+ 7 h / + 6 h during our summer time

• Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China and does not have a capital.

English and Cantonese

• 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for Type D and G sockets is required.

Banks

9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
9.00 a.m.–1.00 p.m. (Sat)

Shops

10.00 a.m.–7.00/9.30 p.m. (daily)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (San Nin)
• Chinese New Year (Nung Lik San Nin): date varies, usually in January or February
• Ching Ming Festival (Ching Ming Jit): 4 or 5 April
• Good Friday (Ye Sou Sau Nan Jit): date varies, the Friday before Easter
• Easter Saturday (Sing Jau Luk): date varies, the day after Good Friday
• Easter Monday (Fuk Wut Jit Sing Kei Yat): date varies, the Monday after Easter
• 1 May: Labour Day (Lau Dung Jit)
• Buddha’s Birthday (Fat Dan): date varies, the 8th day of the 4th lunar month
• Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Jit): date varies, the 5th day of the 5th lunar month
• 1 July: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day (Heung Gong Dak Bit Hang Jing Koo Sing Lap Gei Nim Jit)
• 1 October: National Day of the People’s Republic of China (Gwok Hing Jit)
• Day following the Mid-Autumn Festival (Jung Chau Jit Yuk Yat): date varies, the day after the 15th day of the 8th lunar month
• Chung Yeung Festival (Chung Yeung Jit): date varies, the 9th day of the 9th lunar month
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Sing Daan Jit)
• 26 December: Boxing Day (Sing Daan Jit Hau Jit)

The following documents are required to enter Hong Kong:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least one month after arrival.
• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
• Travellers must present a return ticket and proof of sufficient financial means.
• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: June 2024

Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 25.2°C. The summer months are hot and humid. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 31.5°C, closely followed by August. Night-time temperatures also remain above 25°C during the height of summer. The rainy season runs from April to September, with the highest rainfall occurring in June. Autumn is the most pleasant season in Hong Kong, as the weather becomes drier and sunnier from October onwards. Sea temperatures average around 27°C in summer and fall to approximately 16°C in February, with an annual average of 23°C.

• The ideal time to visit Hong Kong:
• Sightseeing and culture:
• Spring, from March to May: temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 17°C and 26°C, making this an ideal time to explore the city and visit cultural attractions. Humidity is moderate and rainfall is less frequent.
• Autumn, from September to November: the weather is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 28°C. This period is ideal for city tours, cultural events and festivals.
• Beaches and outdoor activities:
• Summer, from June to August: hot temperatures ranging between 26°C and 31°C make this an ideal time for beach visits and water sports. However, this is also the rainy season, with high humidity and the possibility of typhoons, so travellers should monitor the weather forecast.
• Shopping and culinary experiences:
• Winter, from December to February: temperatures are mild, ranging between 15°C and 20°C, making this an ideal period for shopping and culinary experiences. Many shopping streets and markets are less crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the diverse gastronomic offering in a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Hiking and nature:
• Autumn, from September to November: conditions are ideal for hiking in Hong Kong’s green hills and nature parks. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 19°C and 28°C, and the landscape takes on vivid autumn colours.
• Spring, from March to May: this is also a good time for outdoor activities, with flowering vegetation and clear days that are ideal for nature lovers.

• Using a mobile phone in Hong Kong incurs roaming charges. It is advisable to check the applicable roaming fees before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a special roaming package to reduce costs.
• Numerous Wi-Fi.HK hotspots offering free Wi-Fi are available throughout Hong Kong. They can be found at major tourist attractions, shopping centres, parks, visitor centres, sports facilities, museums, ferry terminals, food courts and government buildings.
• The Prepaid Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card makes it easy to stay connected during your trip, without subscription fees. It is available at 1O1O Centres, more than 1'000 7-Eleven, Circle K and VanGO branches, csl and HKT shops, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Kowloon Visitor Centre.

• Victoria Peak: breathtaking views of the Hong Kong skyline.
• Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: the perfect place for a walk overlooking Victoria Harbour.
• Hong Kong Disneyland: a popular theme park for families and Disney fans.
• Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha): an enormous Buddha statue located on Lantau Island.
• Ngong Ping 360: a cable car ride offering spectacular views of Lantau Island.
• Star Ferry: a historic ferry service between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
• Temple Street Night Market: a lively night market offering food, souvenirs and entertainment.
• Hong Kong Museum of History: an extensive exhibition dedicated to the history of Hong Kong.
• Ocean Park: a large theme and marine park featuring animals and numerous rides.
• Man Mo Temple: a historic temple on Hong Kong Island.

For more inspiration and practical tips, read our blog article “Hong Kong city break: attractions, culinary highlights and a surprising abundance of nature”. It features the most beautiful sights and neighbourhoods, culinary recommendations and ideas for nature, island and cultural experiences.

Hong Kong is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, which values local ingredients and blends Cantonese, Chinese and international influences. Hong Kong cuisine offers a wide range of authentic flavours, from traditional dishes to modern culinary creations.

• Dim sum: small steamed or fried dishes, often served in bamboo baskets. These include dumplings, buns and pastries, usually filled with meat, seafood or vegetables.
• Char siu: sweet roasted pork marinated in honey, soy sauce and Chinese spices.
• Wonton soup: a clear broth with dumplings filled with prawns, pork and vegetables.
• Roast goose: a famous Cantonese dish in which goose is marinated in a special mixture and roasted until crispy. It is often served with rice or noodles.
• Egg tart: a popular pastry made with puff pastry or shortcrust pastry and filled with a sweet egg custard.
• Hot pot: a sociable meal in which various ingredients, such as meat, seafood and vegetables, are cooked together in a shared pot of broth.
• Pineapple bun: a soft bun with a sweet, crispy crust resembling the surface of a pineapple. Despite its name, it contains no pineapple.
• Milk tea: strongly brewed black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk.
• Clay pot rice: rice cooked in a clay pot with various ingredients, such as chicken, Chinese sausage and vegetables.
• Fish balls: small fish dumplings served in a clear broth or offered on skewers as street food.

