Hong Kong Observation Wheel

Finally, Hong Kong has its own Observation Wheel! For now anyway! Every modern-tradition city somehow has it's own tower, observation deck and/or observation wheel for tourists to look out from the top. Although Hong Kong already has three famous observation decks (at IFC, ICC & the Peak), the pearl of orient has been waiting for its "Hong Kong Eye" right at Central waterfront!

Hong Kong Observation Wheel

After months of regulatory approval, this temporary structure is at last open to the general public. Visitors of Hong Kong's Ferris wheel can enjoy the stunning view of World Famous Victoria Harbour over looking Kowloon side on Hong Kong. It's "only" HKD $100 per ride!

Cityplaza Christmas 2014

Event: Christmas at Cityplaza
Location: Cityplaza, Taikoo
Address: 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong

The Stage at Cityplaza is ready for this Christmas

Joy to the world! It's time for some Christmas tunes. Cityplaza, also known as "Taikoo Shing" shopping center, is just the right place to be at this Holiday Season. From December 2014 to January 2015, Cityplaza has organized a full program of performances at the 2/F Atrium.

Frozen Elsa at Maritime Square Let it Go

Event: Disney Frozen "My Extraodinary Christmas Experience" <<魔雪奇緣‧冰臨青衣城>>
Location: Maritime Square, Tsing Yi
Address: MTR Tsing Yi Station, Tsing Yi, Hong Kong

Frozen Elsa at Tsing Yi Maritime Square

Queen Elsa from Disney's motion picture Frozen is at Maritime Square. Standing in front of her ice palace with Anna, Elsa is singing "Let it Go" to celebrate Christmas with thousands of fans in Hong Kong.

IFC mall Jingle Bao

Event: Jing Bao
Location: IFC shopping mall, Central
Address: MTR Hong Kong Station, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong

Jingle Bells in Jingle Bao at ifc mall, Hong Kong

One of Hong Kong's top shopping mall, IFC shopping mall, built a 3 stories-tall "bun" like structure in its atrium to celebrate Christmas. Named after the famous Christmas song Jingle Bells, this "Jingle Bao" is a Christmas "Bao", meaning bun to local Cantonese.

The Iceberg Christmas at Langham Place

Event: The Iceberg
Location: Langham Place Shopping Mall
Address: 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Langham Place shopping mall in Mong Kok has collected a variety of white (fluffy) animal's that you'd only find in extremely cold weather, and displayed them in/on a huge iceberg.

1881 Heritage Enchanted Festive Forest

Event: Enchanted Festive Forest
Location: Grand Piazza, 1881 Heritage
Address: 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

1881 Heritage, one of Hong Kong's refurbished historical architecture cum luxury goods shopping mall set up a enchanted forest in it's grand plaza (i.e. forecourt) this Christmas. Honestly speaking, it looks more like a huge complicated candle from a distance... but may be it IS a huge glowing candle.

Harbour City Starry Christmas 2014

Event: Harbour City Starry Christmas 2014
Location: Ocean Terminal Forecourt, Harbour City
Address: 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Every Christmas, the forecourt of Ocean Terminal of Harbour City at Tsim Sha Tsui is a must go location for a doze of Christmas spirit and plenty of Christmas pictures. Locals and tourists look forward to the hugh Christmas decor and displays every December. This year, Harbour City has themed it as Starry Christmas.

TST East Hello Kitty Christmas Lights

Event: Hello Kitty Christmas Lights at Tsim Sha Tsui East
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre
Address: 66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

For the past 30 years, buildings at Tsim Sha Tsui East have used light bulbs to create Christmas themed collages in every December. These collages usually feature Santa Clause or Snowman, and the picture are pretty much the same every year. While these colour light bulbs were amusing some 30 years ago, seeing them for another 29 times no longer create the same excitement. This year, the Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre is catching up with their fellow shopping malls and key buildings in Hong Kong. They have Hello Kitty!

Joyful Christmas in Park Lane

Event: Joyful Christmas in Park Lane
Location: Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard, Tsim Sha Tsui
Address: 111-139 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Hong Kong's Park Lane Boulevard is a pedestrian-friendly row of shops on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, adjacent to the famous Kowloon Park. Every Christmas, Park Lane set up moving Christmas displays that dance with playing music at regular intervals.

