Friday, December 9, 2011

Hong Kong Passport and Visa entry requirements

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Hong Kong Passport and Visa entry requirements
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One




Basic criteria for all foreign visitors to Hong Kong
The following are the official minimum requirements for foreign visitors to HK.
• have a minimum validity on your passport of 1 month beyond the intended stay (or the duration of the visa may be restricted so that there will be one month after the visa expiry)
• properly complete the immigration card on arrival
• have a visa if your nationality is required to have one
• have onward or return travel arrangements – a visa to enter the Chinese mainland is usually acceptable
• have sufficient funds for your stay without working (based on Immigration's definition, not yours)
• not have a serious criminal record or be likely to be involved in crime, nor be considered a security risk

Most travellers, especially from western countries, are not checked for compliance with the last three but all travellers should allow for the possibility that immigration might choose to check you. You should also check with your airline's regulations as they may not allow you to fly if you do not meet stated entry requirements.

Passport and Visa entry requirements :-

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. Expired British passports endorsed British Dependent Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas) issued in Hong Kong are accepted, provided they are accompanied by a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card. For British passport holders endorsed British Citizen, no visa is required for stays of up to six months. For British passport holders endorsed British Subject, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen or British Protected Person, no visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Hong Kong.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to one month (two months, if in possession of a Hong Kong Travel Pass).

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Hong Kong.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond the period of intended stay in Hong Kong. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note: All foreign visitors to Hong Kong must be in possession of onward or return tickets (except when in transit to mainland China or Macao), the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Note that admission and/or transit will be refused to any national holding a passport issued by Kiribati, and endorsed "N-Kiribati" or "Investor". NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Famous Places in Hong Kong For Your Holiday

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Famous Places in Hong Kong For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One




Hong Kong is situated onChina's south coast and is bounded by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. This city is known for its impressive skyline and a big natural harbour. Tourists throng to this city for the various holiday options it offers. There are many awe-inspiring man-made attractions and creations, and a visit to this city leaves an impression forever.

Some major tourist attractions in Hong Kong are as follows:

Aberdeen is a big satellite town in Hong Kong with an old worldly charm about it. There is lively water's edge harbour resort with features like floating restaurants like the Jumbo Floating restaurant shaped like an ancient Chinese palace and Tai Bak Seafood boat serving delicious seafood and Chinese cuisine. It is one of the oldest and most popular attractions for tourists. This place also functions as a fishing port. Aberdeen harbour is amid Aberdeen town and Ap Lei Chau in the southern district of Hong Kong.

Causeway Bay is a major shopping hub that is home to an assortment of boutiques, high-end stores, Japanese modelled shopping centres and malls. There are a lot of electronics and camera stores here. Famed shopping places like the Windsor House and Times Square, modelled on the same theme as Times Square of New York, are here. Other attractions are the Fashion Island, World Trade Centre, Sogo, and Causeway Bay Plaza etc.

Noon-day Gun is a naval gun placed near the Causeway Bay. As a tradition, the gun is fired everyday at noon and people gather to witness it.

Disneyland here is different from other Disneyland parks around the world as it is set against a natural milieu of mountains and scenery. The theme park has attractions like the Fantasyland which houses the Sleeping Beauty castle, Cinderella Carousel, Fantasy Gardens etc. Tomorrowland houses innovative futuristic attractions; Adventureland has Jungle cruises, Tarzan's Tree-house and island.

Lantau Island is an island located at the origin of the Pearl River and has been developed into a major tourist spot. Tourist places like Disneyland, Po Lin Monastery, Tung Chung Fort and Tai O are located here.

Po Lin Monastery, which means 'Precious Lotus', is one of the most well-known Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong. There is a 111 feet tall copper statue of Buddha here and this statue is the tallest outdoor Buddha statue in the world. The idol is made in a seated, meditating posture.

Tung Chung Fort is a historical shrine built in 1817 with the aim to defend the coast from pirates and the opium traffickers. The fort contains some old cannons and the building is made out of granite. The ruins of the Tung Chung Battery are here.

