Hong Kong Airport and City Info

Traveling to and from Hong Kong

On this page, you will find the information you need to easily make your way through Hong Kong International Airport to your destination.

Guide to Hong Kong International Airport

Arrival and departure terminal maps and other information for navigating through Hong Kong International Airport.

Hong Kong International Airport website

Arrival Terminal

Airport Map Information

On the 5th floor of Terminal 1, there are Immigration booths, the baggage claim area, and Customs. Immigration can be reached from the arrival gates on foot, or by going to the 3rd floor and using the APM (Automated People Mover). The APM is convenient for those going between the Immigration Area and Gates 33-80. (Note: There are also moving walkways on the fifth and sixth floors). Passengers using the APM should go down from Block W1 to the 3rd floor, take the APM, and then come back up to Block E1 on the 5th floor.

On the 5th floor, there are also currency exchange booths, bus stops, taxi stands, a passageway to the train station, and the ferry transfer desk. If connecting to a ferry, go from Block E2 to the dedicated APM stop on the 1st floor to go to SkyPier, the ferry terminal. Please see the Special Guidance tab of this page for more details on the ferry.

Immigration

Please present your passport and entry card. Your passport will be returned to you with a departure card.

Baggage Claim

To prevent the wrong luggage from being picked up, an airport staff may ask you to check for the luggage tag information at the luggage claim area.

Customs

Present your customer declaration form at the Customs if you have something to declare.
If you have items to declare, please go to the red counter.
If you do not have items to declare, go to the green counter.

Departure Terminal

Airport Map Information

Departing passengers should first go to the 7th floor of Terminal 1. This includes those arriving at the dedicated Airport Express stop for departing passengers on the 6th floor.

On the 7th floor, there are ANA check-in and ticketing counters, South/North Immigration booths (please note that South is closed after midnight), and security checkpoints as well as currency exchange booths, an information counter, bus stops, taxi stands, the Royal Orchid Lounge, the Plaza Premium Lounge, and the United Club Lounge.

After going through Immigration and security on the 7th floor, proceed to the 6th floor.

After reaching the 6th floor, proceed to your boarding gate on foot, or by using the APM (Automated People Mover) on the 3rd floor. On the 6th floor, there are currency exchange booths, information counters, and the SilverKris Lounge. Get details on the airport lounges.

Check-In

Please present your passport and boarding pass.
Since the boarding gate check-in counters might be subject to change, please check at the airport to the day of departure.
See ANA International Airport Check-In Counter Opening Times.

Immigration

Please prepare the passport, the appropriate half of the Immigration card and boarding pass.

Security Check

After Security Check, please go to the boarding gate.

Check-In at Airport Express Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station

When the airport express to get to Hong Kong International Airport from Hong Kong Station or Kowloon Station, check-in and hand luggage check-in will be available at each station.
- Note: Use of the service is subject to the train ticket including Hongkong airport.
Check-in counter operation hours: 5:30 a.m. on the day of departure to 90 minutes before departure time of the flight.
- Check-in is available for NH822 from 5:30 a.m. on the day before departure.

Hong Kong

On September 27th, 2019 (JST) current information.
Furthermore, the details under “Visa” and “Passport” are for Japanese nationals.
This information is likely to change suddenly, so please contact the relevant official authority (e.g., embassy) for the latest information.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China

Official Languages: Mandarin Chinese, English

Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

Time Zone: UTC +8 (HKT)

Travelling to Hong Kong?

Whether you’re connecting at the airport or will be exploring what this beautiful city has to offer, you’ll find all the helpful tips you need to know on this page—including the current exchange rate, climate information and more. For detailed country information, please visit the embassy’s website.

Immigration and Visa (For Japanese Nationals Only)

Visa

Japanese citizens do not need a visa for entering Hong Kong to stay for up to ninety days. No visa is required to enter or leave the Chinese mainland either, for stays up to 15 days.

Passport

For stays of up to one month in Hong Kong, your passport must be valid for at least one month from the date of entry plus the number of days of your stay.

* Visa, passport, and other information is subject to change without notice. Be sure to check with the Embassy, Consulate, or travel agency.