Grand Plaza Molly's Christmas Magic

Event: Molly's Christmas Magic
Location: Grand Plaza, Mongkok
Address: 625 & 639 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon

Molly the magician is at Mong Kok Grand Plaza this Christmas! "Who is Molly?" one may ask. Molly is a cartoon character created by a local artist here in Hong Kong, with blue ocean eyes and a pair of unusual lips... Well, at least Molly is uniquely colourful!

Christmas 2014 @ Hong Kong Travel Blog
 

All Aboard at Elements Christmas Trains

This Christmas, Elements shopping mall built a miniature Christmas wonderland with model trains running through it! Whether you are a model fan, go visit and admire this massive collection of model in Elements above Kowloon MTR Station.

Elements shopping mall is known for setting up huge declarations every Christmas. In place like Hong Kong where a simple Christmas Tree doesn't do the trick (of attracting media attention), shopping malls need to come up with all these unique designs every year.

Christmas Hearts at Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay, one of the most famous residential area on the Lantau Island amongst expats who are living in Hong Kong, has put up a corridor of heart-shaped lights of Christmas and probably till St. Valentine's Day.

These LED structures sparkles at night and offered plenty of photo opportunities for visitors, Discovery Bay residence and lovers.

M&M's World Shanghai

M&M's, the world famous chocolate brand, has opened it's first M&M's World in Asia. This flagship store is right at the heard of Shanghai CBD on Nanjing East Road, making it very convenient for it's fans in Asia.

M&M's World, Shanghai, China

Apart from the world famous chocolate buttons, there are literally thousands of M&M's branded merchandise available for sale. These products are unique as they are China themed - not just made it China, these merchandise reminded one of the Chinese Culture.

Yao Ming at Madame Tussauds Shanghai

Admired by hundreds and thousands of basketball fans in China and in the USA, Yao Ming, the famous Chinese basketball player 'stood-tall' at Madame Tussauds Shanghai.

Yes, it is a wax museum. Yes, Yao is tall. Yes they probably put him there to sell more tickets. And Yes, he is positive image helps. Yes, it is remarkable to see one of the tallest person alive... well, kind of.

Wawadoll is X'mas Data at K11

Known for its reputation in supporting (usually unknown) artists, K11 shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui is celebrate this Christmas with a giant inflated Wawadoll that looks too much like Mary. Art is something that one either gets is or not. It is brave for K11 to display the work of a controversial young Chinese artist.

Enjoy these master-piece designed for this Christmas.....

Pikachu Pokemon at The One Christmas

Christmas Season has begun in Hong Kong! For those who have been following us in the past few years would know that Christmas is one of our busiest season in the year. Although it's only November, shopping malls around Hong Kong has already setup Christmas trees and decors to prepare for the upcoming shopping season.

Pikachu from Pokemon inside a giant Pikachu spaceship

In recent years. shopping malls are eager to differentiate themselves from each other during Christmas. The traditional Christmas Tree no longer does the trick. The One shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui is one that consistently come up with surprises. This Christmas, they have Pikachu!

Hello Kitty and Sanrio Star Dining at Langham Place

For some reason Langham Place Shopping mall in Mong Kok has a close connection with Hello Kitty. We have presented so many Hello Kitty related displays at Langham Place throughout the years: Hello Kitty Back to London, Hello Kitty and Friends in Russia, Hello Kitty in 1960s Hong Kong, Hello Kitty is at Langham Place all the time!

Sanrio Star Dining at Langham Place

This time, Hello Kitty joined forces with her fellow Sanrio friends and scattered at different corner of Langham Place from Aug 1 to Oct 31 to present Sanrio Star Dining. Fans from near and afar, Bon Appetit!

Kumamon Cafe at APM Kwun Tong

Kumamon, a cute cartoon bear from Japan, has opened a cafe in Hong Kong's APM Shopping Mall. Originally a mascot created by the local government of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, Kumamon has gain huge popularity within Japan and overseas market such as Hong Kong.

Adored by thousands, Kumamon has raised the profile of Kumamoto products as well as moving plenty of merchandise. Young ladies in Hong Kong are an intergal part of Kumamon's fan base, it's a market that Mr Bear would not miss.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Dining Hours

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - key facts for visitors

Dining Hours

Hungry? Tired of room service or the cafe at your hotel's lobby? Simply walk outside and taste the thousands and thousands of diners in Hong Kong. Diners that serves local Hong Kong cuisine usually open from 6am. You do have to know how to speak or read Chinese and adventurous in trying local food. Most diners that serves 'European' or 'International' food open after 11:30am and closes from 10pm to midnight. In order words, there are many of lunch and dinner choices in Hong Kong throughout the day. If you are not keen in the buffet breakfast at your hotel nor the Hong Kong style breakfast in local diners, try the world famous fast-food chain or coffee chain stores. They all open early, some even operates for 24 hours!

