Currency:

• The local currency is 'Hong Kong Dollar' (HK$).

• Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rates.

Credit Cards & Foreign Exchange:

• Credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong including Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners Club and JCB.

• It is advisable to write ‘HK’ in front of the dollar sign when signing credit card receipts if there isn’t one already printed there.

• Foreign currency can be changed in banks, hotels and money changers.

• Traveller’s Cheques are accepted almost everywhere.

• ATMs are widely available all over the island.

Tipping:

• Tipping in Hong Kong is common.

• Taxi drivers will usually round up to the nearest dollar amount as a tip to himself. And who's to stop you from adding on a HK$5 (US$.64) or HK$10 if you were extremely pleased with the service.

• Restaurants: Most establishments add a 15 percent service charge to the total bill, which goes directly to the owner, and not the waiter who attended to you. If you would like to tip the staff, then add an extra 10 percent to the bill, but in a particularly fancy restaurant, make that HK$100 (US$12.87).

• Small tips are expected by doormen and washroom attendants.

• Tipping for tour guides is common.

• Porter service: In most hotels, HK$10 (US$1.28) would be sufficient, but proffer HK$20 (US$2.57), and you'll be greeted effusively during the rest of your stay.

Tax & Service:

• There is a 10% service charge at restaurants and hotels.