Last updated: 15 Aug 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Government offices, most European firms and the larger Chinese business houses are open Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm with an hour for lunch.
Many Chinese businesses open from 9.00am–6.00pm or later, Monday to Saturday.
Major department stores open from 10.30am–10.00pm, Monday to Sunday.
Many Chinese shops keep extended hours, opening from 10.00am–10.00pm daily.
The majority of banks are open from 9.00am–4.30pm, Monday to Friday; Saturday 9.00am–12.30pm.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
February 11-13 – Lunar New Year
March 29 – Good Friday
March 30 –Day following Good Friday
April 1 – Easter Monday
April 4 – Ching Ming Festival
May 1 – Labour Day
May 17 – The Buddha’s Birthday
June 12 – Tuen Ng Festival
July 1 – Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day
September 20 – Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (in lieu)
October 1 – National Day
October 14 – Chung Yeung Festival (in lieu)
December 25-26 – Christmas Day
Chinese New Year, August and late December are not good times to visit Hong Kong for business. Many business people will leave Hong Kong for holidays overseas. Arranging appointments with prospective agents and distributors can be difficult.
For further information on the public holidays in Hong Kong visit GovHK: General holidays for 2013.
Climate
Hong Kong’s climate is subtropical and monsoonal. Winter (December–February) is cool and dry with an average temperature of 15ºC. Summer (May–September) is hot, humid and rainy, with an average temperature of around 28ºC. The humidity level is very high around 66% and temperatures are consistently around 34ºC during the summer months. A compact umbrella is a useful accessory at this time of year.
During the hot months (May–October) light or tropical weight clothing is needed. For the cooler months, heavier clothing and a lightweight coat are appropriate.
Typhoons (known as tropical cyclones in Australia) are more likely to hit during the warmer months of July through to September. Flying debris from high winds is unpredictable and can be extremely dangerous. In high winds and rain remain indoors away from windows and follow instructions on news reports on TV and radio. Typhoons can also severely impact on flight and other transport schedules. It is best to check with your airline and other carriers.
For weather details in Hong Kong, please visit the World Meteorological Organization or the Hong Kong Observatory.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is divided into 100 cents. Hong Kong dollars are freely available at currency conversion outlets in banks and airports.
Time zones and time differences
Hong Kong is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Hong Kong has no daylight-saving time during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
To find out the current time in Hong Kong, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Hong Kong's country code is 852.
For calls to Hong Kong from Australia dial: 0011 + 852 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Hong Kong to Australia dial: 001 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Hong Kong’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The British square three-pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Discover Hong Kong – www.discoverhongkong.com/login.html
Hong Kong Tourism – www.hongkongtourism.net
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.