Ocean Park, the largest oceanarium in the world is in Hong Kong. The Park is nestled in about 170 acres of land. A cable car connects the different segments of the Park. The Ocean Theatre and Wave Cove here is home to sea inhabitants like dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, etc. The Atoll Reef is the largest aquarium in the world. Also there is Film Fantasia which is a state-of-the-art theatre loaded with special effects, sounds and lights. There are many other attractions for children also.

Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak, one of the popular sightseeing places in Hong Kong, is bordered by imposing skylines. Lot of public shows and events take place here. The Tower on the Victoria Peak is one of the best places to take in the stunning view of the city. People ride in the Star Ferry to view the harbour. During the Lunar New Year, the 'Symphony of lights' show is held here. The Victoria Peak provides an incredible view of Hong Kong city and Kowloon and attracts about 6 million tourists every year. The attractions here are the Peak tram, the Peak Tower offering the great view of the city, a 'Ripley's Believe It or Not!' centre, Madame Tussaud's Wax museum, shopping area, a bird park, eateries etc.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Things To Do and to see In Hong Kong

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Things To Do and to see In Hong Kong
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One


Have you been to Hong Kong, Asia’s World City? We have the world’s best airport here along with many other interesting things for you to explore. Being a native Hong Kong Chinese, I have assembled a list of the top 10 activities for your easy reference. To get the best of your Hong Kong travel, make sure to do them all, or as many as you can.

1. The Victoria Peak
Take the Peak Tram to go up to the Victoria Peak - the number one tourist destination here. The Victoria Peak provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong skyline as well as Kowloon.
The Peak Tram costs HK$25 for one way and HK$36 for a return

2. Ocean Park
Spend a day or at least half a day at the Ocean Park. It is an ideal place for you take your kids for a day of outing. Children can make fun while learning at the Park. Highlights include Cable Car, Ocean Theatre, Sea Jelly Spectacular, Giant Panda and Red Panda, Atoll Reef and Shark Aquarium. Admission fee HK$208 for adults.

3. Star Ferry
Ride the Star Ferry from Central to Tsimshatsui after 7pm. This is the best time in a day to have a close encounter with the Victoria Harbour as well as going to the best location to take a good look at the Hong Kong night view which is certainly one of the most beautiful city night views in the world.

4. TST East - Hong Kong Night View
After your Star Ferry ride, turn right and walk to Tsimshatsui waterfront, just next to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and admire the Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline at night. Don’t forget your camera. The stunning views here attract hundreds of visitors daily, including locals taking their wedding photos and graduation photos. You can also buy the photo services here and collect your digital photos instantly.

5. Open-top Bus
Go on an open-top bus tour. You might be familiar with the hop on, hop off open-top buses in London. This new sightseeing vehicle has become more and more popular in Hong Kong. Operates daily from 10am to 6pm, there are three routes to choose from – Red Tour (Hong Kong island), Blue Tour (Kowloon) and Night Tour. The tours offer a recorded commentary in a choice of 8 languages.
6. Shopping
Go buy a mobile phone, notebook computer, digital camera or any other fashionable items that you need. Hong Kong is a place free of tax and you can find the trendiest models here at bottom prices. You might observe the lines waiting outside the Prada or LV shops.

7. Lan Kwai Fong / Wanchai
Lan Kwai Fong is a must-go place for you in Hong Kong – if you enjoy night life. If you are here around July, you’ll be able to participate in the Lan Kwai Fong Beerfest - one of the annual biggest ever street parties in Hong Kong featuring food and beer from around the globe, live music and dance shows and more.

Wanchai at around Lockhard Road and Jaffe Road is another district for bar hoppers. You can even find girly bars here.

8. Horse Racing
Go for a horse racing if you come between September and June. Racing course is the only place where you are licensed to yell as loud as you can without receiving any complaints. Enjoy the fun and excitement here.

