Travel Information
If you are arriving internationally, please check visa and entry permit requirements for your country HERE.
There are multiple options to navigate into the city from the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The recommended route is to take the Hong Kong Airport Express, a train that will transport you to directly from the airport to the city center in 25 minutes or less. If your accommodations are near the conference venue, take the HK Airport Express to Hong Kong Station (final stop) where you can either take a taxi or follow the signs for the subway (MTR) to get to your final destination. Tickets for the train can be bought in-person at the counter, online, or you can use an Octopus card (more information in “Money and Payment” section) to pay at the end of your journey. More information can be found HERE.
If you would prefer direct transportation, taxis are accessible and can take you directly to your location; some drivers may struggle with English, so have your address ready to go. Ubers also operate in Hong Kong but may be more expensive with fewer available drivers.
Hong Kong has one best and most efficient public transportation systems, so renting a car is not needed or recommended. The MTR is the subway system that links most areas of the city, including The University of Hong Kong which is directly connected to the HKU MTR station. The MTR is clean, reliable, and affordable, and you can travel to most main city areas within 30 minutes or less. Other transportation options include bus, minibus, the iconic trams (lovingly known as the ding ding), or ferries across the harbour and to outlying islands. If you are unsure what to use when traveling, Google Maps is a reliable way to plan your route.
Taxis are readily available and can be hailed directly on the street or via the Uber app. Some older taxi drivers do not understand English well, so have the address on hand to show them. Ubers can also be called but may be slightly more expensive and require a longer wait time compared to taxis.
The local currency is Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). Nearly all retail stores, restaurants, and modes of transportation (bus and MTR) will accept credit card. However, certain smaller establishments, local markets, and taxis may only accept cash, so it is recommended to withdraw some if you anticipate exploring the city. ATMs are easily accessible on the university campus and most MTR stations.
Another common form of payment is the Octopus Card that is used across Hong Kong. It allows for fast, easy payment at many stores and all forms public transportation. The Octopus Card can be installed onto your phone via an app (only available for iPhone or Huawei), or a physical card can be purchased at any MTR station information desk (requires a deposit that will be refunded after the card is returned). The app allows top-ups through Apple Pay, whereas the physical card generally requires cash to add value.
There is no sales tax for any goods or services, so tax refunds for tourists are not applicable in Hong Kong. Tipping is not standard in HK, although it is optional for Ubers, at bars, or when ordering food delivery. Some restaurants may automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, but additional gratuity is not expected.
The official languages in Hong Kong are Cantonese, Mandarin and English. All formal signage will be written in both Chinese and English. The main spoken language is Cantonese, but a large portion of the local population speaks English, including all public officials and doctors. There are situations when Cantonese is beneficial, especially in some local shops/restaurants and in areas outside Hong Kong Island (Kowloon and New Territories), but do not be afraid to explore and use a translation app when needed. And perhaps you can pick up some Cantonese words to bring home with you!
Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the entire world. Despite a large population, there is little to no theft, harassment, or violent/petty crime. Women can feel secure traversing around the city alone, even at night. Even so, please pay close attention to your surroundings and call Emergency Services (dial 999) if any situation should arise.
Hong Kong experiences a subtropical/tropical climate. Temperatures in October average 28°C–30°C (82°F–86°F) during the day with around 70-75% humidity, although the weather often feels much hotter if there is sun. October falls at the end of the wet season, so rain and typhoons are not uncommon during this month. Breathable, cool clothing is recommended along with light layers, as many indoor spaces are heavily air conditioned. An umbrella may also be useful to bring or can be purchased as needed at any convenience/general store.