Hong Kong has much to offer the tourist with interesting sightseeing, delicious food, great shopping and an experience in a country with probably a very different culture to your own. These 7 Hong Kong Travel Tips will be useful in preparing your itinerary and knowing what to expect when you arrive in this fascinating travel destination.

Tip 1 - Climate

Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical climate with two distinct seasons. Summer temperatures 26-31oC Winter - 14-20oC It can get very humid.

Tip 2 - Currency

The Hong Kong dollar is floating and pegged to the US dollar, so it will fluctuate a little. Cash and Travellers cheques can be changed at banks (recommended for the best rate), hotels and money changers. All main credit cards are accepted in most shops, hotels, restaurants etc.

Tip 3 - Dining Tips

To ensure a seat it pays to book at popular restaurants during lunchtime (1-2pm) and evenings.
Dress Code - Casual wear is acceptable for most restaurants. Some exclusive restaurants will have a dress code requiring a jacket and tie.It may pay to check if you are dining in a top class restaurant.
Service Charge - Most hotels and restaurants will add 10% service charge. Otherwise tipping is your choice.
Condiments, tea, snacks - these will often be brought to the table but you will need to ask the waiter if there is an extra charge for them. This varies in different restaurants
Paying by Credit Card - Most restaurants accept credit cards....ask your waiter

Tips 4 - Smoking

Smoking in Hong Kong is prohibited in all indoor areas, and some public places such as beaches, swimming pools, transport terminals etc

Tip 5 - Litter

Hong Kong has strict laws and a HK$1,500 fine for littering or spitting.

Tip 6 - Hong Kong Travel Passes

MTR Tourist Tickets are available.
Airport Express Travel Pass - Choose the pass suited to your stay - either a Three Day Pass with unlimited travel on MTR with one or two single trips on the Airport Express or
A Tourist Day Pass - Both Child and Adults Passes are available - with a full day of unlimited travel. They are valid for a month from the day of issue. NOTE: These passes are for non Hong Kong residents staying for less than 14 days..
Octopus Card - This is an electronic fare card for all public transport. Buy them at restaurants and stores. You can top up the card like a phone card... these are excellent saving the need to carry small change

Tip 7 - Taxis

You can easily tell which is the correct taxi as they are different colours for each area of Hong Kong.

Red - Urban taxis
Green - New Territories
Blue - Lantau Island

You will see the taxis when you leave the airport... it is good to know which colour you will need to get to your hotel!

More on taxis -

There are extra charges for tolls and luggage handling.
Passengers are by law expected to wear seat belts.
Always get a receipt so lost luggage etc can be tracked.
Travelling Hong Kong Phrasebook. - all taxi drivers have this book and you can get them to use it if you are having communication difficulties or they are unsure of where your hotel is.

Click here to read the full list of 10 Hong Kong Travel Tips http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/hong-kong-travel-tips.html. Having all this information prior to arrival can save you a lot of time and money, so I trust it has been useful... be sure to check out the different passes available.

Gail Gillespie of http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com