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Shopping Hours

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - handy tips for you

Shopping Hours

Hong Kong is a shopping paradise as it offers a vast selection of international merchandise at reasonable price free of duties. Paradise does not open 24 hours a day. It would be useful to plan your trip around shopping hours to maximize your stay in Hong Kong. Having said that, it is pretty safe to say that most shops open from noon 12pm till 10pm. That's 10 hours of shopping per day and 70 hours per week! Some might open from 11am and some might begin to tidy up from 9pm. It would be fair to say that majority of shops do not open before 11am, unless they are grocery shops or supermarkets. If you need grocery, it would be smart to get them before 10pm, otherwise, you can look for convenient stores that opens 24 hours a day. Shops open at similar hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Zebra Crossing

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - tips for travellers

Zebra Crossings

One of the common traps for tourist when they travel in Hong Kong is Zebra Crossings. Especially if you come from a first world country where drivers are polite and follow the rules, you will have different experiences when you put your feet on a zebra crossing in Hong Kong. There is only one thing to remember: Hong Kong drivers are supposed to stop at zebra crossings but 99.9% of drivers DO NOT. They will sound the horn, yell, abuse, give you the finger or (almost) run you over if you walk on a zebra crossing without looking! There is one thing to do: for your own safety, be a polite pedestrian and give-way to vehicles at zebra crossings. Once in a blue moon, you may find drivers who would stop for you.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Traffic Lights

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - information for visitors

Traffic Lights

Hong Kong Traffic Lights use a standard Red-Yellow-Green approach. Pedestrian traffic lights are Red and Green. Simply Stop at Red and Go at Green. Drivers in Hong Kong typically comply to the traffic light signals. With the exception of mid-night boy racers, very rare that you would see drivers run a red light. While red mini-bus are known for their aggressive driving, they are only 'closed-to' running red lights. Having said that, as visiting pedestrians, it pays to check carefully before you cross at Green. At cross intersections, diagonal crossing is not permitted. Pedestrian must first walk direct across then make 90 degrees turn and cross.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Driving and Parking

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - insights for visitors

Driving and Parking

Unless you really, really, really loves to drive; unless you are staying at a remote area in Hong Kong; unless you have plenty of time, money and patience; you are not recommended to drive when you visit Hong Kong. First of all, Hong Kong's public transport system is great. Secondly, Hong Kong isn't really that big. Most importantly, driving in Hong Kong can be a headache. Local drivers are impatient, impolite and aggressive once they are behind the wheels. While this may be common in many metropolitan cities, the streets in Hong Kong are very narrow and full of 'surprises'. Parking in Hong Kong is extremely expensive. Car parks charge by the hour or half hour at sky high rates. Convenient car parks are usually full and don't really need your business. It's near impossible to get a parking spot on the streets, even if you do, you would need to feed the meter every 1 to 2 hours. The funniest part of all is, most car parks and meters do not take cash. All drivers need to pay by Octopus, which is great for travelling on public transports. Think again before your hire that car when you arrive...

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Lightrail

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - bite sized info

Light Rail

Hong Kong Light Rail serves the northwestern New Territories districts. One can find light rail near Yuen Long, Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai. Locals living in these districts use light rail on a regular basis. Similar to light rails you can find in other counties, Hong Kong's version operates on the road with dedicate tracks. One can hop on light rail at dedicated stations; with no gates nor barriers. Ticket purchase is self served. One must wave their Octopus or their tickets before hop on and after hop off a light rail train. All routes are numbered and can be quite confusing. Remember to take note of the route number of the light rail train that you are on.

Hong Kong Light Rail

Lightrail at Tin Shui Wei

Hop On - wave your octopus card

Hop Off - wave your octopus card

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: MTR

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - quick tips for you

MTR

MTR, Mass Transit Railway, is one of Hong Kong's important public transport system. MTR is Hong Kong's subway; Hong Kong's underground. It is affordable, efficient and convenient. MTR gets you to most key tourist attractions. For places that are further away, MTR takes you to a nearby district and save time and money. One can find taxi stands, bus stations and/or mini bus stations next to all MTR stations. It was become Hong Kong's public transport backbone in the past 35 years.
 

