Discover Hong Kong with the experts

British citizens visiting Hong Kong will need a passport valid for at least one month after you leave. Hong Kong allows visa-free entry for British passport holders for up to 180 days. Proof of onward travel such as a confirmed flight booking is required and you may have to demonstrate you have adequate funds to cover your stay.

As a world city, Hong Kong is a year-round destination. Late autumn is cooler and drier, perfect for clear harbour views and sightseeing. Typically falling in late January or February, Chinese New Year features spectacular parades and flower markets, but many services and shops close for an extended period. Spring has good warm and breezy weather and is a great time to view the floral displays or head out to an island, while summer is hot and very humid.

The official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Most businesses accept credit cards, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases, street-food stalls, markets and taxis. The widely used Octopus Card can be bought and topped up at convenience stores, and is accepted for public transport (including the Star Ferry), groceries and many fast-food restaurants. ATMs are widely available, especially in subway stations and convenience stores.

Traditionally, Cantonese has been the main language of Hong Kong, with English widely spoken and the second official language. In the more rural areas around Sha Tin and Tai Po, Hakka is still spoken by many of the older residents. Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is increasing due to the integration with mainland China, but it's still less common in casual conversations than English and Cantonese.

Hong Kong's public transport network is excellent and widely used. Safe and efficient, the MTR subway system connects all tourist destinations, while the buses and minibuses provide comprehensive local transport. There's a small system of double-decker trams (ding dings) on Hong Kong Island that recalls British heritage in the area. All public transport, including ferries, can be paid for by tapping the Octopus Card on the barriers on entering and leaving a station or bus.

The historic Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) waterfront near the Star Ferry terminal offers one of the world's greatest cityscapes as the towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island contrast with the jungle-clad Victoria Peak. One of the best ways to experience this dazzling panorama is while aboard the famous Star Ferry that links TST with Central. The streets of Mong Kok around Ladies' Market brim with stores and stalls, while you can enjoy a more serene side to Hong Kong in temples such as Wong Tai Sin and the immense Tian Tan Buddha.

Hong Kong is considered very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but visitors should exercise normal safety precautions and be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Tipping is not mandatory in Hong Kong as a service charge is often added to the bill. However, if you wish to tip for good service, cash is preferred as it goes straight to the employee. Rounding up to the nearest note for taxi drivers is also acceptable.

This fast-paced modern city is still deeply rooted in tradition and customs, especially when it comes to dining. Leaving a small amount of food and pouring tea for others is considered polite. If someone pours tea for you, tap two or three fingers on the table to show gratitude, and always place your chopsticks on the holder and never leave them in the bowl when you're finished. Orderly queues for public transport are expected. A useful word is "mh'goi" (pronounced mm-goy), meaning thank you or excuse me.

Traditional Cantonese food is different to the Cantonese food we may be familiar with in the UK, with dishes like sweet and sour available but uncommon. Dim sum and dishes with rice and noodles are shared during 'yum cha'. Meaning 'to drink tea', this is a significant cultural event and can last hours. Dining out is very popular in Hong Kong, so you can find all types of cuisine, from vegetarian and vegan to Indian, European and Michelin-starred restaurants.