• Greeting: in Hong Kong, it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone. A slight nod may also be appropriate, particularly on formal occasions. “Lei Ho” means “hello” in Cantonese.
• Saying please and thank you: politeness is important. “Mgoi” means “please” and “Doh Jeh” means “thank you”. To express greater gratitude, you can say “Mm Goi Sai”.
• Clothing: clothing in Hong Kong is generally casual. However, formal attire is appropriate for business meetings and official occasions. Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples and religious sites.
• Dining etiquette: sharing dishes is common, particularly during dim sum and other traditional meals. It is polite to try at least a small portion of everything offered. Chopsticks should not be left standing upright in a bowl of rice, as this is considered inappropriate.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public areas, including restaurants, shopping centres and on public transport. It is always polite to ask before smoking near other people.
• Tipping: tipping is not compulsory in Hong Kong. However, a tip of 10% is appreciated in upmarket restaurants if a service charge is not already included in the bill. In taxis, it is customary to round up the fare, while hotel porters appreciate a small tip.

• Tap water: tap water in Hong Kong is technically safe to drink and meets international standards. However, many residents and visitors prefer bottled water, as the quality of the pipework may occasionally lead to impurities. It is therefore advisable to drink bottled or filtered water.
• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are required to enter Hong Kong. However, travellers are advised to ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, including tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis A and B.
• Air pollution: air pollution in Hong Kong can be particularly problematic for people with respiratory conditions or other pre-existing health problems. On days with high pollution levels, it is advisable to reduce outdoor physical activity and remain indoors whenever possible.

• Medical care in Hong Kong meets high international standards. There are numerous modern hospitals and clinics offering both public and private healthcare services. Many doctors and medical staff speak English, particularly in private hospitals and clinics, making communication easier for foreign visitors.
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance covering medical expenses, as treatment can be costly, particularly in private facilities.
• Pharmacies are widely available and well stocked. Many medicines that normally require a prescription may be available over the counter. Nevertheless, it is advisable to bring an adequate supply of any medication you require.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• The crime rate in Hong Kong is relatively low. However, occasional petty crime, such as pickpocketing, may occur, particularly in busy places such as markets, shopping centres and on public transport. Remain vigilant and keep a close eye on your valuables.
• The risk of terrorism in Hong Kong is relatively low compared with many other major cities. There are currently no indications of any specific terrorist threat. Nevertheless, travellers should remain vigilant.

As of: June 2024

• Traffic drives on the left!
• A Swiss driving licence is recognised in Hong Kong. However, travellers are advised to carry an international driving permit as well.
• The minimum age for renting a car is generally 25, depending on the rental company. Drivers under the age of 25 are rarely able to rent a vehicle.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰.

• Long-distance trains: Hong Kong is connected to mainland China by the high-speed rail network. West Kowloon Station offers services to cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Beijing.
• Regional trains: the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) operates an efficient regional rail network connecting Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island. This provides fast and convenient travel within the city and to surrounding areas.
• Buses: a dense network of double-decker buses and minibuses serves all districts. The main operators are KMB, Citybus and New World First Bus.
• Underground: the MTR forms the backbone of public transport in Hong Kong. The system is modern and reliable and serves all major districts and tourist attractions.
• Ferries: ferries are an essential part of Hong Kong’s public transport network and offer a scenic alternative to travelling by bus or train. The Star Ferry is particularly famous for its services between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, offering breathtaking views of the skyline. Numerous other ferry services connect the different islands and districts, including the route between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, the Lamma ferries and services to Cheung Chau and Lantau Island.
• Trams: Hong Kong Tramways operates one of the oldest tram systems in the world, which has been in service since 1904. The double-decker trams run along the northern coast of Hong Kong Island and offer a nostalgic and affordable way to explore the city.
• Tickets: tickets for the MTR and other forms of public transport can be purchased at most stations. The Octopus card is a rechargeable contactless smart card that can be used on all public transport services and in many shops. It is the most convenient way to travel around Hong Kong.
• Apps: the HKeMobility app provides comprehensive information on all forms of public transport, including real-time updates, route suggestions and traffic conditions. The MTR Mobile app provides timetables, maps and real-time information about underground services. Moovit is ideal for route planning and viewing the best transport options in real time.

• Hong Kong is a major international aviation hub, served by Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on the island of Chek Lap Kok. It is one of the world’s busiest airports and offers numerous international and regional connections.
• Direct flights from Zurich to Hong Kong are available with Cathay Pacific and SWISS.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 999

62nd floor, Suite 6206
Central Plaza
18 Harbour Road
Wan Chai

Tel. +852 3509 5000
Email: hongkong@eda.admin.ch

• Seat belts are compulsory in cars, taxis and minibuses. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a fine.
• Hong Kong imposes strict fines for all forms of littering and defacement of public spaces. This includes discarding cigarette ends and packaging, spitting in public and spraying graffiti. Cleanliness is taken very seriously.
• Nude bathing and topless sunbathing are prohibited on Hong Kong beaches and may result in a fine.
• The possession, import or export of even small quantities of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or CBD is severely punished in Hong Kong.