Frequently Asked Questions about Hong Kong

Citizens of many countries do not need a visa for short trips of 14 to 180 days (depending on nationality). However, it is recommended to check the current regulations for your country before traveling.

You cannot enter Hong Kong with a Chinese visa. Hong Kong has a separate immigration system and requires a separate visa for visiting. If you have a Chinese visa, it does not entitle you to enter Hong Kong.

A transit visa is not required if you do not leave the transit zone and have a ticket for the next flight. However, it is worth checking the requirements for your country.

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. It is also recommended to carry pages for visas and stamps.

Yes, to work in Hong Kong, a work visa is required. The requirements for a work visa for Hong Kong apply to all foreign nationals, regardless of their country. However, the conditions may vary depending on your nationality and the type of work.

In Hong Kong, the passport is not stamped upon entry. Instead, a Landing Slip is issued for tourists and visitors, a special document that confirms your right to stay in the country. The Landing Slip contains information about the duration of your stay and entry conditions, simplifying processing at the border and allowing you to use electronic control systems.

The best time to visit is in the fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in Hong Kong are hot and rainy, and winters are quite cold. Spring is the peak of the rainy season, and despite the warm, pleasant temperatures, you may encounter heavy rain showers.

The best way to get around is public transportation, including the Metro (MTR), buses, and trams. They are convenient, fast, and cost-effective.

A must in Hong Kong are the Dim Sum - light dishes served with a cup of tea according to Chinese tea tradition, fried dumplings, noodles with oyster sauce, and local sweets like "black sesame pudding".

We recommend visiting Victoria Peak, Big Buddha, Chi Lin Nunnery, and Po Lin Monastery. The local markets are also worth a visit.

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Hong Kong as it is strictly treated and meets international standards. However, the water quality may deteriorate in older buildings, so in such cases, it is better to drink bottled water.

The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) and English. Most locals speak a Cantonese dialect.

Money exchange is possible at banks, currency exchange counters, and at the airport. It is also recommended to use ATMs that accept international cards.

In public places, you should be polite. For example, do not speak loudly and do not eat in the subway. You should also respect local traditions and customs.

Yes, there are many places in Hong Kong with free Wi-Fi, including cafes, restaurants, and some public areas. City Wi-Fi is also available in some parks and waterfront areas.

Hong Kong regularly hosts a variety of cultural events, including festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances that reflect local traditions and international trends.

You can pay in Hong Kong in various ways:

• Cash: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the main currency. Cash may be needed for small purchases and at markets.
• Credit and debit cards: Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept international cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
• Mobile payments: Mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay are very popular. They are used in many shops and restaurants.
• Transport cards: With the Octopus card, you can pay for public transport tickets, top up, and use it for small purchases in stores.

Hong Kong is considered one of the safest cities in Asia. However, as in any major city, you should take the usual precautions and not leave personal belongings unattended.

It's worth bringing back from Hong Kong:

• Tea: Oolong and jasmine tea.
• Souvenirs: Magnets and T-shirts with interesting places.
• Cosmetics: Unique local brands.
• Silk: Scarves and handkerchiefs.
• Ceramics: Tea sets and figurines.
• Spices: Spices and sauces from Hong Kong.

Yes, you can swim in Hong Kong! The city offers many beaches, such as Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay, where you can enjoy the sun and swimming. The beaches are equipped with lifeguards, especially during the holiday months. The best time to swim is from May to October when the water is warm. Public swimming pools are also available for relaxation.