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Citizens from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need only a valid passport to enter Hong Kong. UK citizens may stay up to six months and US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand visitors for up to three months without a visa. (Ensure your passport is valid for at least a month after you plan to leave Hong Kong.) To visit mainland China (beyond the New Territories), you will need a visa. These are easy to obtain when you are in Hong Kong, from travel agents. China Travel Service issues China visas for HK$150 (or HK$300 to process in 24 hours). You’ll need to leave your passport and one passport photo. Citizens of most countries may visit Macau for up to 20 days without a visa – Portuguese citizens are allowed 90 days.

The milder months from October to late January are a popular time to visit, although Hong Kong’s climate is at its best in March and April. Hotel rooms will be heavily booked and more expensive in October and April. Flights also tend to be heavily booked during these months.

Just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Hong Kong’s sub-tropical climate has a mild winter (December–February) when temperatures can drop as low as 10 C (50 F), while spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) are short, warm and pleasant. In summer (May– September), temperatures average about 28 C (83 F), relative summer humidity regularly soars above 80 or 90 per cent and typhoons and tropical storms often visit.

Light clothing will suffice for most of the year. A long-sleeved top is advisable for some of the arctic air-conditioning; a light jacket for the winter months.

Cantonese, Mandarin and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. English is widely understood and spoken, so English-speakers will find it easy to get around, although expect communication difficulties with taxi drivers and residents in remoter rural areas.

No compulsory vaccinations are required for Hong Kong, but a yellow fever vaccination is necessary if you are visiting southern China from a yellow fever infected area. Common medical and hygiene products are readily available. Ensure you have valid medical insurance.

The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), divided into 100 cents. Bills are issued in 20-, 50-, 100-, 500- and 1,000-dollar denominations. Coins come in 1-, 2-, 5- and 10-dollar and 10-, 20- and 50-cent denominations. Pegged to the US dollar, the exchange rate always hovers close to HK$7.8 to the US$1. HK$ are accepted in Macau but change is given in MOP$. ¥RMB are needed for mainland China.

Take lots! Hong Kong can be expensive. There is no limit on the amount that can be changed (see Money Changing and Forwarding).

Hong Kong is not the shopper’s paradise it once was. Many branded and designer goods are on a par with or even pricier than in the West. Bargains can be found, however, in the markets and warehouse outlets (see Designer Outlets in Ap Lei Chau & Places to Shop).

A valid international driving licence is required for driving and car hire.