Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHINA VISAS
Everyone except Hong Kong Chinese residents must have a visa to enter mainland Ch-
ina. Visas can be arranged by
China Travel Service
,
the mainland-affiliated agency; a
good many hostels and guesthouses; and most Hong Kong travel agents.
At the time of writing, holders of Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and most EU
passports - but not USA ones - can get a single visa on the spot for around HK$150
at the Lo Wu border crossing, the last stop on the MTR's East Rail. This particular visa
limits you to a maximum stay of five days within the confines of the Shēnzhèn Special
Economic Zone (SEZ). The queues for these visas can be interminable, so it is highly
recommended that you shell out the extra money and get a proper China visa before
setting off, even if you're headed just for Shēnzhèn. If you have at least a week to ar-
range your visa yourself, you can go to the
Visa Office of the People's Republic of China
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
;
3413 2424;
www.fmcoprc.gov.hk
; 26 Harbour Rd, 7th fl, Lower
Block, China Resources Centre, Wan Chai;
9am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Fri). For fur-
ther details see
www.fmprc.gov.cn
.
GETTING AROUND HONG KONG
Hong Kong is small and crowded, and public transport is the only practical way to move
people. The ultramodern Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the quickest way to get to most urb-
an destinations. The bus system is extensive and as efficient as the traffic allows, but it can
be bewildering for short-term travellers. Ferries are fast and economical and throw in spec-
tacular harbour views at no extra cost. Trams are really just for fun.
MTR
name for Hong Kong's rail system comprising underground, overland and light rail (slower
tram-style) services. Universally known as the 'MTR', it is clean, fast and safe and trans-
ports around four million people daily.
Though it costs slightly more than bus travel, the MTR is the quickest way to get to most
destinations in Hong Kong.