Races are usually held on Wednesday nights, Saturday or Sunday afternoon, in either Shatin or Happy Valley racecourse. Visitors with valid passport can enter the Members Stand at a fee of HK$100. You need to be at least 18 years old. Minimum bet is only HK$10. Beginner’s guides are available at the entrance. Test your luck.

9. Tailor Made Shirts
Get a custom tailor to make a set of shirts or executive suits at very bottom prices. Ranging from backstreet to fine boutiques in five-star hotels, you can find high quality bespoke service tailors with value for money. Some tailor shops around Tsimshatusi area operated by locals or Indian can even produce your suits in 24 hours.

10. Seafood / Dim Sum
Go do a dim sum or seafood meal or both. As a visitor, make sure to get a sense of the local Hong Kong life style as to enjoy the gems of Cantonese cuisine here – dim sum or live seafood. Dim sum restaurants are everywhere in town. Make sure to try the shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings and cha xiao bao (BBQ bun) which are the essence of Cantonese dim sum.

Picking your favourite live seafood from the tanks and have the chef cook for you immediately is another highlight of Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong. You can’t find this experience elsewhere in the world.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Money Exchange for Hong Kong -Services - Money

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Money Exchange for Hong Kong -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One




The official exchange rate only moves slightly from ~US$1=HK$7.798 (we use 7.8 throughout the website). You can change money in Hong Kong at the following places, with varying levels of rates and commissions. Keep in mind that the exchange rate for traveler's checks is almost always better than that for cash.

Airport: Rates are a bit higher here, so change only what you need to get into the city as you'll get a better rate at a bank.

Bank: The best rates are at the banks, but some are better than others. Often, it depends on how much you are changing as some charge commissions (with less favorable rates) and others don't, but may have an attractive exchange rate. Shop and compare, as with everything in Hong Kong.

Hotel: The rates at hotels are not as good as at the banks, but they do have better hours.

ATM: That's right, at an Automated Teller Machine. There are ATM's all over Hong Kong (Star Ferry piers, large banks, major MTR stations, the Airport, etc.) and their exchange rates are better than the banks. What you have to watch out for is the commission your credit card company charges you. This can be a great way to get foreign currency anywhere if the amount is large enough to make the charges economical. It's also a great way for your credit card company to make a few extra dollars. It is a good idea to know before you go what your credit card company charges you for this service.

Money Changers: Visit these teeming entrepreneurs only as a last resort. If you see a very good rate advertised, then watch out for a commission charge. Again, use them only if you have to.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Health and Medical Information for Hong Kong

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Health and Medical Information for Hong Kong
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One




Pacific Prime is an international medical insurance broker specializing in providing health insurance to foreign nationals living in Hong Kong . If you are a permanent resident who is moving abroad we can also provide customized insurance plans that will fit your needs.

International medical insurance plans that we provide are tailor made to suit each individual client. Plans can normally include benefits such as maternity, out-patient, dental, and emergency evacuation. Usually plans will be guaranteed renewable for life, allowing you to retain coverage no matter how old you are. Plans are also mobile, allowing you to take your plan anywhere in the world.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Short History Of Hong Kong and Culture

http://travel-to-hong-kong.blogspot.com/2011/10/short-history-of-hong-kong-and-culture.html
Short History Of Hong Kong and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One


Hong Kong was part of China before coming under British administration as a result of the 19th-century Opium Wars. After the ‘First Opium War’ when peace terms were drawn up, Hong Kong Island was ceded by China to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. The full territory we now know as Hong Kong was settled in 1898, with a 99-year lease till the handover in 1997. The colony was under full British control for this period apart from a four-year gap under Japanese occupation during WWII.

Hong Kong was returned to China as a ‘Special Administrative Region’ where it is now governed by the unique principle of "one country, two systems" proposed by then paramount leader of China, Deng Xiaoping. This principle allows Hong Kong to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, retaining its independent judiciary, rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech.

