect.

Water. When it comes to the drinking water, Hong Kong’s water passes the World Health Organization’s standards. You may, however, choose to buy bottled water in the supermarkets, if you have a sensitive stomach.

Taxi service. When taking taxis in Hong Kong, be aware that they only accept cash, and they will print out an invoice upon request. It is much easier to catch a taxi at a designated taxi stop or outside of your hotel. Taxi drivers, by and large, can understand simple English; however, it is advisable that you write down your destination in English to avoid any misunderstanding.