Hong Kong perches on the edge of mainland China, occupying a unique position as a territory straddling two worlds. Since the handover in 1997 Hong Kong has become a 'Special Administrative Region of China', no longer a subject of British colonial sovereignty, though much of Britain's cultural and economic influence is still evident. Past and present fuse to create a capitalist utopia embedded within the world's largest Communist country.

Hong Kong offers a dense concentration of shops and shopping malls with a cross-pollinated cosmopolitan culture that embraces Nepalese and British cuisines with equal enthusiasm. It is the perfect gateway for travellers to Southeast Asia and China, providing a smooth transition from west to east. As one of the key economies of the Pacific Rim, Hong Kong Island showcases a gleaming landscape of skyscrapers and boasts a highly developed transport infrastructure that makes commuting around it a dream.

Hong Kong consists of four sections: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories form part of the Chinese mainland to the north of Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Island, containing the central business hub, lies on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon. The Outlying Islands comprise a composite of 234 islands.

The best time to travel to Hong Kong is between the autumn months of October and November when the temperatures are milder. January and February are usually cold and rainy months while June to September temperatures average 86°F (30ºC) with 95% humidity. Some rain and humidity can be expected throughout the year. Even during the height of summer it is worth bringing some warm clothing to combat the fierce air conditioning in shops and offices.

The official languages in Hong Kong are English and Cantonese. The other main language is Mandarin.

The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD); HK$1 is divided into 100 cents. Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. Banks and moneychangers charge commission as do hotels that provide exchange services. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely distributed. Some HSBC 'Electronic Money' machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders.

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.

Ireland

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.

Honorary Irish Consulate, Hong Kong: +852 2527 4897.

United Kingdom

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.

British Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2901 3000.

Canada

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.

Canadian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2810 4700.

United States

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.

United States Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2523 9011.

New Zealand

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.

New Zealand Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2525 5044.

South Africa

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).

South African Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2577 3279.

Australia

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.

Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong: +852 2827 8881.

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong. Food and water are safe, although visitors should consider only drinking bottled water for the first few days of their stay. The Hepatitis E virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water and precautions should be taken with food and drink. Take precautions against mosquito bites, as there is a risk of Dengue fever. Outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease are reported annually. Hong Kong's health facilities are first class, but expect to pay cash. Medical insurance is advised. Cases of bird flu have been reported and although the risk for travellers is low, all close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. High quality medical care is widely available but medical insurance is recommended.

Hong Kong is a safe travel destination although caution should always be exercised when travelling to any city. Pickpockets are likely to target unsuspecting tourists so one should minimise these incidences through vigilance. Be wary of accepting drinks from strangers, as reports of spiked drinks are increasing. Robbers have recently targeted walkers in Hong Kong's Country Parks so it is advisable to stay on marked trails and not to carry large amounts of cash or credit cards. The typhoon season is usually between April and October, which may cause flooding and landslides.

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The UK-style 3-pin plugs are standard.

Despite its close proximity to China, Hong Kong's business culture is worlds apart. There tends to be a heavy British influence on business culture in Hong Kong. However, one typically Asian aspect is the concept of saving face. Saving face represents an awareness of positive appearances and perceptions of other people or companies. Bad news should never be presented in front of others and keeping ones cool is vital. Open displays of emotion, such as anger and irritation, are frowned upon, as is causing embarrassment to another person.

Business culture in Hong Kong is quite conservative. Dress styles are formal and deference to senior members of companies is vital. Business suits are usually dark colours. Avoid wearing bright ties, or blue or white coloured clothes, as these colours are associated with mourning. When greeting business associates, either shake hands or, if no handshake is offered, bowing is appropriate. Respect for personal space is important and physical contact should be avoided. Gifts are given during introductions, but never opened in front of the giver. Timepieces sas gifts are inappropriate as they are associated with death. The business languages in Hong Kong are both Mandarin and English. Tone should always be even; and measured and cultural sensitivity and etiquette are vital.

When tea is served at a business meeting never sip from your cup until your host has taken his first sip. Business in Hong Kong is conducted efficiently and formally and punctuality is vital. It is advised to allow for sufficient travel time before meetings considering the high traffic congestion. If you are tardy, effusive and repeated apologies are in order, regardless of whether you caused the delay. It is customary to exchange business cards (printed in English on one side and Cantonese on the other) at the start of a meeting, along with a handshake. Business cards should be given and received using both hands, with the Cantonese side facing the recipient, and should be treated with respect. It is common to greet the more senior or elder person first. Business entertainment is usually in the form of a lunch or dinner that is organised by the hosting partner. Food is also usually ordered and paid for by the host. Finally, the phrase 'have you eaten,' is a subtle form of greeting which generally means 'are you well.' Business hours run from 9am to 5pm during the week and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The international access code for Hong Kong is +852. The outgoing code depends on what network is used: 001 for PCCW, 0080 for Hutchinson and 009 for New World. City codes within Hong Kong are not required. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Mobile phones can also be rented on arrival at the international airport. Internet cafes are widely available, and access is free at many coffee shops, shopping malls, MRT stations and public libraries in town.

Travellers to Hong Kong over the age of 18 years do not have to pay duty on 1 litre of spirits or wine, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. A reasonable amount of items for personal use is also permitted. Prohibited items include narcotics, psychotropic drugs, firearms and ammunition; counterfeit items, endangered species (alive or stuffed), and copyright infringed products.