Quarantine

When visiting from Japan, it is prohibited to bring the following items into Hong Kong. These may be brought in to the country if you have an import license issued by a relevant organization.

a. All living animals (including poultry and insects)
b. Plant or plant pests or soil produced in any place other than China
c. Endangered plant or animal species (including some carcasses, specimens, or body parts)
d. Animal carcasses or products made from animal carcasses (e.g. furs, semen, blood)
e. Live meat (including wild animals and poultry) or eggs
f. Chilled or frozen meat or poultry

* However, up to 15 kg may be brought in with a certificate from an official organization in the place of departure.

Customs

Bringing in e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes that contain nicotine in the ingredients are classified as pharmaceuticals in Hong Kong, and a pharmaceutical import permit is therefore needed to bring it in the country. When it is necessary to bring it into the country to treat a chronic illness, it can be brought in as long as you have a medical certificate from a doctor (in English). The medical certificate must state the name of the illness and the brand and required amount of e-cigarettes (e.g. dose schedule during your trip). As of November 2019, e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine in the ingredients do not require an import permit or doctor’s medical certificate.

For bringing and possession of tax-free cigarettes

Tobacco: one type of tobacco among the following: 19 cigarettes, 1 cigar under 25g, and other tobacco up to 25g.
Liquor: 1 bottle (1L) containing over 30% alcohol. Please note that omitting to report tax is a crime that could result in up to two years imprisonment and a fine of HK$ 2,000 to 10,000.

Time difference and Daylight Saving Time

Time difference

There is a 1-hour time difference between Japan and Hong Kong. 8:00 in Japan is 7:00 in Hong Kong. Daylight saving time is not observed.

Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. Summer is long with high temperature and humidity, but it does have a winter season. Typhoons have been growing stronger in recent years, and travelers are advised to be particularly careful during typhoon season from July to September.
The best tourist season is from autumn to early winter (October to December) when there are many mild, sunny days.

Temperatures in Hong Kong and Tokyo

Precipitation in Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Currency and Exchange Rate, Tax, Currency exchange, Tip

Currency and Exchange Rate

The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$) and cent (¢). HK$1 is 100¢, approx. JPY14 (as of September 4, 2019). There are six denominations of banknotes: HK$1000, HK$500, HK$100, HK$50, HK$20, and HK$10. There are seven types of coins: HK$10, HK$5, HK$2, HK$1, 50¢, 20¢, and 10¢.
Note that there are numerous banknote designs since there are three issuing banks.

Each type of banknote issued from 2010 to 2012.

Tax

There is no consumption tax. A 10% service charge is added at restaurants other than local diners and fast food restaurants, and at hotels other than guesthouses and cheap hotels. The departure tax is HK$120, and the airport security tax is HK$ 45. Both are included in the ticket price. If a traveler departs Hong Kong within 24 hours, or departs via SkyPier, he or she can be refunded the departure tax. Although there is no Customs duty for bringing items into Hong Kong, commodity tax is charged for bringing in alcohol or tobacco over a certain amount.

Tip

Hong Kong has a deep-rooted custom of tipping that is a holdover from the British culture.

Taxis: Tipping is not required.
Restaurants: At restaurants, a service charge of 10% over and above the meal charge is billed, so leaving the change as a tip is fine. Tipping is not required at cheap restaurants and fast food restaurants.
Hotels: Tip approx. HK$2 to HK$5 at restrooms and HK$10 to bellhops or for room service.

Voltage and plug

Voltage

Voltage is 220V with a cycle of 50Hz. Currently, plugs are all Type BF (3-prong type used in the UK), but there are still some old hotels, etc. that have Type B. Electric products made for use in Japan cannot be used as is. A transformer is necessary.

Most plugs are Type BF
Plugs come in several shapes. Sometimes hotels have this kind of adapter available

Video and DVD

Video

The TV and video system (PAL) in Hong Kong differs from Japan and the United States (NTSC), so DVD or other media from Hong Kong cannot be played on ordinary video players in Japan.

