The electricity in Hong Kong is 220 volts, 50 cycles/sec. They accommodate both flat prongs (like in the U.S. and Japan) and round prongs (like much of Europe and Asia).

Credit CardsMajor credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong, but be sure to ask first at small shops and restaurants. You may also get better rates paying in cash. When adding tips to restaurant bills, be sure to write "HK$" and not just "$." CurrencyThe only currency used is the Hong Kong dollar, divided into 100 cents. There are bronze-color coins for 10, 20, and 50 cents; silver-color ones for 1, 2, and 5 dollars; and chunky bimetallic 10-dollar pieces. Bills can be confusing, as there are a range of designs and issuing banks. There are new purple and a few remaining older green $HK10 bills in circulation, as well as bills for HK$20 (blue-green), HK$50 (purple), HK$100 (red), HK$500 (brown), and HK$1,000 (yellow). Don't be surprised if two bills of the same value look different: three local banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Bank of China) all issue bills, and each has its own design. Although the image of Queen Elizabeth II doesn't appear on new coins, old ones bearing her image are still valid.The Hong Kong dollar has been pegged to the U.S. dollar at an exchange rate of HK$7.8 to US$1 since 1983. You can exchange currency at the airport, in hotels, in banks, and through private money changers scattered through the tourist areas. Banks usually have the best rates, but as they charge a fee of up to HK$100 for non-account holders, it's best to change large sums. Money changers do not charge fees, and they are open at conveniently late hours, but the rate of exchange is usually less favorable than it is at banks.

Water from government mains satisfies WHO standards, but most locals don't drink water straight from the tap. Expect to pay HK$10 to HK$20 for a 1½-liter bottle of distilled or mineral water, or drink boiled tap water.

Subtropical Hong Kong has four distinguishable seasons – warm and humid spring, hot and rainy summer, pleasant and sunny autumn, cool and dry winter. On the whole, the weather means that the city is a year round destination.However, due to the tropical cyclones of varying strengths and occasional squally thunderstorms between May and November and the typhoons in September, the ideal travel season is late autumn, from October to around Christmas time. Should you happen to visit Hong Kong in the typhoon season, you should not venture out too far when the typhoon warning is level 3 or less, but stay indoors when it is higher. All shops and banks are closed when a level 8 typhoon warning is given.

DRIVINGDriving in Hong Kong is on the left hand side of the road.Speed LimitsThe standard speeds are as follows:• 80kph (50mph) in urban areas• 120kph (47mph) on motorways

Lightweight clothing and a light raincoat are recommended during the warmer months, while warmer clothes are useful in winter. It should be noted that even during the hottest weather, a jacket or pullover will be required for the sometimes fierce air conditioning indoors.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Good medical facilities are available, and there are many Western-trained physicians in Hong Kong. Hong Kong emergency service response times for police, fire, and ambulances are good.

Prescription drugs are widely available – names may vary. You need a prescription from a doctor in Hong Kong to purchase medications locally. Bring prescription medications to cover your stay in Hong Kong or plan to see a physician in Hong Kong to obtain a new prescription. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Hong Kong to ensure the medication is legal in Hong Kong. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Air pollution is an increasing concern in Hong Kong. Congested vehicle traffic and mainland factories pump out ozone, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides, leading to a visible haze in the atmosphere on most days of the year. Average roadside pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines by 200% and continue to deteriorate, creating health risks for those with allergies, asthma, or cardiac problems.

The following diseases are prevalent: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Chikungunya (via mosquitoes), Avian Influenza, and Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. Hong Kong remains at "Alert" response status for Pandemic Influenza.

Hong Kong is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

Language:Chinese (in the de facto standard of Cantonese) and English are the official languages in Hong Kong. As the majority of the population in Hong Kong are either migrants or descendants of migrants from China's Guangdong Province, the vast majority speak standard Cantonese or other Yue Chinese varieties as a first language, with smaller numbers of speakers of Hakka Chinese or the Teochew dialect of Southern Min.National Emergency Numbers:Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance: The Hong Kong emergency number is 999.Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.PUBLIC HOLIDAYSJan 01 New Year’s DayFeb 08-10 Chinese Lunar New YearMarch 25 Good FridayMarch 28 Easter MondayApr 04 Ching Ming FestivalMay 01 Labor DayMay 14 Buddha’s BirthdayJune 09 Dragon Boat FestivalOct 01 National DayOct 10 Chung Yeung FestivalDec 25 Christmas DayDec 26 Boxing DayTime Zone:Botswana is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.TippingTipping isn't a big part of Hong Kong culture. Hotels and restaurants usually add a 10% service charge; however, in almost all cases this money does not go to the waiters and waitresses. In restaurants, add up to 10% more for good service, or simply round up the tab. In hotels, tip bellhops and other helpful staff members. Tipping restroom attendants is common, but it is generally not the custom to tip taxi drivers.US EmbassyMailing Address: 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong KongTel: +(852) 2841-2211Website: hongkong.usconsulate.gov