LOCAL CULTURE
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
When exchanging business cards, hold out your card using both hands, with your name facing towards the person to whom you are giving the card. You should also receive a business card with both hands. Business cards are considered very important, especially when conducting business in Hong Kong.
GIFTS
Never give a book or a clock as a gift because 'book' means losing and a 'clock' means 'paying your last respects' in Cantonese.
TABLE ETIQUETTE
Whenever someone refills your tea cup with tea instead of saying 'thank you', you can simply tap your fingers on the table next to your tea cup.
Taxi Fare
Always ask for a printed receipt. If the printing device fails to operate the taxi driver should issue a hand-written receipt. Make sure the taxi license plate number is legible. Taxi meters start at HK$20 for the first 2 kilometres and every subsequent 200 metres or part thereof: (for meter fare below HK$70.5 ) HK$1.5 (for meter fare of 70.5 and above) HK$1
Tips
Tipping in Hong Kong is a way of life, most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge, but it's still customary to leave a small amount extra. When a service charge is not automatic, 10 per cent is expected. Taxi drivers tend to mark up the fare to the nearest HK$.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Ching Ma Bridge
The Ching Ma Bridge linking Tsing Yi Island to Ma Wan Island is one of the world's longest road/rail suspension bridges with a central span of 1,377 metres. The total length of wire used would stretch four times round the world.
Pandas
Hong Kong is home to four giant Pandas named An An, Jia Jia, Ying Ying and Le Le. You can see them at Ocean Park Panda Habitat on Hong Kong Island.
Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin (Precious Lotus) is on Lantau Island; and unlike most Buddhist monasteries is very simply decorated. The main building is the temple from where you can see the big bronze statue of Sakyamuni - Tian Tan Buddha - on the top of the Muyushan Mountain. It's believed to be the world's largest sitting Buddha statue. You have to climb 268 steps to reach the circling platform (the lotus) where the Buddha sits. It's open to the public between 10am and 5.45pm An entrance fee of HK$23 is charged for access to the Buddha, inclusive of a vegetarian meal or HK$60 for the deluxe dinner served at the monastery.
Smoking Ban
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, such as restaurants, bars, karaokes, mall and also on public transport carriers, beaches, swimming pools, escalators. Anyone found smoking or carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe in designated 'No smoking areas' are liable to a fixed penalty fine of HK$1,500
WHAT TO PACK
Dress Code
Casual wear is acceptable in most restaurants however some fine dining restaurants require a specified dress code. Recommend to check when making a table reservation. You might need a light sweater or jacket as most premises are air-conditioned.
Electric Appliances
Hong Kong's electrical voltage is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. You do not need to carry an adaptor or a transformer, as the hotel can provide you with one.
Local Currency
Before leaving home, try to get some Hong Kong dollars for public transportation and tipping.
Pack a light sweater or jacket
Although Hong Kong is hot and humid during summer, it is advisable to carry a light sweater or a jacket because everyone's air conditioners are normally turned on full blast.
Shoes
Hong Kong is a walking city, so remember to pack comfortable walking shoes. For ladies, it is advisable to pack a pair of flat shoes, which will make it easier to navigate Hong Kong's uneven street surfaces and the many steps around town.