Travel Information

Getting Around:
Arriving in Hong Kong

International travelers will arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport. From the airport, the Airport Express is a quick and convenient link to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Alternatively there are a number of buses that service the airport. A taxi from the airport to The University of Hong Kong area will cost about HK$315.

Visitors who enter Hong Kong from Mainland China via Shenzhen can find information about transportation here.

Getting to HKU

HKU is now serviced by the newly opened HKU MTR station. Alternatively HKU is on the route of a number of buses or you could catch a taxi (see below).

 

Public Transportation

MTR

With the interactive MTR journey planner you can input your location and desired destination and it will tell you the routes, times and prices of the trains. It is also available as an app that you can download onto your smartphone.

Bus

Hong Kong has an extensive bus network. This app is very useful as you can input your location and desired destination and it will give you a list of alternative routes.

Tram

Trams operate the length of Hong Kong Island and are an interesting way to see local neighbourhoods. You can see the route map here.

Taxi

Taxis are quite affordable in Hong Kong relative to some other countries and can be flagged down almost everywhere. There are three types of taxis. The red taxis service Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, the green taxis service the new territories and the blue taxis service Lantau Island. 

 

Useful Information:

 

Climate

  • Hong Kong’s climate is sub-tropical. May to August are hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the mornings. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 31°C whereas at night; temperatures generally remain around 26 °C with high humidity.
  • See more: Current Hong Kong weather

Currency and Exchange

  • The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the currency used in Hong Kong. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at airports, banks, hotels and currency exchange stores. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong.
  • See more: HKD exchange rates

Electricity

  • The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts / 50Hz. 

 3-flat-pin socket; enlarge your screen to show a close-up view

Emergency / Useful Numbers

Leisure and Sightseeing

Octopus Card

  • The Octopus card is extremely useful in Hong Kong as it allows you to access all public transport and pay for items in convenience stores and some restaurants. You can buy one from any MTR station and then get the balance and deposit back when you leave.

Smoking Regulations

  • Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, malls and bars. The smoking ban also covers both indoor and outdoor areas of some premises such as public beaches and swimming pools as well as public transport carriers and facilities. Anyone smoking or carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe in designated no-smoking areas might be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.

Time Difference

  • Local Hong Kong time is Greenwich Mean Time +8 hours.

Tipping

  • In general, tipping is at your discretion. While tipping is not mandatory in Hong Kong, a 10% service charge is usually billed in at restaurants.

Visa Requirements

  • A visa is not necessary for visitors from many countries around the world. If in doubt, check this Government website. Visa application forms can be downloaded from the same site.