Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are abundant; they bear a red-and-white cross outside and there should be a re-
gistered pharmacist available inside.
In Hong Kong many medications can be bought over the counter without a prescription, but
always check it is a known brand and that the expiry date is valid.
Birth-control pills, pads, tampons and condoms are available over the counter in pharma-
cies, as well as in stores such as Watson's and Mannings.
Money
The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is divided into 100 cents. Bills are
issued in denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500 and HK$1000. There
are little copper coins worth 10¢, 20¢ and 50¢, silver-coloured HK$1, HK$2 and HK$5 coins,
and a nickel and bronze HK$10 coin.
Three local banks issue notes: HSBC (formerly the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Cor-
poration), the Standard Chartered Bank and the Bank of China (all but the HK$10 bill).
ATMs
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere in Hong Kong and are
almost always linked up to international money systems such as Cirrus, Maestro, Plus and
Visa Electron.
Some HSBC so-called Electronic Money machines offer cash withdrawal facilities for Visa
and MasterCard holders.
American Express (Amex) cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local
currency and travellers cheques at Express Cash ATMs in town.
Changing Money
Hong Kong has no currency controls; locals and foreigners can bring, send in or take out as
much money as they like.
Banks
Hong Kong banks generally offer the best rates, though two of the biggest ones
(Standard Chartered Bank and Hang Seng Bank) levy a HK$50 commission for each trans-
action for those who don't hold accounts. Avoid HSBC, where this charge is HK$100. If
