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Travel to Hong Kong

    Transportation

    Travelers can easily get around in Hong Kong using public transportation.

     

    Hong Kong Octopus Card

    The Octopus card is a reusable contactless stored value smart card for making electronic payments in online or offline systems in Hong Kong. The card is commonly used in most major public transport, fast food restaurants, supermarkets, vending machines, convenience stores, photo booths, parking meters, car parks and many other retails business where small payments are frequently made by customers.

    Tourists can purchase a Sold Tourist Octopus Card that does not hold any deposits. Any remaining value on the Sold Octopus is refundable. Sold Tourist Octopus Card is available at any Seven-Eleven, Circle K, Vango convenience stores and all branches of China Travel Services Hong Kong.

    Click here for more information.

    Airport Express/MTR

    Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is a high-speed train infrastructure that covers all major districts in Hong Kong.  Commuters can avoid traffic congestion and better manage their time by taking the MTR. As a tourist, it is recommended to purchase an Airport Express Travel Pass at the Hong Kong International Airport after landing. This travel pass will allow you to enjoy one or two single journeys on the Airport Express, as well as 3 consecutive days of unlimited travel on the MTR, the Light Rail and the MTR connecting buses.  Tickets are available for HK$220 or HK$300 (both include a refundable deposit of HK$50) and is valid for 180 days from the day of issue. For more information, please visit:

    Taxis

    Taxis are typically easy to hail on the street.  In Hong Kong, there are Red Taxis (urban area), Green Taxis (sub-urban) and Blue Taxis (Remote Area).

    Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Hong Kong. The first 2 kilometers cost HK$22 ($4 CAD) and each subsequent 200 meters is HK$1.60 ($0.30 CAD).

    Buses

    Bus routes cover almost all of Hong Kong. Kowloon Motor Bus, New World First Bus and Citybus operate routes that cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. New Lantao Bus mainly operates on Lantau Island and Long Win Bus provides services to north Lantau Island and the airport. Final destinations are prominently displayed in English and Chinese on the front of each bus.

    Other Transportation Options include: Mini-buses, Ferries and Trams

    Blog: Hong Kong in 12 Hours

    What to do when your conference ends at lunch and your flight leaves at midnight?

    Climate

    Subtropical Hong Kong has four distinguishable seasons - warm and humid spring, hot and rainy summer, cool and dry fall and winter. 

    Typhoon season runs roughly from June through to October with June, July and August being the worst months. Hong Kong Typhoon strength is measured by the scale of 1,3, 8, 9, and 10.  When Typhoon No 8 is announced, all schools, offices, banks and public facilities close. Tours may be canceled and public transport stopped.

    If you plan to travel to Hong Kong, a mobile app providing personalized weather service is available for download through the Hong Kong observatory.

    Currency

    Hong Kong pegged its currency to the U.S. dollar in 1983 when negotiations between China and the U.K. over the city’s return to Chinese rule spurred capital outflows. In 2005, policy makers committed to limiting the currency’s decline to HK$7.85 per dollar and capping gains at HK$7.75. The HKMA is required to intervene whenever the currency trades beyond the band of 7.75 to 7.85.

    Travel Resources

    Discover Hong Kong : The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website has a wealth of information on traveling to Hong Kong and tourist activities to suit everyone’s interests.

    Hong Kong Fast Facts : News and information about travel, hotels, events and sightseeing in Hong Kong from a local Hong Konger.