Last updated: 15 Aug 2012
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Hong Kong. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Security
Hong Kong is regarded as one of the safer travel destinations in the world and enjoys an ethnically and politically harmonious life. While generally safe, both business and tourist travellers should take precautions to secure their own safety.
Here are a few safety tips:
- Use money belts and hold your bags firmly as pick-pockets can be active in some parts of Hong Kong.
- Stay alert and avoid ‘people crushes’ on public transport – including the Star Ferry to Kowloon.
- Keep to well-lit, busy shopping streets and avoid isolated areas.
The importing of illegal drugs into Hong Kong is prohibited and severe penalties apply.
Health
Visitors who have travelled through a country infected with cholera or yellow fever must hold a current certificate of inoculation and must be arranged prior to entry into Hong Kong.
Inoculation is also advisable against typhoid and poliomyelitis and for children against diphtheria. Intending residents should also be inoculated against hepatitis A and B.
To avoid the possible transmission of air-borne bugs and more serious disease it is recommended that travellers avoid over-crowded public transport, particularly in more rural areas. Swimming at most beaches is not recommended.
The standard of medical and dental services is generally high. Hong Kong has expensive health and medical costs by Australian standards, so health and travel insurance is essential and should be arranged before departure. Consult your travel agent. Hong Kong has several good hospitals, but accommodation can sometimes be difficult to arrange.
Bottled water is cheap and widely available from convenience stores and supermarkets. For short business travel consuming only bottled water can reduce the possibility of illness.
Travellers who are on prescription medication should carry prescription documentation from Australia.