Much has changed since 1841 when then British foreign secretary Lord Palmerston described Hong Kong as ‘nothing but a barren island without a house upon it'. From a collection of small fishing villages Hong Kong has transformed itself into one of the most engaging and unexpectedly beautiful urban spectacles on earth, while retaining the beauty of its natural surroundings.

The iconic Victoria Harbour has been key to the development of the territory as a trading port and entry point into China.

Old colonial monuments can still be found such as the statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria Park, Murray Building in Stanley and in Central’s Statue Square. Modern day equivalents dot the famous skyline such as the Bank of China Building, HSBC Building and the International Finance Centre (IFC).

Hong Kong’s unique fusion of East and West, traditional and contemporary makes it one of Asia’s top travel destinations.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Hong Kong Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

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Hong Kong Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One




Budget Hotels in Hong Kong


Hong Kong is one of the hottest vacation spots. People from all over the world come to spend their vacations in Hong Kong. Budget hotels in Hong Kong take care of the growing influx of budget travelers in the region.These hotels offer an ideal accommodation to all those people who cannot afford to stay in luxurious hotels.

The staff of Hong Kong discount hotels is very accommodating and extremely hospitable and they make sure that your trip to Hong Kong becomes memorable and enjoyable.

Even though these budget hotels do not offer the comforts and lavishness of five or four hotels in Hong Kong, yet their affordability makes this place an ideal retreat for a pocket conscious traveler. Hong Kong budget hotels are fully equipped to provide basic living comforts to discerning travelers.

South Pacific Hotel provides excellent accommodations, facilities and services. The rooms of this discount hotel feature modern comforts like color TV, telephone, tea/ coffee maker, attached baths, and others. They also provide onsite Thai style restaurants and bars.

Another popular Hong Kong budget hotel is Emperor Happy Valley Hotel which provides many luxurious facilities at low cost. The guest can avail facilities of meeting rooms and business centers; health facilities, swimming pool, sauna, laundry, pick up services, travel desk and many other facilities.

So what are you waiting for pack your bags do not waste your hard earned money opt to stay in budget hotels in Hong Kong.

Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong


Category: Three - star

Address:72 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

Number of Rooms: 196

About Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong


Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong is a well known budget hotel of the region. The hotel is said to be a cozy haven in Hong Kong. Though Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong is a budget hotel still it provides numerous luxurious and first class facilities.

Accommodation at Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong

Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong offers 196 well-furnished rooms for accommodation. The hotel rooms are very airy and spacious and provide several simple facilities like color TV, telephone, attached bath with air conditioning, safe, coffee machine, running hot and cold water and attached bathroom etc.

Dinning at Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong

Le Menu is a popular with serves both Western and Oriental. The eatery is also popular for serving delicious snacks. Canton Room serves Cantonese cuisine in lively ambience and Lobby Lounge is a place where you can taste exotic drinks in a relaxing ambience. The friendly ambience at the restaurants of Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong makes dinning experience all the more memorable.

Facilities at Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong

Guest of Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong can avail numerous facilities like health center, Spa, moneychanger, car rental, gym, doctor on call, laundry and babysitting . A stay in Luk Kwok Hotel, Hong Kong will so memorable and enjoyable that you will love to return to the hotel again and again.

Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong

Category: Three- star

Address: 1 Wang Tak street, Happy Valley Hong Kong

Number of Rooms: 150

About Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong

Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong is a well known budget hotel of the region. The hotel is said provides many luxurious facilities at an affordable price. Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong also provides many complementary facilities and discounts to its guests during lean season.

Accommodation at Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong

Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong offers 150 cozy and bright rooms for accommodation. The hotel rooms are very airy and spacious and provide several simple facilities like radio, color TV, telephone, air conditioning, safe, work desk, tea/coffee machine, running hot and cold water and attached bathroom etc.

Dinning at Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong

Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong is home to innumerable dinning options. The Coffee Shop serves international delicacies specially the western and Asian favorites in a garden ambience. Golden Valley specializes in serving Cantonese and Sze Chuan cuisine specially imperial Dim Sum and speciality dishes.

