Location: Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China, spread over approximately 683 sq. miles, including 235 outlying islands. The main areas are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. Hong Kong Island lies just south of Kowloon, separated by Victoria Harbor. The New Territories are north of Kowloon and border Mainland China. Latitude 22° 18’; Longitude 114° 10’.
Climate: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. The autumn average temperature is 73°F warm, Winter/62°F cool and dry, Spring/73°F rainy and cool. Summer temperatures are hot and humid with an average 91°F temperature.
Time: 12-13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time depending on U.S. daylight savings time.
Population: The population in Hong Kong is now 7 million. Ninety-five percent of the population is Chinese.
Language: Cantonese and English are the official languages. Most shopkeepers, hoteliers, restaurant and service staffs speak some English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken dialect, though use of Mandarin is growing. All major signage is in English or is bilingual.
Safety: Hong Kong is a remarkably safe city by day or night. Police officers patrol frequently and are helpful with tourist needs.
Currency/Exchange: The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of HK$7.8 to US$1, although the rate varies slightly. Currency and traveler checks are easily changed in banks, hotels or moneychangers with some handling charges.
Tipping: Most restaurants add a 10 percent service charge, marked on the bill. An additional five percent can be given as a tip. When a service charge is not included, tipping ten percent is acceptable. Small tips may be given to service workers. For taxi drivers, round up to the nearest dollar.
Electricity: The voltage is 220 volts/50 cycles. Most hotels provide adapter plugs for travel appliances.
Communications: Local calls on pay phone cost HK$1(US13cents) for five minutes, but many shops and restaurants offer free local phone usage.
Accommodations: Hong Kong has a full range of hotels from budget to renowned five-star properties.
Transportation: Hong Kong is geographically compact, with plenty of taxis and excellent public transportation, making local travel quick and easy. Double-decker trams offer some of the best city views and run from early morning hours for just HK$2 (US26cents). The Mass Transit Railway (locally known as the "MTR") is slick, clean and efficient. Rental cars are not often used and rarely needed, but chauffeured cars are widely available. The Star Ferry is another affordable way to view the city by sea, costing only HK$2.20 (US28cents). Many hotels have their own limousines for hire.
Commercial Hours: Banks: 9am-4:30pm weekdays, 9am-12:30pm Saturdays. Shops: Seven days a week, from around 10am to as late as 10pm.
For more information , visit http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/