Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [223]
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Seniors Card
Many attractions in Hong Kong offer discounts for people aged over 60 or 65. Most of Hong Kong’s museums are either free or half-price for those over 60, and most forms of public transport offer a 50% discount to anyone over 65. A passport or ID with a photo should be sufficient proof of age.
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Student, Youth & Teacher Cards
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC), a plastic ID-style card with your photo-graph, provides discounts on some forms of transport and cheaper admission to museums and other sights. If you’re aged under 26 but not a student, you can apply for an Inter-national Youth Travel Card (IYTC) issued by the Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations (FIYTO), which gives much the same discounts and benefits. Teachers can apply for the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC).
Hong Kong Student Travel, based at Sincerity Travel ( Map; 2735 6668; Room 833-834, Star House, 3 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat), can issue you any of these cards instantly for $100. Make sure you bring your student ID or other credentials along with you.
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ELECTRICITY
The standard is 220V, 50Hz AC. Hong Kong’s plug and socket system can be a bit confusing at first. The vast majority of electricity outlets are designed to accommodate the British three square pins, but some take three large round prongs, and others take three small pins. Unsurprisingly, inexpensive plug adaptors are widely available in Hong Kong, even in supermarkets.
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EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Hong Kong is definitely one of the world’s most consulate-clogged cities. You’ll find a complete list of consulates in the Yellow Pages.
Australia ( Map; 2827 8881; 23rd fl, Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai)
Canada ( Map; 3719 4700; One Exchange Sq, 8 Connaught Pl, Central)
France ( Map; 3196 6100; 26th fl, Tower II, Admiralty Centre, 18 Harcourt Rd, Admiralty)
Germany ( Map; 2105 8788; 21st fl, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty)
Ireland ( Map; 2527 4897; Suite 1408, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Wan Chai) Honorary consulate.
Japan ( Map; 2522 1184; 46th-47th fl, One Exchange Sq, 8 Connaught Pl, Central)
Netherlands ( Map; 2522 5127; Room 5702, 57th fl, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen’s Rd Central, Central)
New Zealand ( Map; 2877 4488; Room 6508, 65th fl, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai)
South Africa ( Map; 2577 3279; Rooms 2706-2710, 27th fl, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai)
UK ( Map; 2901 3000; 1 Supreme Court Rd, Admiralty)
USA ( Map; 2523 9011; 26 Garden Rd, Central)
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EMERGENCY
Hong Kong is generally a very safe place, but as everywhere, things can go awry. Although it is safe to walk around just about anywhere in the territory after dark, it’s best to stick to well-lit areas. Tourist districts, such as Tsim Sha Tsui, are heavily patrolled by the police. In the event of an emergency, ring 999.
Hong Kong has its share of local pickpockets and thieves. Carry as little cash and as few valuables as possible, and if you put a bag down, keep an eye on it. This also applies to restaurants and pubs, particularly in touristy areas such as the Star Ferry piers and the Peak Tram. If your bag doesn’t accompany you to the toilet, don’t expect to find it when you return.
If you are robbed, you can obtain a loss report for insurance purposes at the police station in the area in which the crime occurred. For locations and contact details of police stations in Hong Kong, visit www.info.gov.hk/police and click on ‘Contact Us’ and then ‘Report Rooms’.
If you run into legal trouble, call the Legal Aid Department ( 2537 7677; www.lad.gov.hk; 24hr hotline), which provides residents and visitors with representation, subject to a means and