Facilities at Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong

Guest of Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, Hong Kong can avail numerous facilities like health center, Spa, moneychanger, car rental, gym, doctor on call, laundry and babysitting . You can also visit The Echoes Basement I & II which is onr of the most happening Karaoke Entertainment Centre, in the region. The center hosts more then ten various sizes private rooms to assure guests fun filled and exciting evenings

Monday, September 26, 2011

Visiting Hong Kong For A Holiday Travel Info

http://travel-to-hong-kong.blogspot.com/2011/09/visiting-hong-kong-for-holiday-travel.html
Visiting Hong Kong For A Holiday Travel Info
Travel tips for your trip to Hong Kong Hotel Maps Famous Places in Hong Kong helps you to make your trip to Hong Kong in the holiday a Splendid One




We admit it, we love Hong Kong. "Where East meets West", "The Jewel of South East Asia", "Asia's World City"; Hong Kong is all this and more. It is the economic powerhouse of Asia, it's a launching pad for new electronics and cool gadgets, it boasts an innovative vibrant film industry, it's at the forefront of fashion, the people are beautiful, flowers are beautiful, the weather, the shopping, and oh my God, the food!!!

Throw in an extensive transit system that gets you from A to B faster than you can say Tsim Sha Tsui, and every part of Hong Kong is ready for you to explore. Tram it up to The Peak for a falcon's view of the city, walk the Avenue of Stars on Victoria Harbor, gawk at the sky–scrapers of Hong Kong Island, revel in the madness of Mongkok's shopping stalls or admire the Pandas of Ocean Park. BUT friends, there is one place you need not miss, one very, very special place.

Lan Kwai Fong. Saying it tingles the tongue like a dark ale. Hong Kong's famous restaurant and pub quarter lies next to the central business district, but exists as if in a different dimension. With over 100 restaurant and bars lining cobblestone streets, it is Hong Kong's premier place to go for drinks, festivals and parties.

Originally an area dedicated to hawkers selling flowers and wares (Lan Kwai Fong literally means street filled with orchids and fragrances), the area was revamped in the early 80's by German–Canadian businessman Alan Zeman. Wanting a place to entertain overseas clients, he purchased and converted one of the main buildings in the square into a group of western restaurants. Paired with a couple existing nearby discos, the area soon became the nightlife hotspot for tourists, expats and the nearby business crowd.

The easiest way to "The Fong" is to take the MTR to Central Station on Hong Kong Island and navigate the crowd to exit D2. Find your way up onto D'Aguilar Street and head uphill. Start out in the afternoon and stroll down the cobblestones to check out the chic and trendy boutiques and spas. Window–shop if you like, indulge if you must. Pop into one of the numerous pubs for a late afternoon pint or sit on one of the various patios enjoying the afternoon sun and watch the people start to filter through.

Aromas soon emanate from everywhere, urging you to quell the growing cravings. This is no easy task with so much to choose from. Obviously the Oriental choices are abundant with Asian cuisines like Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese restaurants nearby, but there is also French & Italian fine dining, or feast at one of the Russian, Nordic, Australian, spanish and International restaurants in the area as well.

Eating is sure to take you well into the evening and as you step out of the restaurant you'll realize that trendy little pub district has transformed into "The Fong". Beautiful people are everywhere as celebrities, actors and models come to be seen. High heels click and clack on the street like manic metronomes trying to catch the thumping bass from the clubs. "The Fong" has suddenly become one very, very large street party as people move from club to pub, trying to find the hottest spot to dance and mingle. With bars and pubs nearing capacity, people move onto the street, which is now cutoff to all vehicular traffic. In the end it's the street party itself which is the biggest attraction, as people stop to chat and laugh, enjoying a pint or many.

There is always something going on in "The Fong", be it street festivals during the Halloween and New Year's celebrations or the Beer and Food Festivals that pop up in the summer. If you want good food, good times or just to people watch, make sure Lan Kwai Fong is part of your trip.