Hong Kong is a “special administrative region” of China, with its own government and currency. It consists of Hong Kong Island, plus Kowloon and the so-called “New Territories” on the mainland. Island and mainland are linked by the iconic Star Ferry boats, which take around five minutes to cross one of the world’s most spectacular harbors. Fueled by recent economic growth in China, today’s Hong Kong is thrilling and relentless. Sadly, the Chinese display little interest in historic preservation, and you invariably have to seek out the old: an opera, a lion dance, the bird market or an early-morning session of tai chi.
To phone hotels and restaurants in Hong Kong, dial 011 (international access) + 852 (Hong Kong code) + local numbers in listings.
Passport (valid for one month beyond end of stay). Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov.
Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Fluctuating rate valued at HKD7.76 = US$1.00 as of October 2016.
Consulate General: Hong Kong and Macau, Tel. 2841-2211.
October-March is warm and dry and is the best time for a visit; May-September is rainy, hot and humid.
12 hours ahead of New York (EST). (Time listed is for DST in the West. Difference is one hour more November to mid-March.)
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
