TELEPHONE

To dial home from Hong Kong, use the international access code 001, followed by the destination country code, area code and number you wish to dial.

For calls to Hong Kong, the international dial code prefix may vary depending upon the country from which the call is made, but will be followed by Hong Kong’s international number +852, followed by the area code and local number.

The main emergency Police number is 999 which is free to call, and suitable for all types of emergency. The mobile phone emergency number is 112.

When travelling with Haivenu, you will also always be provided with an emergency contact number to access our help and assistance.

For mobile handsets, consult your service provider in advance of departure to activate your handset for use in Hong Kong and seek advice concerning roaming charges, which are, however, likely to be expensive.

If your phone is unlocked, another option is to buy a SIM card locally, from one of Hong Kong’s main providers, One2Free, Three, or China Mobile. The Hong Kong Government also offer 5 and 8 day tourist SIM packages.

Hong Kong has extensive 3G and 4G coverage and signal problems are unlikely unless you are hiking in the hilly country parks. You can also purchase contract free handsets locally, though you will also need to purchase a SIM card.

INTERNET

Hong Kong has exemplary high speed internet facilities, among the fastest to be found anywhere. Access to Hong Kong’s extensive free public Wi-Fi network can be achieved by downloading the PCCW App from Google Play or Apple. You can also register a computer at any PCCW Hotspot.

Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi, as do many cafes, restaurants and food outlets.

The 3G and 4G networks are very well developed, and for mobile internet, buying a SIM locally provides a relatively cheap and reliable solution, especially with such extensive Wi-Fi connections available to recuse usage cost, and also provides the added advantage of access to useful navigation and sightseeing apps.

ELECTRICITY

The electricity supply in Hong Kong is 220 Volts, at 50 HZ.

A useful visual reference guide to the full range of international plug and socket varieties can be found at http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/, which describes the type system in use on this website.

Hong Kong’s British colonial history has left the legacy of a standardised system across the country, and all sockets in Hong Kong are of the square three pin type G, as used in the UK.

It is helpful to consider your likely needs in advance. If you will need to charge several items such as mobile phones, tablet computers, cameras etc., it may be worth bringing a multiple, preferably surge protected, outlet from your own country to avoid having to purchase several adapters, or to deal with a limited availability of wall sockets.

In most cases, if your equipment normally runs on a 110 volt, 60 HZ supply, you will additionally need a portable transformer.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Hong Kong officially uses the international metric system of weights and measures, based on the metre, litre and gram, but trading is also legal in imperial measurements and the Traditional Chinese system, which is in common use at local markets, based on the Gan (Catty), which is roughly equivalent to 600 grams, and subdivided into smaller increments called Leung, of which there are 16 to the Gan.

POSTAL SERVICES

Postal services are run by Hongkong Post, which provides a host of modern, very efficient and reliable postal services.

Opening hours can fluctuate according to the local branches, but all branches operate from at least 09:30-16:30 on weekdays and 09:30-13:00 on Saturdays.

Several international operators, such as TNT, DHL, UPS and Federal Express and many more, also operate in Hong Kong.

TIME ZONE

Hong Kong Standard Time is harmonised with China at GMT/UTC+8, though it should be noted for calculation purposes that the country does not operate a daylight saving mechanism.