Frequently Asked Questions about the Hong Kong SAR By For Tourists and Visitors

(History, Geography, Government, Economy & Practical Information)

These are questions that have been frequently asked by clients I have served since I began guiding tours over a decade ago. The list is not exhaustive and I cover most of these basic questions on tour. I am publishing them here as an ongoing reference for those who I have been lucky enough to share Hong Kong with, as well as anyone else considering a visit to this magnificent city. Others (tour guides, etc.) are welcome to use this FAQ as they wish provided a link is provided back to this website. All rights are otherwise reserved.

Geography & Regions

What is the basic geography of Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is located on the southeastern coast of China, on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta. It borders Shenzhen to the north and faces the South China Sea. It comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and 262 outlying islands (Lantau is the largest). The terrain is mostly hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; only a small portion is flat land. Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, is one of the world’s best natural deep-water harbours.

What is the geographic size of Hong Kong SAR?

The total land area is approximately 1,110–1,114 km² (about 430 sq miles). This includes Hong Kong Island (80 km²), Kowloon (67 km²), the New Territories (986.92 km² total land and islands). Around 40% of the territory is protected as country parks. The scarcity of developable land explains why Hong Kong leads the world in number of sky scrapers.

What is Kowloon Peninsula? When was it made part of colonial Hong Kong?

Kowloon is the densely populated peninsula directly north of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour. It is one of Hong Kong’s three main geographic regions and includes major areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, and Kowloon City. It is a key commercial, residential, shopping, and tourist hub known for its high density, street markets, and vibrant nightlife. It’s ambiance is very local Chinese.

The southern part of the Kowloon Peninsula (south of Boundary Street) and Stonecutters Island were ceded to Britain in 1860 under the Convention of Peking after the Second Opium War.

What are the New Territories?

The New Territories are the largest part of Hong Kong (about 86% of the land area). They include the mainland area north of Kowloon up to the Shenzhen border, plus some 262 outlying islands mostly uninhabitable. They were leased from China to Britain for 99 years in 1898 under the Second Convention of Peking. Today, they contain a mix of new towns, countryside, country parks, and villages.

History (For further detail refer to the Time Line also available on this website)

When did Hong Kong become a British Colony?

Hong Kong Island was occupied by Britain in 1841 during the First Opium War and formally ceded in perpetuity under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. It was established as a Crown Colony in 1843.

When did Hong Kong revert back to China?

Hong Kong was handed back to China on 1 July 1997, ending 156 years of British colonial rule. It became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

Who were the first Western Europeans permitted to occupy part of China?

The Portuguese were the first. They established a permanent settlement in Macau in 1557 (with earlier trading contacts from 1513). Macau remained under Portuguese administration until 1999. Notably, Macau began as a Portuguese settlement almost 300 years before Hong Kong became a British colony.

Government & Legal System

What is the structure of the government in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s government operates under the "One Country, Two Systems” principle and the so called Basic Law.

Key Structure:

- Chief Executive: Head of the Hong Kong SAR Government, elected by a 1,500-member Election Committee and appointed by the Central Government of China.

- Executive Council (ExCo): Highest policy-making body advising the Chief Executive.

- Legislative Council (LegCo): The legislature with 90 members responsible for enacting laws and approving budgets.

- Judiciary: Independent judiciary with the Court of Final Appeal (located at Statue Square) as the highest court.

China retains responsibility for defence and foreign affairs.

What does Special Administrative Region (SAR) mean?

An SAR is a highly autonomous region of China. Under the Basic Law, Hong Kong maintains its own legal system (common law), currency (HKD), immigration controls, economic system, and way of life for 50 years (until 2047). China is responsible for defence and foreign affairs.

What happens after 2047?

The Basic Law does not automatically expire. Although the “50 years unchanged” clause refers to the period until 2047, official statements indicate that the capitalist system and high degree of autonomy can continue beyond that date, subject to decisions by the Central Government in Beijing.

What is the judicial legal system in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong operates under a common law legal system inherited from Britain, with an independent judiciary and the Court of Final Appeal as the highest court. The Basic Law serves as the constitutional document.

