Going to Hong-Kong 香港: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay Hong-Kong 香港

Money Hong-Kong 香港

The currency of the country is the Hong Kong Dollar, symbolized by HK$ or HKD. HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500 and HK$1,000 banknotes are available. Coins are available in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 HK$. Banknotes are issued by several banks: Bank of China, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank, which explains why bills of the same denomination sometimes look different.

The exchange rate in December 2024 is €1 = HK$8.14; HK$100 = €12.28.

Payments. Most payments are made by card (bank or Octopus). Bring some cash for cabs, street markets and street vendors. When paying by card, currency conversion charges may apply, as well as foreign transaction fees. Check the terms and conditions of your card before you leave.

Banks. To avoid unpleasant surprises, systematically check your credit card limits before you leave. And to be on the safe side, tell your banker about your trip, as there are sometimes options to be unlocked before you can use your card abroad. And in the event of a problem, your bank will be able to increase your limit remotely. In the event of loss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you appropriate solutions so that you can continue your trip with complete peace of mind. Before you leave, make a note of the assistance number printed on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 24/7. In the event of a stop payment, this is immediately confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number.

Withdrawals. ATMs are ubiquitous in shopping centers, high streets, subway stations, airports and even supermarkets. Here's a glossary of terms that may come in handy when withdrawing money in English: retrait is withdrawal. If you're asked to choose between withdrawing from a checking account, a credit account or a savings account, opt for checking account. Indicate theamount and click enter. To the question would you like a receipt? answer yes and keep your receipt.

Budget & Tips Hong-Kong 香港

Cost of living. The cost of living is relatively high, especially for accommodation and food in upscale or European-style establishments. For your information, Hong Kong is one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world. The median salary is around HK$18,000 to HK$19,000 per month. This means that 50% of the population earns less than this and 50% earns more. Salary disparities are huge in Hong Kong, so an unskilled job can earn as little as HK$10,000 a month, while in specialized sectors like tech or finance - where most expats work - salaries can easily exceed HK$40,000.

Budget/day. An average budget per day for a traveler in Hong Kong can vary from HK$500 to HK$1,000, depending on your travel style. This amount includes accommodation, food, transport and some paid visits. Low budget (backpacker): HK$300 to HK$500 per day. Medium budget: HK$700 to HK$1,200 per day. Big budget: HK$1,500 per day and above. For a mid-range hotel, expect to spend around HK$600 to HK$1,200 per night. Hostels and budget hotels are available from HK$200 to HK$500 per night. A meal in a local restaurant ( cha chaan teng style) will cost you between HK$40 and HK$90. If you opt for mid-range or high-end restaurants, prices easily exceed HK$300 per person. For transport, the metro is a very affordable way to get around, with fares ranging from HK$4 to HK$28 depending on distance, as are buses and ferries. Cab fares start at HK$29 and can quickly climb depending on distance. For sightseeing, temples, parks and hiking sites are free of charge. Museums generally charge a fee.

Flights to/from Hong Kong. Expect to pay between €500 and €1,200 for a direct return flight from Paris to Hong Kong. Booking several months in advance and avoiding busy periods such as Golden Week or Chinese New Year can save you a lot of money.

Good deals. The best way to save money is to book flights and hotels well in advance. You should also avoid busy periods such as Golden Week in October or Chinese New Year in January-February. To eat on a budget, explore local markets such as Temple Street in Mong Kok or local canteen-style restaurants. You'll find tasty local specialities for just a few euros. You can also take advantage of free activities such as the Symphony of Lights light show on the waterfront, which takes place every evening at 8pm. See it from the TST promenade.

Tipping. Tipping is not compulsory in Hong Kong, and the practice is not very common. If you wish to leave a tip in a restaurant or to a cab driver, rounding the amount is sufficient. For small services such as hotel porters, a tip of HK$10-20 is appreciated but not required.

Taxes. There is no VAT in Hong Kong, which makes shopping a little more affordable than in other cities. Note also that in restaurants and hotels, service charge (10%) is not always included in the advertised price and is added at checkout.

Haggling. This is an accepted practice in the street markets on the Kowloon side (do it respectfully, you might get 10-20% off), but not in the stores.

Passport and visas Hong-Kong 香港

For French and Belgian citizens, formalities for travel to Hong Kong are fairly straightforward, especially for short stays for tourism purposes.

