The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is a good source of health information for travelers.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Sightseeing may require, at minimum, the ability to walk at a moderate pace for a mile or two and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit buses and boats, and navigate uneven or cobble-stoned streets. Some sightseeing stops do not have elevators or wheelchair access. Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your med­ical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. When on vacation, it is always wise to watch what you eat and drink, but please do not drink tap water while traveling in Hong Kong. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water.

You can purchase additional bottled water throughout your trip.

Hong Kong’s currency unit is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), available in the following denominations: Banknotes: 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 HKD; Coins: 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, 0.10 HKD. You can exchange foreign currency at authorized agencies such as banks, exchange offices, and hotels. Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are accepted but expect to pay in cash at most family-owned restaurants and small shops. The exchange rate constantly fluctuates. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 7.7 HKD. For the most updated exchange rate, please check http://www.xe.com.

The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts/ 50 hertz. Bringing an adaptor is a good idea if you plan to use electronics (i.e., cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.) during your trip.

The Western world, Japan, and Southeast Asia influence much of Hong Kong’s cuisine. The territory’s history of colonization and being an international port has much to do with why the cuisines are so diverse. Although much of their food is similar to that of China or other parts of Asia, many staple cuisines are prominent only in Hong Kong. Dim sum is a style of Chinese food that originated in southern China’s Guangdong region before eventually making its way to Hong Kong, where dishes are prepared in individual, bite-sized portions and are traditionally served in small steamer baskets or small plates. Traditionally, it is done ready-to-eat and is carted around the restaurant, where you are allowed to look at, select, and decide which dishes you would like to consume.

Desserts are also especially popular in Hong Kong as bakeries are easy to find throughout the city. Do not forget to try their pineapple buns, egg tarts, and “eggettes” (egg custard waffles). Hong Kong style milk tea is also a popular drink renowned in the area. Great places to experience true Hong Kong style food are their street carts and night markets; both are vastly common here, and you will find numerous street food and snacks at extremely low prices.

Thanks to its international harbor and colonial history, Hong Kong maintains a rich blend of cultures that give it its unique character. The official languages in Hong Kong are Chinese, Cantonese, and English. Although about 89 percent of the population speaks Cantonese, Chinese Mandarin and other Chinese dialects are also commonly spoken.