What is the National Security Law? Do foreign visitors need to be concerned?

The National Security Law (2020) and Article 23 law (2024) criminalise secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign collusion. For ordinary tourists, there is no need for heightened concern provided they avoid political activism or sensitive topics. Refer to you Consulate for detailed advice.

Population & Society

What is the population of Hong Kong? What is the composition of Hong Kong’s population (local, Mainland, and foreign)? What is the rough composition of the foreign population?

As of mid-2026, the total population of Hong Kong is approximately 7.4–7.5 million.

Population Composition:

- Ethnic Chinese (the vast majority are locally born or long-term Hong Kong residents): ~91–92%.

- Non-Chinese / Foreign (including expatriates and foreign domestic helpers): ~8–9%.

Rough Composition of the Foreign / Non-Chinese Population:

- Filipino (~200,000+), mostly domestic helpers.

- Indonesian (~140,000+), mostly domestic helpers.

- Western expatriates: ~60,000–80,000.

- British expats: Approximately ~30,000–35,000.

- American expats: Approximately ~60,000–70,000.

- South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese): ~90,000–100,000.

- Other Asian and international communities.

Where is the local population distributed?

- New Territories: ~52–55% (most populous)

- Kowloon: ~29–31%

- Hong Kong Island: ~15–17%

- Outlying Islands: ~2–3%

What are the primary spoken languages?

The Basic Law States that English and Cantonese are the official languages of Hong Kong.

What religions do Hong Kong people follow and practice?

Hong Kong enjoys full religious freedom. The Chinese population follows predominantly a blend of Chinese folk religions, Chan Buddhism, and Taoism. Christianity accounts for around 10–12%. There are also small Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Jewish communities.

Economy & Business (Very brief answers).

What are the five leading business sectors in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a highly service-oriented economy. The five leading business sectors (with rough percentage contributions to GDP) are:

1. Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Asset & Wealth Management) — **~22–25%** of GDP. Hong Kong is a global financial hub. According to the latest statistics it leads the global offshore financial system measured by assets under management.

2. Trading and Logistics (Import/Export, Wholesale Trade, Shipping, and Aviation) — **~20–22%** of GDP. One of the world’s busiest ports and logistics centres.

3. Professional and Business Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting, and Management Services) — **~12–14%** of GDP.

4. Tourism and Hospitality — **~8–12%** of GDP (highly variable depending on visitor numbers).

5. Innovation & Technology (FinTech, Biotech, E-commerce, and AI) — **~6–8%** of GDP but growing rapidly.

What are the tax rates in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a simple, territorial tax system. Salaries tax is progressive, ranging from 2% to 17%. There is no capital gains tax, no VAT/sales tax, and no worldwide income tax.

What is the average wage earned in Hong Kong? What is the minimum wage?

- Median monthly wage (as of recent 2025 data): Around **HK$20,500–21,200**.

- Statutory Minimum Wage (effective 1 May 2026): **HK$43.1 per hour**.

Infrastructure & Transport

What encompasses the public transport system in HK SAR?

Hong Kong has one of the world’s most efficient and extensive public transport systems, carrying over 90% of daily passenger trips. It includes the MTR subway, buses, trams, ferries (including Star Ferry), minibuses, taxis, and more — all highly integrated with the Octopus Card.

How does the MTR work?

The MTR is Hong Kong’s efficient passenger friendly subway system. Use an Octopus Card or mobile payment (credit card tapping). Trains run frequently from ~6:00 AM to 1:00 AM with English announcements and signage are ubiquitous. Fares are distance-based. Tap in and tap out at gates. Note, each passenger must have a separate card.

Explain Octopus Card usage for Visitors.

The Octopus Card is Hong Kong’s rechargeable contactless smart card.

- Buy the Tourist Octopus Card at the airport (includes a HK$50 refundable deposit).

- Use it for the MTR, buses, ferries, trams, convenience stores, restaurants, and more.