Hong Kong MTR Gates

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Taxi Issues

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - tips for guests

Taxi Issues

Taxi drivers in Hong Kong are usually professional and most of your taxi journeys should be hassle free. However, the follow issues may still happen occasionally:

• taxi drivers do not stop when they see a foreign face or they claim that they have not heard of the address; which you still need to give them a benefit of a doubt
• taxi drivers go in loops, detour or take a longer route; which you can complaint to the driver or take note of their car registration
• a Kowloon taxi driver crossed the harbour (and vice versa) and is not too familiar with his/her way; which they can check on Google Maps, phone a friend or ask on their taxi radios
• taxi drivers who do not go by the meter or asks for surcharge when they pick you up at popular tourist spots such as Lan Kwai Fong late at night; which is illegal and you should launch a complaint afterwards

The key is to stay calm, take note of their registration  and ask for a receipt. But really, most of your taxi journeys in Hong Kong should not have any problems.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Taxi Drivers

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - tips for guests

Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers in Hong Kong are genuinely professional. Vast majority of Taxi drivers are middle aged Chinese men who speaks very limited English. However, most of them know the English name of major streets, buildings and landmarks in Hong Kong. Taxi drivers who operates on the Hong Kong Island knows the island very well; those who operates in Kowloon knows the peninsular well. Taxi drivers are usually honest, reliable and would not go around in loops. They are required to display their license (Taxi Driver Identity Plate) with their photo and name at the front. They will present a receipt of the journey when being asked.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Taxi

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - Handy tips for travellers

Taxi

Taxis in Hong Kong are very easy to identify. They all have silver roof and a light box that reads Taxi. The colour of the body of the vehicle distinguish which districts that taxi operates in. The most common taxis are in red. Red taxis operate in most of the metropolitan district of Hong Kong. Tourists are most likely to hop on a red taxi. Green taxis operate in New Territories, which is the northern rural parts and new towns of Hong Kong. Blue taxis operate on Lantau Island. There are straight rules on where may which taxi operates under which condition. All taxis in Hong Kong must charge by the meter. The charges are clear listed on all passenger doors in English and Chinese.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Friendly Strangers

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - facts for visitors

Friendly Strangers

Just like travelling in any other city, one needs to be careful when being approached by 'friendly' strangers in Hong Kong. The locals in Hong Kong do not have a tendency of approaching or chatting with random strangers. Hong Kongers are nice people but they are not a group that would break the ice with everybody. When strangers approach you in Hong Kong, they are most likely after something! 

Beware of those who offer 'tailor suit for you, sir' or asking for 'your generous donation'. Before you follow those who offer tailor suit, cheap watches or electronics, make sure that you know the actual market price. It also pays to know your escape route. Before you offer donations to anyone, no matter what cause they stand for, no matter how old or how poor they look, remember, it is very possible that the people you met are in a 'commission based' business. While it is possible that one may really wanted to offer tailor suit for you at bargain price or really collecting for a good cause, the chance of this happening in Hong Kong is rare. Safe travel! 

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Hop On Hop Off

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - useful information for visitors

Hop On Hop Off

Just like any other city that welcomes tourists, Hong Kong has Hop On Hop Off Bus service. They are easy to identify and information are widely available. While they are a great way to explore Hong Kong, considering the tininess of metropolitan Hong Kong and considering English is one of Hong Kong's official language, there are some budget alternatives that offers the same magic.

All you need is an Octopus Card (or cash) to travel on the various Hong Kong Public Transport. Public Bus is one of the cheapest way to see neon signs on Kowloon's famous Nathan Road. Take the Star Ferry if you wish to see the Victoria Harbour. Hop on a Tram to see the Hong Kong Island in slow motion. Take the MTR if you wish to return to your hotel on time.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Tramways

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - bit sized fact for all

Tramways

Tramways or simply Tram is a public transport system that offers an unique Hong Kong flavour. Tram runs on dedicated tracks and share some parts the road with other vehicles. Tramways stretch across the northern side of the Hong Kong Island from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, running East bound and West bound. (Note: The Happy Valley section is a loop that detours from the main tracks.) The full journey would take more than 2 hours, mostly due to the fact that trams are extremely slow. There are plenty of stops in between. No matter where you hop on, it charges a flat rate of just over two HK dollars. It is a great way to see Hong Kong if you have time to spare.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Star Ferry

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - Simple facts for everybody

Star Ferry

The Star Ferry carries passengers across the world famous Victoria Harbour between the Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong Island. It offers an unique cross-harbour experience at a reasonable price. There were four Star Ferry piers but they are either shifting or slowly disappearing. The Tsim Sha Tsui and Central piers offer the most frequent ferry services. 

