Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [234]
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TIME
Hong Kong does not have daylight-saving time. Hong Kong time is eight hours ahead of GMT and London; 13 hours ahead of New York; 16 hours ahead of San Francisco; the same time as Singapore, Manila and Perth; and two hours behind Sydney.
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TIPPING
Hong Kong isn’t particularly conscious of tipping and there is no obligation to tip, say, taxi drivers; just round the fare up, or you can throw in a dollar or two more. It’s almost mandatory to tip hotel staff $10 to $20, and if you make use of the porters at the airport, $2 to $5 a suitcase is normally expected. The porters putting your bags on a push cart at Hong Kong or Kowloon Airport Express station do not expect a gratuity, though; it’s all part of the service.
Most hotels and many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Check for hidden extras before you tip; some midrange hotels charge $3 to $5 for each local call when they are actually free throughout the territory, and some restaurants consistently get the bill wrong. If using the services of a hotel porter, it’s customary to tip them at least $10.
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TOILETS
Hong Kong has never had as many public toilets as other world-class cities, but that is changing rapidly, with new ones being built and old ones refurbished and reopened. They are always free to use. Almost all public toilets have access for people with disabilities, and baby-changing shelves in both men’s and women’s rooms. Equip yourself with tissues, though; public toilets in Hong Kong are often out of toilet paper.
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TOURIST INFORMATION
The enterprising and energetic Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB; 2508 1234; www.discoverhongkong.com) is one of the most helpful and useful tourist organisations in the world. Staff are welcoming and have reams of information. Most of its literature is free, though it also sells a few useful publications and books, as well as postcards, T-shirts and souvenirs.
Before you depart, check the comprehensive HKTB website. While on the ground in Hong Kong, phone the HKTB Visitor Hotline ( 2508 1234; 8am-6pm) if you have a query, a problem or you’re lost. Staff are eager to help.
HKTB Visitor Information & Service Centres can be found on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon, at Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island, and in Lo Wu, which is on the border with the mainland. Outside these centres and at several other places in the territory you’ll be able to find iCyberlink screens, from which you can conveniently access the HKTB website and database 24 hours a day.
Hong Kong International Airport HKTB Centres ( Map; Chek Lap Kok; 7am-11pm) There are centres in Halls A and B on the arrivals level and the E2 transfer area.
Hong Kong Island HKTB Centre ( Map; Causeway Bay MTR station, near exit F; 8am-8pm)
Kowloon HKTB Centre ( Map; Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui; 8am-8pm)
Lo Wu HKTB Centre ( Map; 2nd fl, Arrival Hall, Lo Wu Terminal Bldg; 8am-6pm)
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TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES
People with disabilities have to cope with substantial obstacles in Hong Kong, including the stairs at many MTR stations, as well as pedestrian overpasses, narrow and crowded footpaths, and steep hills. On the other hand, some buses are accessible by wheelchair, taxis are never hard to find, most buildings have lifts (many with Braille panels) and MTR stations have Braille maps with recorded information. Wheelchairs can negotiate the lower decks of most ferries.
For further information about facilities and services in Hong Kong for travellers with disabilities, contact either of the following:
Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled ( 2602 8232; www.hkparalympic.org)
Joint Council for People with Disabilities ( Map; 2864 2931; www.hkcss.org.hk; 11th-13th fl, Duke of Windsor Bldg, 15 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai)
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UNIVERSITIES
Hong Kong