5 Tips to Follow When You Travel to Hong Kong

Whether you are travelling to Hong Kong on business or as a tourist, there are some things you should know regarding local customs and traditions. You will still stand out as an 'outsider' but when you show the local people that you respect their customs, you in turn will receive respect from them. They will appreciate your efforts and will treat you with admiration. Here are five things you need to know when you are visiting Hong Kong. 1) Tax and Tipping: There is no sales tax in HK; however, be aware that there is a 5% government tax rate on hotels. Tipping is not customary but is becoming an expected habit from Westerners. Typically, be prepared to pay $10 (HK dollars) for porters at the hotel and $2 for each bag when enlisting the help of a porter at the airport. 2) Currency: The currency in HK is known as the HK dollar (HK$). The government issues the currency in notes of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100 and HK$1,000. It is best to check with your bank for the most up-to-date exchange rate, as it changes daily. As a general rule, it usually trades at approximately HK$7.8 to 1 U.S. dollar. 3) Tea Time: To fit in with the locals at a restaurant, you will want to tap two bent fingers on the table as an expression of thanks when you are served hot tea. 4) Restaurants: Most entertaining takes place in restaurants rather than private homes; it is customary to let your host decide what the meal will be; have a little bit of everything as it is considered rude to pass up on a dish. 5) Business Cards: These cards are given out as often as handshakes and you are expected to give one in return for every one that you get; Have plenty on hand. Hong Kong has two official languages: Cantonese and English, so if you speak one of these, you shouldn't have a problem getting around. There are also many places of worship so whether you are Christian, Jewish or Muslim you will be able to affirm your faith accordingly. Most hotels provide their guests with bottled water, although tap water is safe to drink. Check with your local customs laws before you leave so you know how much you are allowed to bring back. This usually depends on how long you've been away.

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Hong Kong Hotels – Where to Stay in Kowloon

Hong Kong hotels are some of the most expensive accommodations in Asia. But that doesn't mean you won't find any budget or affordable hotels at all. For the most hotel choices for a traveler on a budget or just anyone looking for a decent place to stay without breaking the bank, head for the Kowloon peninsula in Hong Kong. The Kowloon peninsula is Hong Kong island's gateway to mainland China. There is an efficient and affordable train system running up and down Kowloon with stations positioned throughout the popular districts in the area. You can easily travel back and forth to each other by Hong Kong's classic and iconic ferry boats across the Hong Kong Harbour or by train through a tunnel beneath the harbour. By staying in a hotel in Kowloon you will be in a strategic location for the best shopping, eating and nightlife with ways to easily explore all parts of Hong Kong. And by staying in Kowloon you'll have plenty of accommodation choices to choose from as well. But here's a warning in advance. Most hotel rooms in Hong Kong are small and most cases it doesn't matter whether you are staying at a 5 star hotel or a cheap place. The best place to stay in Kowloon is close to a major avenue called Nathan road which runs through several popular districts called Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Mongkok, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. Nathan road is also referred to as the "Golden Mile" that will dazzle you with it's sights, sounds and smells. Much like Broadway in New York City, Nathan road is the spine of Kowloon and when you find it you'll never get lost. One of the best budget to affordable hotel in Kowloon is the BP International Hotel located in shopper's paradise district of Tsim Sha Tsui. It is run by the Hong Kong Chapter of the Boy's Scouts association and offers guests clean rooms and good service. The BP is located right on the northern tip of Kowloon Park right next to Nathan road. Since the hotel is 25 floors high you can get a really good view of the city, park and hotel. A room at BP will set you back around HK$650 (low season room rate). The room rate does not include breakfast though, however there are many affordable places to eat nearby, even a McDonald's restaurant. Another budget hotel worth looking at is located a bit further up in Mongkok district. It's called the Largos Hotel. Just like the BP the rooms are small but comfortable and good for a night's rest. Rooms here cost around HK$600 (low season rate) and is a good option close to the Mongkok train station and the ever popular street markets stalls open every night nearby. Now if room space is a big concern and you have a serious case of claustrophobia yet can afford to spend just a bit more then the Prudential Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui district should be your first choice. The Prudential is one of those rare hotels with big rooms and bathrooms. A superior room can fit two twin beds, a large desk and a lounge couch. All for HK$900 per night. And it's also in a convenient location with a train station entrance below the hotel with plenty of places to eat and shop within walking distance. Even though hotels in Hong Kong are considered expensive they are still booked full most of the time, especially during the low season. And it's a good idea to not visit during October (the conventions in town) and February (Chinese New Year's). Room rates during those time can double and even triple in price.

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