There are different types of services that Star Ferry offers: the public transport service that is available for everybody (including tourists) at a very cheap price; and the Victory Harbour 'tour' service that is comparatively much much much more expensive. The very nature of the two services are very different: the former takes you from point A to B, where the latter is a sight seeing tour. We recommend the budget option as is offers enough taste at a very reasonable price. If you need more, simply take the ferry across the harbour multiple times! Ten HK Dollars offers 4 journey on the Star Ferry, where usually 1 ride would be sufficient for most.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Peak Tram

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - Quick reference for you

Peak Tram

The Peak is one of the must go places in Hong Kong. On a good day, you can see stunning metropolitan Hong Kong from the Peak. There are multiple ways to approach the peak: by walk, bus, taxi or by the Peak Tram. 

The Peak Tram itself is a tourist attraction and it is a bit pricy. However, it is worthwhile. Travelling on the Peak Tram is a unique experience that offers plenty of photo opportunities. You will admire how the engineers built this cable car service a century ago. The most difficult part of the journey is to find the station itself! You need to look for the "Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus", which is somewhere between Central, Admiralty and mid-levels. The best way to go there is by foot. While it may look easy on the map, it is not easy to find. We recommend two routes. The first one is to start from Central and walk up Garden Road and aim for United States of America Consulate, which is opposite to the Peak Tram Terminus. The second approach is starts from Admiralty MTR station and walk through Hong Kong Park. Both routes from Central and Admiralty is an uphill that takes around 15 to 20 minutes, if you can find the terminus that is. The simple alternative is to get a taxi, tho, it would take the fun of exploring away.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Bus

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - handy tips for visitors

Bus

Buses have been supporting Hong Kong in the past 80 years. Although it is still a relatively budget way to travel around Hong Kong, buses are slowly being taken over by Hong Kong's railway system MTR. Having said that, these double-decker monsters can easily be found throughout Hong Kong. Vast majority of public buses in Hong Kong are air-conditioned, pumping cool air during both summer and winter.

Buses in Hong Kong are operated by two companies, with the exception that bus service on Lantau Island is run by another company. No matter where you are in Hong Kong, bus schedules are difficult to predict. Do expect to wait for up to 20 minutes for a bus. While this may seem short in some cities, 20 minutes is a lot of time in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong. Having said that, buses take you to plenty of districts in Hong Kong that railway does not cover. Simply pay for your bus journey with coins (exact amount required, no change will be given) or with an Octopus Card.

Happy Birthday to Hong Kong Travel Blog

Today is SimpleDreamer.com Hong Kong Travel Blog's 4th Birthday!

Four years ago, we started this website with nothing but passion. Today, we are a Travel Blog with over 350 posts serving over 170,000 visitors. It has been a fun journey. We will continue this journey by sharing more travel photos, videos, blogs & tips covering Hong Kong and Beyond!

Happy Birthday, Hong Kong Travel Blog @ SimpleDreamer.com!

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Red Mini Van

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - facts for visitors

Red Mini Bus

Mini Bus (Public Light Bus) is an alternative means of transport in Hong Kong. They are much small than buses but bigger than taxis. Mini Bus usually full the gap by serving in routes that buses or MTR do not cover, offering a cheap alternative to taxis. These 16 seats monsters can be found in Red or Green, which can be easily distinguished by the colour of the hood. 

Red mini vans are known for their speed. The drivers are always in a hurry for another round, and they will get you to your destination very soon. They do not run in fixed routes. In other words, red mini vans have a preferred starting and ending district, but they do not have a fixed route. They would have a usual path, but the driver may change without notice. Payment is usually done when you get off the red mini vans. However, one can now find more red mini vans with very predicable routes. There are also some red mini vans who charge when you aboard the bus. Unless you REALLY know where you are going, or know the area of your destination very well, tourist are not recommended to travel on red mini vans.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Green Mini Van

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - facts for visitors

Green Mini Bus

Mini Bus (Public Light Bus) is the in between alternative means of transport in Hong Kong. They are much small than buses but bigger than taxis. Mini Bus usually fill the gap by serving in routes that buses or MTR do not cover, offering a cheap alternative to taxis. These 16 seats monsters can be found in Red or Green, which can be easily distinguished by the colour of the hood. 