- Refund: Return the card at any MTR Customer Service Centre within 3 months of first use to receive the remaining balance plus the HK$50 deposit (a small admin fee may apply).

Are Credit Cards accepted generally: Credit cards are accepted in most major establishments. In small local retail operations and restaurants, cash or Octopus Card is generally preferred. Hong Kong has a plethora of safe International Standard ATMs. Currency exchange kiosks can be found in most centrally located tourist areas. All Hong Kong establishments, large and small, will only do business in HKD. The official exchange rate is 7.8 HKD to 1 USD.

What is the vehicular ownership breakdown in Hong Kong?

As of early 2026, Hong Kong has approximately 799,000 registered motor vehicles. Private cars make up ~65–70%, followed by goods vehicles, taxis (~18,000), buses, and motorcycles. Private car ownership remains relatively low due to excellent public transport and high costs.

What is the commercial taxi cab system in HK? Do taxis accept credit cards? Are car services like Uber available?

Hong Kong has ~18,163 metered taxis divided into Red (Urban), Green (New Territories), and Blue (Lantau). All taxis have been required to accept credit cards and electronic payments since April 2026. However, it is best to double check before entering a vehicle. Uber and other ride-hailing apps are available and widely used.

Practical Information for Visitors

When is the best weather for visitors to Hong Kong? When is typhoon season?

The best time to visit is October to April. October–December is warm, sunny, and dry — ideal for sightseeing. December–February is cooler and comfortable. March–April is generally mild but humidity begins to rise.

Typhoon Season: Typhoon season in Hong Kong runs from May to November, with the highest risk between July and September. The Hong Kong Observatory issues typhoon signals (1, 3, 8, 9, 10) to warn residents and visitors.

What kind of Healthcare System do we have in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a dual public-private healthcare system.

- Public System (Hospital Authority): High-quality and heavily subsidised care. It handles the majority of inpatient and emergency services.

- Private System: Faster access and more personalised care, but significantly more expensive.

Advice for Visitors in a Health Emergency or Accident:

- General Emergency Number: Dial **999** (free from any phone) for ambulance, police, or fire services. (112 also works on mobile phones.)

AED devices are located in train stations, many public buildings and many fast food restaurant chains.

- Accident & Emergency (A&E): Go to the nearest public hospital A&E department. They operate 24/7 and are well-equipped.

- **Key Public Hospitals with 24-hour A&E**:

- **Queen Mary Hospital** (Hong Kong Island): **+852 2255 3838**

- **Queen Elizabeth Hospital** (Kowloon): **+852 3506 8888**

- **Prince of Wales Hospital** (New Territories): **+852 3505 2415** or **+852 3505 3555**

- **Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital** (Hong Kong Island): **+852 2595 6111**

- Bring your passport. You will be charged as a non-resident. Therefore, travel insurance is highly recommended for treatment as well as coverage of private care or medical evacuation.

- Pharmacies such as Watson’s and Mannings are widespread for minor needs.

Is Hong Kong considered safe?

Yes, Hong Kong is generally considered very safe for tourists. It has one of the lowest violent crime rates among major cities worldwide. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded tourist areas. Standard big-city precautions are sufficient. The city is stable, well-policed, and safe to walk around even at night in most areas.

Do you need a visa to cross the border into China as a tourist?

Yes, in most cases. Hong Kong and mainland China maintain separate immigration systems. Most visitors need a China visa, although limited visa-free options (e.g., 30 days for many nationalities or group tours) are available. Always check the current rules for your nationality.

How can one visit Macau SAR?

Macau is very easy to visit from Hong Kong and makes an excellent day trip or overnight stay. It is a separate Special Administrative Region with its own immigration controls.

Main Ways to Travel:

- Ferry (most popular): High-speed ferries depart frequently from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, Kowloon, and the airport. Travel time is about 1 hour.

- Bus via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge: Frequent cross-border buses take about 40–60 minutes from the airport.

- There are car services, albeit expensive, including Uber by advance booking.

Immigration & Visa: Most nationalities enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Clear immigration on both sides. HKD is widely accepted.

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Prepared June, 2026