Hong Kong Information
 
     
  Time  
  Hong Kong time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.  
     
  Climate  
  Winter with occasional cold fronts followed by dry northerly winds. Temperatures ranges from 10 oC - 20 oC (75-80F). Humidity averages 70 percent.  
     
  Currency  
  The currency unit is Hong Kong dollars (HK$). It is pledged with to the US Dollars at a rate of HK$7.8 to US$1, with narrow fluctuation. Most foreign currencies and traveller's cheques are easily exchanged in banks, hotels or money changes. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants throughout Hong Kong.  
     
  Banks  
 
  Business Hours
Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Sunday and public holidays Closed
 
     
  Electricity  
  Electricity is supplied as alternating current; the voltage is 220 Volts and frequency 50 cycles (Hz). Three-rectangular pin plugs are the norm.
 
     
  Entry Visa  
  Hong Kong has a liberal visa policy that allows visa free entries to nationals of more than 170 countries. Those who do require visas should apply at the nearest Chinese Embassy Consulate or Visa Office. When applying for a visa, it is advisable to be at least six weeks in advance. For more details please visit here: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm  
     
  Identification  
  Visitors are advised to carry some photo identification, such as a passport or driving license.
 
     
  Language  
  Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong. All road signs, menus and tourist publications are bilingual. Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect widely spoken here while Putonghua has become more popular here nowadays.
 
     
  Population  
  The estimated population of Hong Kong is 7 million. Almost 98% is Chinese.  
     
  Postal Services  
 

Hotels often provide simple postage service. Post offices open every day except Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays.

 
     
  Public Transport  
  Metered taxis, frequent buses and MTR (underground train) service provide fast, clean, air-conditioned transport in Kowloon and on the Island. Combine all this with famous ferries, trams, trains and local transportation in Hong Kong is safe, easy and inexpensive.
 
     
  Restaurants  
 

Hong Kong has more than 6,000 restaurants specializing in cuisine form many parts of the world. Please contact the Hotel and Tour desk for further information.

 
     
  Safety & Security  
 

Hong Kong is generally considered a very safe city both at night and during the day. As everywhere, however, protect yourself from pickpockets and carry as little cash and valuables as possible. Use a hotel safe-deposit box to store valuables. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPC) has stations and reporting centres throughout the territory.

 
     
  Shopping  
  Most shops and department stores open seven days a week until 9:00 pm. Street markets are in business every day until late into the night. Hong Kong renowned for bargains, speedily made tailored clothing, antiques, jewellery, and electronic equipment. Major credit cards are widely accepted.  
     
  Tipping  
 

Most restaurants add a 10% service charge and also expect to keep the charge. Where tipping is voluntary, 10% is fine. Taxi driver, bellboys, restroom attendants and doorman are also often tipped if the service is good.

 
     
  Insurance  
 

The Congress Committee of APCMV 2009 is not responsible for personal accident and / or damage to the property of participants. Participants should therefore make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance if required.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
Organizer: Hong Kong Society for Microbiology and Infection
Under the auspices of: The Asia Pacific Society of Medical Virology
 
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