Green mini vans run in fixed routes. In other words, green mini vans have a fixed starting and ending destination and a fixed route. They must follow the mini van bus stops along the way. Payment is done when you get on the green mini vans. Nowadays, it is common for green mini van to accept octopus payment. Unless you REALLY know where you are going, or know the area of your destination very well, tourist are recommended plan and consider carefully before hopping on green mini vans.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: English

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - facts on your fingertips

English

Chinese and English are official languages in Hong Kong. Almost 90% of Hong Kong's population speaks Cantonese. There are no official statistics on how many in Hong Kong can speak or understand English. However, it would be fair to say that 1 in 2 people you run into has some command of English. Of course, it depends on which districts you visit and what's the context of your conversation.

Vast majority of written signs in Hong Kong has both Chinese and English. Public transport system announce in Cantonese, English and Mandarin. One can navigate to most parts of Hong Kong with a basic understanding of simple written and verbal English.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Plastic Bag

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - facts for friends

Plastic Bag 

Plastic Bag costs 50 cents each in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government introduced this 'plastic bag levy' (Environmental Levy) to discourage the use of plastic bag. All retailers fall under this scheme and bills their consumers for every single plastic bag. There are certain types of shops that are exempt from the scheme. There are also many product suppliers thought for their end consumer and packaged their products with a plastic bag that is exempt form the scheme. Although, it is only 50 cents, cashiers would usally ask for confirmation before they bill you for a chargeable plastic bag.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Free Phone Charging

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - useful information for you

Free Phone Charging

While you are out-and-about and your phone is about to go flat, free battery charging service would go a long way. Simply walk into any shopping mall in Hong Kong and ask for it! Key shopping malls in Hong Kong offer this service for free. Some has self-serve mobile phone charging counters, some loans portable charger (with a refundable deposit) at concierge.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Free WiFi Access

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - facts in a nutshell

Free WiFi Access

Free wifi access is available throughout metropolitan Hong Kong, with certain limitations and/or 'catch'. To begin, simply switch on and scan for a wifi hotspot near by using your mobile device. Apart from all the private / home use hotspots, you should be able to find a free or chargeable wifi nearby.

Free wifi access are available in major shopping malls, usually free of charge and without time limit. Once you have left the shopping mall, search for wifi hotspots near phone booths, fast-food chains, coffee shops, convenient stores and banks. Wifi access from these 'around the street corner' sources are sometimes chargeable or with a time / data limit.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Prepaid SIM Card

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - useful facts for you

Prepaid SIM Card

A budget way make phone calls in Hong Kong is to purchase a prepaid SIM card. Any person can purchase prepaid SIM cards from convenient stores. There are multiple mobile network operators to choose from. A prepaid SIM card usually would cost around HKD $100, phone calls per minute to/from the card is around HKD $1. Calling a mobile phone number from any Hong Kong landline is free of charge. (Note: surcharge applies to all local and international calls at most hotels.)

Mobile data charges are usually more expensive, however, data day-pass can be purchased. The better alternative is to search for free wifi hotspots around you.

A Hong Kong prepaid SIM card would work with most common GSMA mobile phones, given that it is not SIM locked. Please contact your local mobile operators to check whether your phone is SIM-locked.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Emergency Number

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - Critical facts for Tourists

Emergency Number

Dial 999 from any telephone in Hong Kong for all emergencies. This number can reach fire, police and ambulance. The international emergency number 112 would work from all mobile phones, with or without SIM cards or roaming. All telephone operators from the emergency hotline speaks English. The hotline itself is toll free. It goes without saying that this service should not be abused, as it is crucial in an event of emergency.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Duty Free

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - useful facts for tourists

Duty Free

Hong Kong IS duty free. A vast majority of goods and services in Hong Kong is free of any form of government tax or duty. Even beer and table wine are duty free in Hong Kong! Useless you are purchasing tobacco or spirits, real estate or registering a vehicle, most goods are services do not incur tax or duties.  This is particularly true for most consumable goods and luxury items, making Hong Kong a popular shopping paradise for electronics, watches, luxury handbag and cosmetic. Beware of all shops that declare 'dutyfree' with colourful neon signs in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui area. They may sweet talk you into over priced items in return of 'dutyfree'.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Coins and Notes

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - useful information in bite-size

Coins and Notes

A total of three banks issue Hong Kong's banknotes in Hong Kong Dollars. The design of banknote from each bank during different periods may be different (i.e. there is no standard pattern). However, the colour scheme of all current valid banknotes is standard. Coins  are issue by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, most coins have the same look and feel. Purple ten dollar notes are also issued by HKMA.

