Hong Kong - Travel Report

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Since July 1, 1997, the Region enjoys a high degree of autonomy, except in the areas of defense and foreign policy, and retains its own currency, laws, and border controls. It is composed of three geographic areas: the New Territories, Kowloon Peninsula, and Hong Kong Island. Chainese (Catonese) and English are official languages. Tourism accounts for a significant portion of the GDP. The primary products of Hong Kong are vegetables, poultry, textiles, electronics, plastics, toys, watches and clocks. The primary markets for Hong Kong’s products are China, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan. Credit cards are widely accepted; however, it is advisable to inquire with your financial institution regarding acceptability. Travelers checks are accepted on a wide basis. In order to avoid additional exchange rate charges, checks should be taken in Pounds Sterling or U.S. Dollars. There are no restrictions on the importation or exportation of local currency. During the storm season (June through September), typhoons hit Hong Kong on average of two or three times. The airport and offices may be closed during these storms. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.