Press Releases

IAAPA Asian Expo Offers Travel Tips to Enhance Attendees’ Visit to Hong Kong

 

ALEXANDRIA, VA (USA) (May. 31, 2005) - Traveling to Hong Kong for the IAAPA Asian Expo 2005 will be a world-class experience for many in the amusement park and attractions industry.  As a mecca of sophistication, culture and business, Hong Kong was a natural choice as the location for the largest amusement park and leisure industry tradeshow in Asia.  Being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, July 12-15, 2005, the IAAPA Asian Expo 2005 will offer its attendees educational seminars, social events and a must-see tradeshow.

Situated on the southeastern coast of China, Hong Kong has unique characteristics that position it as a one of a kind city.  From its penchant for designer shopping, to its rich history, and collection of cultures from around the world, Hong Kong is a delightful city to visit.  For a pleasant stay in Hong Kong, following is a list of common tips for attendees of the IAAAP Asian Expo 2005.* 

• The main entry point to Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island.  It is one of the world’s most modern airports offering a comprehensive range of facilities and services to the traveling public.

• Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a valid passport. Passports should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Hong Kong. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain visas for periods varying from seven days to 180 days, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status. 

• To visit mainland China, visas can be obtained in Hong Kong. They require one photo and usually take three working days to process.

• Upon arrival, temperatures are taken when visitors pass through immigration.  Vaccination certificates are usually not required.

• English is widely spoken, and there will be no problems communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and some taxis.

• Located by the ocean, Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical. Summer has an average temperature of 28C (82F).

• Currencies - Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Coins are bronze-colored for 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents; silver-colored for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5; nickel and bronze for HK$10.  Notes have denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500 and HK$1,000.

•  Hong Kong has an excellent transportation system including buses, minibuses, taxis, ferries or the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). The system covers extension areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese.  Since most public transportation requires exact change, a travel pass called the Octupus Card is available to pay for most transportation including buses, minibuses, ferries, the MTR and some taxis.  Octupus Cards can be purchased at the MTR or airport.

• Gratuities or tipping is left to an individual’s discretion.  Most restaurants levy a 10 percent service charge, but waiters expect loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10 percent tip. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.

• The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so an adaptor for 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment is necessary. A three-pronged plug can be used in the majority of electrical outlets. An inexpensive adaptor can be purchased in Hong Kong.

• Internet access is available at most hotels. The internet is also available for free at many coffee shops, large shopping malls, major MTR stations and public libraries. For people bringing their laptops to Hong Kong, Wireless Broadband service is common at major shopping malls and coffee shops. For modem users, note that the BT system in Hong Kong is being gradually replaced by the RJ system, but a BT–RJ adaptor can be purchase in Hong Kong to solve the connection problem.

• The two local English-language daily newspapers are the South China Morning Post and The Standard. 

As Asia’s largest amusement and attraction-based show, the IAAPA Asian Expo will host more than 120 world-class exhibitors. Products and services displayed will include safety and design consultants, rides, games, play equipment, admissions and ticketing systems, costumes, IMAX films, and water shows. The trade show will utilize more than 2,700 net square meters of exhibit space, and IAAPA officials expect more than 3,000 attendees. 

For more information about the IAAPA Asian Expo, contact the IAAPA Exhibitions, Convention, and Meetings Services department at +1 703/836-4800 or go online to www.iaapaasianexpo.com. For more information about IAAPA and the industry, visit www.iaapa.org.

*Note: The above information is courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board, http://www.discoverhongkong.com.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org