Hong Kong has a variety of banknotes and coins, following one major colour scheme:

• Coins (in gold): 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 
• Coins (in silver): 1 dollar, 2 dollars, 5 dollars
• Coins (in gold and silver): 10 dollars
• Banknotes: 10 dollars (purple or green), 20 dollars (blue), 50 dollars (green or purple)
• Banknotes: 100 dollars (red), 500 dollars (brown), 1000 dollars (gold)

With the increasing popularity of Octopus payment system, cents are becoming less popular nowadays. However, coins are still legal tender and should be accepted. Ten dollars may be presented as coins, banknotes in purple or even green. Fifty dollars may be presented in banknotes in green or purple. Care must be taken when accepting or giving $10 and $50 notes as they look very similar in colour. 

Extreme care must be taken when handling $1000 notes. There were know instances of counterfeit (i.e. fake) $1000 banknotes. Some retailers may choose to reject $1000 banknotes to protect their interests, tho straightly speaking it is illegal to do so. The anti-counterfeit of Hong Kong banknote is advanced. Retailers and banks are usually equipped to validate banknotes.

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Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Dollar

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - useful information about Hong Kong

Dollar

Hong Kong Dollar is Hong Kong's only currency. USD $1 approximately equals to HKD $7.8; where EUR $1 is around HKD $10 to $11. Vast majority of shops in Hong Kong accepts payment in HKD only, some may accept the mainland Chinese currency Renminbi RMB or CNY. 

Although major credit cards are accepted in more stores, cash is still the preferred means of payment in many locations. In particular, local diners, shops, bargain markets and public transport such as taxis usually deal in cash. It pays to exchange some Hong Kong Dollar at the airport. There are also plenty of currency exchange locations in most tourist areas.

HKD is at a fixed exchange rate to USD. The monetary authority keep the rate of USD $1 within the HKD $7.75 to 7.85 margin. This made it very easy for visitors to determine whether the Buy & Sell of a currency exchange counter is favourable.

In a hurry? Search Hong Kong Travel Dictionary.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Airport Express

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - simple facts for convince

Airport Express

Airport Express is a high-speed railway service runs from the Hong Kong International Airport area to Central on Hong Kong Island. It is an easy and convenient means to travel to and from Hong Kong CBD. The journey should take around 30 minutes. This excludes the time required to travel to and from an Airport Express station.

Passengers may interchange to Hong Kong's MTR network at the three major Airport Express stations at Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong. 

• Tsing Yi Station is located on the Tsing Yi Island. Interchange is only recommend if you know how where you are going. 
• Kowloon Station is near Jordon and Tsim Sha Tsui area. Free shuttle buses to major hotels in Kowloon are available. 
• Hong Kong Station is at Central. Free shuttle buses to major hotels on Hong Kong Island are available. 

Taxi stands and bus stations are also within close proximity of all Airport Express stations. 

Upon arrival to Hong Kong International Airport, all travellers may walk on an Airport Express train without purchasing a ticket upfront. Payment must be made at your destination before leaving the paid area.

In a hurry? Search Hong Kong Travel Dictionary.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Octopus

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - information at your finger tips

Octopus

Octopus is a common electronic payment system in Hong Kong. An Octopus card is at a standard credit card size. Electronic payment is made by waving this proximity card (i.e. RFID) at an Octopus terminal. Octopus payment is accepted in most transportation and major retail stores, making it simple and easy to pay for travel, food and common merchandise.

Tourists are recommended to get an Octopus Card upon arrival. Any person may loan an Octopus Card with a HKD $50 refundable deposit. In theory, one may 'own' the card for any period of time. There are different versions of Octopus in all sizes and shapes, some are available for purchase (i.e. non-refundable).  

Before you can pay with an Octopus Card, you must charge (load or reload) the card with cash. This can be done at all MTR stations, most convenient stores, supermarkets, chained coffee and fast-food stores. Automatic reloading is available to those who own a Hong Kong credit card and is recommend to those who wish to stay in Hong Kong for an extended period.

