Frequently asked questions

Events &festivities

Q: When will Christmas lights be switched on?

A: The exact period of Christmas lights and decorations varies among shopping malls and buildings. Generally speaking, you will find these from mid-November, with large shopping malls the first to set up Christmas decorations inside and out, and more added in various locations around the city from late November. Decorations usually remain until about 1–2 weeks after the New Year. 

Q: Will public transport operate as normal during Chinese New Year?

A: Generally speaking, most public transport including taxis will still be running during Chinese New Year. However, please note that road closures and special traffic arrangements will be implemented during Chinese New Year (normally on the first and second days of Chinese New Year), which may result in route alterations. More details are released by the Transport Department as Chinese New Year approaches.

Q: Will shops and restaurants be closed during public holidays?

A: Most shops and restaurants in major tourist areas will remain open during public holidays. Some of them will be closed on the first and second days of Chinese New Year and will reopen for business from the third day. Some traditional shops and restaurants, such as dried seafood merchants, Chinese medicine stores and small family-owned restaurants, may stay closed for longer. Call to check before visiting.

When to visit and where to stay

Q: When should I visit Hong Kong for the best weather?

A: Hong Kong is a popular travel destination year round. The city enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, while the weather from May to mid-September can be hot, wet and humid, with June and August being the wettest months. For detailed weather information, please visit the Hong Kong Observatory website.

Q: Where is the best area to stay?

A: Hong Kong is very compact, so visitors are never too far from the action. Getting around is simple via Hong Kong’s extensive, reliable and affordable public transport system. Most hotels located close to the harbourfront are in Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and North Point on Hong Kong Island, and in Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui East and Hung Hom in Kowloon. You can also find plenty of accommodation within Kowloon’s busy areas of Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok. And there are a growing number of resort-style hotels in the New Territories and the outlying islands that offer more relaxing alternatives.

Shopping &opening hours

Q: When are summer sales / winter sales periods in Hong Kong?

A: Generally speaking, summer sales run from July to September and winter sales from December to February. However, the exact sales period may vary from shop to shop.

Q: Do shops and restaurants close during long public holidays such as Chinese New Year?

A: Most shops and restaurants in major tourist areas will remain open during public holidays. Some of them will be closed on the first and second days of Chinese New Year and will reopen for business from the third day. Some traditional shops and restaurants, such as dried seafood merchants, Chinese medicine stores and small family-owned restaurants, may stay closed for longer. Call to check before visiting.

Q: Is there any sales tax in Hong Kong?

A: Mostly, no. All goods, other than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free. However, all retail businesses in Hong Kong will charge a minimum levy of HK$1 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers in order to reduce waste.

Q: What are Hong Kong’s official business hours?

A: Opening hours vary from business to business, but here’s a rough guide:

Most offices will open from 9am to 5pm or longer from Monday to Friday, depending on the type of business. Many will also open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Major banks open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Retail shops generally open from 10am to 7pm daily, although those in popular shopping areas such as Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui will stay open until 9:30pm or even later, especially on weekends. Many shops in Hong Kong remain open every day of the year, except the first two days of Chinese New Year.

Restaurants tend to stay open until around 11pm, while bars and clubs, as well as some fast food outlets, will close in the wee hours, with plenty of them operating all night, particularly in popular nightlife hubs such as Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai.

Other topics

Q: Is English widely spoken?

A: Yes. English is widely spoken in Hong Kong and is the language of preference in the government, business and tourism sectors. As a visitor, you can expect to encounter minimal problems communicating in English, as most taxi drivers, salespeople, tourism industry employees and police have reached competent levels of the language. Also, all official signs and public transport announcements, as well as most menus, are in both English and Chinese.

Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Hong Kong?

A: The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts but, if not, you will need a transformer for your appliances or electrical equipment. Electrical outlets in Hong Kong are in the three-pronged UK-style plug format.

Q: Can I use a mobility scooter in Hong Kong?

A: According to the Transport Department, mobility scooters are not allowed to be used in Hong Kong. Please visit here for details.

Wheelchair rental is available for disabled visitors and those requiring mobility assistance during their stay in Hong Kong. Please contact us for more information.

Q: Where can I leave my luggage while I’m travelling around Hong Kong?

A: Left luggage services, such as counters and lockers are available in many places in Hong Kong, including the following, which can be easily located:

Hong Kong International Airport

Major shopping malls

Ferry terminals

Theme parks

Selected Airport Express Stations (Kowloon Station or Tsing Yi Station)

Reprinted from the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board，click here.