Travel Information

Getting Around: Arriving in Hong Kong

International visitors will arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport. From the airport, the Airport Express is an efficient and convenient connection to the city. Alternatively, a taxi directly from the airport to The University of Hong Kong area will cost about HK$400.

Visitors who come to Hong Kong from Mainland China via Shenzhen can obtain information about transportation here.

Getting to HKU

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

Public Transportation

Mass Transit Railway (MTR)

With the interactive MTR journey planner you can input the MTR station from which you depart and your desired station. It will then show you the routes, time involved and the fares. You can also download the MTR app onto your smartphone.

Bus

Hong Kong has a very good public bus network. This app is helpful to your travel planning as you can input your point of departure and the desired destination and it will suggest you a list of alternative routes.

Tram

Trams operate on the Hong Kong Island only and it is a very nice way to see local neighbourhoods. You can get the route map here.

Taxi

Taxis are quite affordable in Hong Kong when compared to some other major cities in the world and can be flagged down almost everywhere.

Useful Information:

Climate

Hong Kong’s climate is sub-tropical. April to May is warm and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Average temperature is around 17°C to 26 °C with high humidity. Evenings can be cool.

See more: Current Hong Kong weather

Currency and Exchange

The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the legal tender in Hong Kong. Foreign currencies can be conveniently exchanged at the airport, hotels, banks and currency exchange stores. All major credit cards are widely accepted by Hong Kong companies and shops.

See more: HKD exchange rates

Electricity

The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts / 50Hz, using 3-flat-pin socket.

Emergency / Useful Numbers

Dial 999 for emergency services (police, fire, ambulance).

See more: Other useful numbers

Leisure and Sightseeing

Hong Kong offers visitors a good range of leisure and sightseeing activities.

The Discover Hong Kong website contains a great deal of useful information for visitors (including mobile apps to download).

Octopus Card

The Octopus card is very useful in Hong Kong as it allows you to access all public transports (except taxis) and pay for items in convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food chain stores and some restaurants. You can purchase one from any MTR station and you get the balance and deposit back when you depart from Hong Kong to your home places.

Smoking Regulations

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all indoor public places, including classrooms, libraries, canteens, restaurants, shopping malls, and public transport carriers and facilities.

Time Difference

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

Tipping

In general, tipping at restaurants/taxis is at your discretion. While tipping is not mandatory in Hong Kong, a 10% service charge is usually billed in at most of the restaurants.

Visa Requirements

A visa is not required for visitors who come from many countries around the world. If in doubt, go to this Government website. Visa application forms can be obtained from the same site.