Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 1 month after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[852] 2523-9011; US Consulate General in Hong Kong, 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong; acshk@state.gov; https://hk.usconsulate.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
852
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Hong Kong: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall
Currency (Code)
Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Cantonese, English, Mandarin, other Chinese dialects
Major Religions
Buddhist or Taoist 27.9%, Protestant 6.7%, Roman Catholic 5.3%, Muslim 4.2%, Hindu 1.4%, Sikh 0.2%, note: many people practice Confucianism, regardless of their religious affiliation
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Victoria Peak; Tian Tan Buddha; Hong Kong Disneyland; Ocean Park; Wong Tai Sin Temple; Victoria Harbour (includes Symphony of Lights, Avenue of Stars); Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve
Major Sports
Soccer, dragon boat racing, badminton
Cultural Practices
Hong Kong Chinese may stand close when talking. However, they are reserved and uncomfortable with body contact.
Tipping Guidelines
A 10% service charge is usually included at most restaurants, but you can leave coins if paying with cash or round up the amount you wish to tip if paying by credit card. Round up taxi fares to the nearest dollar. Taxi drivers sometimes will round up to the nearest dollar to tip themselves. Tip bellhops 2-3 (HKD) per bag.
Souvenirs
Chinese-made goods including silk and cotton items, jade statues, silk paintings, and printed chopsticks; tailored clothing; electronics and computer equipment; bone porcelain items
Traditional Cuisine
Sweet and Sour Pork — spare ribs or pork loin with a scarlet sauce made of vinegar, preserved plums, and hawthorn candy; Roast goose – roasted goose with a delicately crispy skin traditionally served over white rice with a sweet plum sauce on the side
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, September 25, 2023
