Daily life

Despite its British colonial past, Hong Kong has always stuck to its roots and the culture beneath the glitz is pure Chinese. People here still cling to their traditional beliefs and religions. They continue to pray and make offerings at temples, shrines and monasteries scattered across the country. These places are always crowded with worshippers burning incense, praying and consulting fortune tellers.
Hong Kong has a varied night life. The young enjoy going to nightclubs, cinemas and discotheques. Shopping is a pleasure in Hong Kong and there is a vast range of goods available. Hong Kong is a duty free port so things can be obtained cheaper than at home.

Physical Background :
Hong Kong is located in eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China. Its terrain is hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north.

Climate :
Hong Kong has subtropical climate with weather ranging from hot and humid to cool and dry. Mid-April to September are hot, humid months. May and June are the wettest, while July and August are the hottest, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C. During winter months of January through March, average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C

Telephone :
Country code : 852 Outgoing country code : 001
Local calls are free, except through public phone booths, which charge HK$1 per 5 minutes.

Currency :
The current exchange rate is 1HK$ =0.128 US$ = 0.1466 Euros
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). Notes are issued by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Corporation, The Standard Chartered Bank, and The Bank of China in denominations of HK$1000, HK$500, HK$100, HK$50, HK$20 and HK$10. There are silver coins for HK$10, HK$5, HK$2 and HK$1; bronze coins for HK50 cents, HK20 cents and HK10cents.
Most foreign currencies and traveler’s cheques are easily changed in Hong Kong, either at the international Airport, banks, hotels, or money-changers.
Holders of visa cards can also obtain local currency from Hong Kong Bank electronic bank ATM’s which are widely situated.
American express, Diners club, VISA, Carte Blanche, JCB, Mastercharge and Air Travel are widely accepted.
Tipping : A 10% service charge is standard at hotels and restaurants.