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary: Airport

Hong Kong Travel Dictionary - simple facts at your finger tips 

Airport

Hong Kong International Airport is the only commercial airport in Hong Kong. Located at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island, on average, it take around 45 minutes to commute to major CBDs. The quickest transportation means is Airport Express, a high speed train service from the airport. Taxis and buses are also available, of which the former attracts a high fee and the latter prompts a longer journey.

Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world's busiest yet most efficient airport. The majority of passengers would be able to complete immigration, baggage claim, and customs check within 30 to 45 minutes upon arrival. Departing passengers are still recommended to spare 2 to 3 hours at the airport, where there are plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment choices. 

Transformers in Hong Kong: Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

Event: Transformers: Age of Extinction 《變形金剛：殲滅世紀》 誓師

Dates: 26 June to 24 August 2014

Location: Maritime Square 青衣城 and Telford Plaza 德福廣場
Address: Above Tsing Yi MTR and Kowloon Bay MTR Station

Transforms: Age of Extinction

Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are in Hong Kong! This time they are not defending this world-famous 'fish village', they are promoting the latest movie they stared in Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Captain Tsubasa Battle Field at Hysan Place and Lee Theatre

Event: Captain Tsubasa adidas battlefield at Hysan Place and Lee Theatre

Dates: June and July 2014

Location: Hysan Place and Lee Theatre
Address: 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island

Characters from the famous Japanese football comic and animation Captain Tsubasa キャプテン翼 足球小將 has turned the heart of Causeway Bay Shopping Center into a football field.

The Last Game Mega Sized Footballers at Harbour City

Event: nike << The Last Game >> 球星雕像@海港城

Dates: 11 June to 13 July 2014

Location: Harbour City 海港城
Address: 3-27 Canton Road, Ocean Terminal Forecourt, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

<The Last Game> featuring Wayne Rooney

In the spirit of World Cup 2014 and making more money, Nike Football has released an animated commercial << The Last Game >> featuring this generation's hottest footballers. In collaboration with Harbour City, these animated figures were brought to life Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

The HOTTEST Hong Kong Movie Star: McDull

No body, and I mean no body, has ever achieved THIS in the history of Hong Kong showbiz: having his very own statue at both Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars! McDull did it!

McDull at Avenue of Stars @ Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront

Inspired by Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Avenue of Stars honours celebrities in Hong Kong film industry. It is on the promenade along Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. A golden McDull now sits in front of Bruce Lee's statue, waiting to enjoy the panoramic view of Hong Kong Victoria Harbour with you. On a clear day, the golden McDull exposed under the sun is truly the HOTTEST star!

What's Spider-Man doing at Victoria Harbourfront?

Event: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Promotions 蜘蛛俠2：決戰電魔 @ 海港城

Dates: Apr to May 2014

Location: Harbour City 海港城
Address: 3-27 Canton Road, Ocean Terminal Forecourt, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Spider-Man at Harbour City

It's Peter Parker, it's THE Amazing Spider-Man! A 12 feet tall Spider-Man is saving a NYC taxi at Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront! Check out this stunning promotional piece for the motion picture < The Amazing Spider-Man 2 蜘蛛俠2：決戰電魔 > in Hong Kong!

Getting Ready for 2014 Hong Kong Film Awards

Tomorrow is the big day for Hong Kong's Oscars! The 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held at Hong Kong Cultural Centre on 13 April 2014. Movie Stars and movie makers from Hong Kong, China and Asia will celebrate at this important annual event of the industry.

Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower is ready for Hong Kong Film Awards 2014

Red carpet has already been rolled out at the square adjacent to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower. It's gotta be a glamors event tomorrow night.

Hotel Guide: Four Seasons Hong Kong

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong  香港四季酒店

Address: 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 3196 8888

Fantasy to stay at a prime location on the Hong Kong Island? Four Seasons Hong Kong offers convenience, stunning views and endless luxury in one location. Along with InterContinental Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hong Kong are popular hotels for high-tea and weddings in Hong Kong!

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Welcome to Hong Kong Travel Blog Hotel Guide! Our hotel guide share facts and photos of great hotels. We go beyond the hotel rooms, we use a FLAG approach to present hotels by their Features, Location, Attractions and Gossips. Together with the main stream review and critics, we'd hope you can build a 360 degrees perspective of your desired hotel. Feel free to utilize our hotel guide before you make your hotel reservations!