Cooperative Arrangement for Preventing the Spread of Communicable Diseases Through Air Travel (CAPSCA)

1st Steering Committee Meeting

Hong Kong, China, 30 – 31 August 2007

Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China and covers over 1,100 sq. km.

Hong Kong is an international city and an important financial, business, trading, telecommunication and media centre for the growing Asia-Pacific Region.  It is the world’s ninth largest trading economy and has the world’s busiest container port.  Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the world and the busiest in terms of cargo movement and volume.  The massive infrastructure project was voted among the ten best engineering feats of the last century.

Hong Kong is also a city of contrasts offering scenic beauty of its natural harbour and hills, beaches and fishing villages to amazing variety of Chinese, colonial and modern day architecture and man-made achievements.  A ride in the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, the breath-taking view of the city from Peak, a seafood feast at a local fishing village, the views of the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world and the Tsing Ma suspension bridge are some of the fascinating wonders of Hong Kong.  The Hong Kong Disneyland (http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com) is also open for year round enjoyment during your stay in Hong Kong.

The city of Hong Kong is indeed cosmopolitan bringing out the best of East and West.  It is also dynamic and vibrant and a city that never sleeps.  It offers visitors a variety of choices including shopping, sightseeing, side-trips to mainland China and Macao (former Portuguese enclave), swimming, hiking, golfing, horseracing and dining at excellent international and Chinese restaurants.

Visa and Entry Requirements for Hong Kong
Visitors from most countries do not require a visa but some do.  Check the Hong Kong Immigration Department Visa and Entry Requirements to find out if you need a Visa or Entry Permit, and how long you can stay in Hong Kong.

You can get further advice from your closest Chinese Diplomatic or Consular Mission.

Currency and Credit Cards
The Hong Kong Dollar is pegged to the US$ at HK$7.8 to US$1.  Hong Kong has a comprehensive ATM network and most establishments accept Credit Cards.

Language
The official languages are Chinese and English (widely spoken in the service industry).

Weather
The weather during August is hot and humid with occasional showers, particularly during the mornings.  Mean temperatures range from 26ºC to 31ºC.  Relative humidity is about 81%.

The Hong Kong Observatory provides a useful 7 day weather forecast.

Electricity
Electricity is 220 volts, 50Hz.  Most sockets accept rectangular blade plugs (UK style).

Water
Water from public mains meets international health standards.  Electric kettles are available in most hotels.  Bottled water is readily available.

Telephone
Public telephones accept coins, credit card or phone card.  Phone cards can be purchased at convenience stores.

Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to bills.  Some people reward good service with an additional 5% and give porters and the like a small tip.  Rounding a taxi fare up to the nearest dollar as a small tip is a common practice.

Time Zone
Hong Kong is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+8).

Other Useful Information
Discover Hong Kong is a web-site hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board which provides you with other useful information.