Passport. French and Belgian citizens must have a passport valid for at least one month after the planned date of departure from Hong Kong.

Visa. As a French or Belgian citizen, we do not require a visa for a tourist or business stay of less than 90 days in Hong Kong. A visa is required for a stay of more than 90 days or for other reasons (work, study, etc.).

Formalities on arrival. On arrival, the Hong Kong authorities will ask you for a valid passport, proof of a return or onward ticket and an Arrival Card. This immigration form is designed to record travelers' essential information on arrival (full name, nationality, passport number, Hong Kong address, length of stay and flight number). This form - on a small sheet of paper - is distributed during the flight, at the airport or station.

To/from Macau. If you're planning a trip to Macau, you'll be crossing a border. Remember to bring your passport. Your Hong Kong Arrival Card will be collected by the customs officer on departure, and you'll need to fill in a new one on your return to Hong Kong (distributed on the ferry).

To/from mainland China. From 2024 until at least the end of 2025, Belgian and French nationals can stay in mainland China without a visa for 15 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of exit. At customs between Hong Kong and China, you will need to provide your travel itinerary and the address of your hotel (in Chinese).

Chinese embassies. Chinese Embassy in France: 11, Avenue George V, 75008 Paris (+33 (0)1 40 70 04 01, http://fr.china-embassy.gov.cn/fra/). Chinese Embassy in Belgium: 109 rue Neerveld, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, 1200 Brussels (+32 27 75 08 88, http://be.china-embassy.gov.cn/fra/).

Driver's license Hong-Kong 香港

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Hong Kong. This license is a complement to your national license and must be presented at the same time as the latter. To rent a car, most rental agencies require the driver to be at least 21 years old (sometimes 25) and to have held a valid driving license for at least 1 or 2 years. Remember that in Hong Kong, as in the UK, you drive on the left. The road network in Hong Kong is well developed, with modern, well-maintained roads. Road signs are in both English and Chinese, making them easy to understand.

Health Hong-Kong 香港

Hong Kong has an advanced healthcare system and high health standards.

Dengue fever. There are sporadic cases of dengue fever in Hong Kong (around 20 a year), especially during the rainy season. Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes, so precautions such as the use of mosquito repellents and the wearing of covering clothing are recommended. Dengue fever results in a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, severe joint and muscle pain). There is no preventive treatment. Never take aspirin. As this disease can be fatal, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in the event of fever, and to drink water regularly.

Gastrointestinal diseases. Gastrointestinal disorders can be caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water. Although health standards are high, it is prudent to eat in official restaurants and avoid dubious food or drink.

In the event of illness. Consult a pharmacist as soon as possible, then a doctor. And contact the French consulate, which will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation.

Drinking water. Tap water in Hong Kong is generally considered safe to drink and meets WHO standards. However, most residents use water filters or boil their water before consumption, or even drink bottled water exclusively, due to its chlorinated taste. What's more, some older buildings may have damaged pipes that can contaminate the water, even if this is rare. In short, if you're sensitive to water changes, it's best to fill your water bottle at hotel or park water fountains.

Travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance before you leave. Make sure it covers medical expenses, emergencies and repatriation. Medical care in Hong Kong is of high quality, but can be expensive without insurance.

Pharmacy kit. Bring any personal medication you may need with you, as over-the-counter medicines in Hong Kong may differ from those available in France.

Mandatory vaccination Hong-Kong 香港

There are no compulsory vaccinations for staying in Hong Kong, but as with any trip, it's advisable to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Recommended vaccinations include those for diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP), rubella, mumps and measles in children, and tuberculosis. Depending on travel conditions, vaccination against typhoid fever, rabies and viral hepatitis A and B may also be advisable, and for those planning extended stays in Asia and rural areas, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis may be useful. Ask your doctor or an international vaccination center (www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr) for advice.

Security Hong-Kong 香港

Good news! Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, for residents and visitors alike.

General safety. Hong Kong is considered extremely safe, day and night. Crime is relatively low.

National Security Law. Although the National Security Act primarily targets Hong Kong citizens, foreigners are not exempt. It provides for seven charges (treason, secession, sedition, subversion, theft of state secrets, activities of foreign political organizations or groups within the territory, and establishing links between the latter and local organizations to commit acts against national security). Political statements on social networks are also likely to fall within its scope.