Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [219]
The queues for these visas can be intermin-able, so it is highly recommended that you shell out the extra money and get a proper China visa before setting off, even if you’re headed just for Shenzhen.
If you would like to arrange your visa yourself, you can go to the Visa Office of the People’s Republic of China ( Map; 3413 2424; www.fmcoprc.gov.hk; 7th fl, Lower Block, China Resources Centre, 26 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai; 9am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Fri). Double-entry visas processed in one/two/three days for ‘reciprocal countries’, such as the UK, cost $920/820/670. Visas for double/multiple entry valid for six months cost $220/400. If you require express/urgent service, the double-entry visa costs $370/470 and the multiple entry valid for six months is $550/650. You must supply two photos, which can be taken at photo booths in the MTR (though not all stations have photo booths) or at the visa office for $40. Any photo-processing shop can also oblige.
Visas can be arranged by China Travel Services (CTS; 2851 1700, 2315 7188; www.ctshk.com), the mainland-affiliated agency; a good many hostels and guesthouses; and most Hong Kong travel agents, including those listed on Click here.
CHINA TRAVEL SERVICES OFFICES
There are almost three dozen CTS offices in Hong Kong, including those listed below.
Offices on Hong Kong Island:
Causeway Bay ( Map; 2808 1131; Room 606, 6th fl, Hang Lung Centre, 2-20 Paterson St; 9am-8.30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat)
Central ( Map; 2522 0450; Ground fl, China Travel Bldg, 77 Queen’s Rd Central; 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat)
Wan Chai ( Map; 2832 3888; Ground fl, Southern Centre, 130 Hennessy Rd; 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-6pm Sat)
DIRECTORY
* * *
ADDRESSES
BUSINESS
BUSINESS HOURS
CHILDREN
CLIMATE
COURSES
COURSES
Cooking
Language
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
DISCOUNT CARDS
Hong Kong Museums Pass
Hostel Card
Seniors Card
Student, Youth & Teacher Cards
ELECTRICITY
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
EMERGENCY
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
HEALTH
Diseases
Environmental Hazards
Online Resources
Recommended Immunisations
HOLIDAYS
IDENTITY CARD
INTERNET ACCESS
Wi-Fi & Wireless Broadband Access
LAUNDRY
LEFT LUGGAGE
LEGAL MATTERS
LIBRARIES
MAPS
MEDICAL SERVICES
MONEY
ATMs
Changing Money
Credit Cards
Currency
Travellers Cheques & Cards
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES
ORGANISED TOURS
Air
Boat
Bus
Walking
PHOTOGRAPHY
POST
Receiving Mail
Sending Mail
RADIO
RELOCATING
TAXES & REFUNDS
TELEPHONE
International Calls & Rates
Local Calls & Rates
Mobile Phones
Useful Numbers
TELEVISION
TIME
TIPPING
TOILETS
TOURIST INFORMATION
TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES
UNIVERSITIES
USEFUL ORGANISATIONS
VISAS & PASSPORTS
Visa Extensions
VOLUNTEERING
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
WORK
Work Permits
* * *
ADDRESSES
Addresses in Hong Kong are fairly straightforward. In general, the apartment (or office) number and floor precede the name of the building, street address and district. There are no postal codes. In Hong Kong (and in this book), the 1st floor is the floor above the ground floor. Virtually every business and residential building here has a guard or concierge and a table displaying the names of the occupants.
About the only problem you may have in finding your way around Hong Kong is determining the appropriate exit for your destination from the Mass Transit Railway (MTR; Click here).
Return to beginning of chapter
BUSINESS
Hong Kong is not all about business, but it remains an important aspect of its ethos and character. Some useful business contacts:
American Chamber of Commerce ( Map; 2530 6900; www.amcham.org.hk; Room 1904, 19th fl, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Rd, Central) The most active overseas chamber of commerce in Hong Kong.
Chinese General Chamber of Commerce ( Map; 2525 6385; www.cgcc.org.hk; 4th fl, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Bldg, 24-25 Connaught Rd, Central) Authorised to issue Certificates of Hong Kong origin for trade.
Chinese Manufacturers