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HONG KONG
24 February - 4 March 2027

Handy Information

Timezone

Hong Kong is in the GMT+8 timezone

Weather

Hong Kong experiences cool dry weather in late February and early March, with daytime temperatures in the low 20s degC and nighttime temperatures from 10 to 15 degC. While the period is mostly dry, there can be a few rainy days too.

Delegates need to be aware that indoors is heavily air-conditioned in many venues, with temperatures often as low as 18degC and very dry.

Delegates are encouraged to pack accordingly.

Drinking Water

Hotels do not provide plastic bottled water, instead providing a water filtration unit in the guest room. Tap water meets World Health Organisation standards for drinking water and is considered safe. However, it is recommended to filter drinking water instead due to taste or potential contamination from older building infrastructure.

Currency

Hong Kong’s currency is the Hong Kong Dollar, written as HK$. The HK$ is pegged to the US$ at US$1 = HK$7.8. As a guide, HK$100 is equivalent to US$12.75, or approximately AU$18, €11, or SG$16.

Most payments in Hong Kong are electronic, although it will be useful to have a small amount of cash for taxis and smaller shops/stalls. PayWave is widely used, but carrying a physical credit card just in case is always a good idea.

Octopus Card

Visitors to Hong Kong are strongly encouraged to procure an Octopus card, as that is the primary method of payment for public transport services around Hong Kong.

A physical card can be procured on arrival at the airport, but an electronic version is also available for visitors. The electronic version is available by downloading and installing the “Octopus for Tourists” application (Apple and Google application stores). This is not the same as the Octopus card for Hong Kong residents, which can only link with local bank accounts.

The application allows top ups and creation of the electronic Octopus card for adding to the visitor’s mobile device’s Wallet – it then can be designated as a Travel Card in the Wallet and be used as tap-and-go on the MTR, ferries, trams, buses, and anywhere else displaying the Octopus card symbol.

Power Plugs

Hong Kong uses UK square 3-pin power outlets (supporting Type-G plugs), with a 230V/50Hz supply. Hotel guest rooms, including the Hopewell Hotel, only have these UK outlets.

All delegates are encouraged to ensure they have the appropriate adapters with them. The Secretariat and Registration Desk will not be able to assist with providing power adapters. Many shops will sell appropriate adapters for any delegate who has forgotten to bring one.

Delegates from countries only using 110V are recommended to check that their appliance supports 230V before connecting them to the local power supply.

Getting Around

Hong Kong has excellent public transport options, ranging from taxis, buses, the MTR, ferries, and even the traditional street trams in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

Most international visitors procure an Octopus card on arrival (or prior to arrival) and use that for payments on their public transport of choice.

Taxis have been required to accept at least one NFC (including Octopus card) and one QR code form of payment since April 2026. Drivers don’t like it so expect some grumbling and may charge an “inconvenience” fee. Assume cash payment to be on the safe side.

There is no official ride-share option in Hong Kong.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Hong Kong. A service charge of 10% is usually added to the bill. It is common to round up cash payments for a bill to the next HK$5 or HK$10, but this is not required nor expected.

Connectivity & SIM Cards

Local SIM cards are affordable and easy to purchase. Real-name registration of SIM cards has been required since April 2022. Mobile phone shops will help you register; give them your passport, and they will take care of it. SIM cards bought in a convenience store (e.g. 7- Eleven) will require some other form of connectivity to register it.

There are 4 mobile network operators in Hong Kong:

  • China Mobile Hong Kong
  • Hong Kong Telecom (HKT)
  • Hutchison Telecom (“3”)
  • SmarTone Mobile

with mobile virtual network operators also providing services.

SIM cards are available at:

  • Airport arrival halls
  • Mobile phone shops in malls

Free Wi-Fi is available at:

  • Conference venue
  • Most hotels
  • Cafes and shopping malls