DVD/Blue Ray

Do not forget to check the region code, which is 2 in Japan and 3 in Hong Kong. Unless a DVD is clearly marked with “All code,” it cannot be viewed in Japan. The region code for Blue Ray is the same in Hong Kong and Japan (A), so Blue Ray discs purchased in Hong Kong can be viewed in Japan.

Mail

Post Office Business Hours: Though it differs slightly by location, usually post offices are open from Mon. to Fri. 9:30 to 17:00 and until 13:00 on Sat., closed on Sun., holidays. Post offices in Central are open from Mon. to Sat. 8:00 to 18:00 and Sun., holidays. 12:00 to 17:00.

Postal Fees

Airmail to Japan costs HK$4.90 for a postcard or sealed letter up to 20g, and HK$7.40 for a sealed letter up to 30g and HK$9.40 for a sealed letter up to 40g and HK$11.30 for a sealed letter up to 50g. Parcels are HK$242 up to 1kg by surface mail, and HK$243 up to 0.5kg by air. Check the website of the Hongkong Post for more details.

Phone Call

Telephoning Japan from Hong Kong

Dial 001 (International telephone identification number)
81 (Country Code, Japan)
X X(Remove the first 0 for area codes)
1234-5678 (Other parties telephone no.)

Telephoning Hong Kong from Japan

International Telephone Company No.
- 001 (KDDI)*1
- 0033 (NTT Communications) *1
- 0061 (SoftBank Telecom) *1
- 005345 (au Mobile) *2
- 009130 (NTT DoCoMo Mobile) *3
- 0046 (SoftBank Mobile)*4
010 (International Identification No.)
852 (Country Code, Hong Kong)
12345678 (Other parties telephone No.)

*1.
Not required if you have an international registration with "My Line"or "My Line Plus". See URL My Line/My Line Plus(www.myline.org) for details.
*2.
au does not require 005345.
*3.
Pre-registration to World Wing is required for NTT DoCoMo. Does not require 009130.
*4.
Call are possible without dialing 0046 from SoftBank.

Holiday / National holiday

Dates of holidays change depending on the year. These are the dates for 2020.

2020

January 1: First day of January
January 25 to 27: Lunar New Year
April 5: Ching Ming Festival
April 19: Good Friday (Easter)
April 20: The Day following Good Friday
April 22: Easter Monday
May 1: May day
May 13: Buddha's Birthday
June 7: Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat)
July 1: Hong Kong Special Administration Region Establishment Day
September 14: The Mid-Autumn Festival
October 1: The National Day
October 7: The Chung Yeung Festival
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing day

Language

The official language is English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese).

Business hours, etc

Business hours

Below are guidelines for general business hours, which differ by shop, department store, restaurant, etc.

Banks

Mon.–Fri. 9:00–16:30, Saturday hours vary by bank, but are usually until 1:00 p.m. (some banks are closed on Saturdays), closed on Sun. and holidays. Currency can be exchanged during business hours.

Stores

11:00 to 22:00. Convenience stores and some fast food restaurants are open 24 hours. Large shopping malls are open from around 10:00 to 22:00, and department stores are normally open until 22:00.

Restaurants

Open from around 11:00 to 23:00, but dim sum restaurants, rice porridge/noodle shops, and Cha Chaan Teng cafés are open from around 7:00. Many establishments are open all year round, excluding the lunar New Year. Note that many upscale restaurants close for around an hour between lunch and dinner.

Age Limit

In Hong Kong, the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and alcohol is 18. Also, persons under 18 are prohibited from being admitted to category 3 films (containing excessive violence, sexual depictions, etc.). Entrance to racetracks and the purchase of betting tickets, soccer pools, and the Mark Six lottery are only permitted for persons 18 and older.

Manners

A uniform fine of HK$1500 is imposed for littering, spitting, and hawking phlegm in public places.

Smoking

From January 2007, the scope of non-smoking areas was extended to all offices, public places, restaurants, bars, and karaoke rooms, and further extended to bus terminals in September 2009. In addition, basically public markets (including eateries within markets), public restrooms, pools, gymnasiums, sports grounds, amphitheaters, museums, libraries, and the majority of parks are non-smoking (some parks and promenades have smoking areas). Some restaurants and bars have outdoor smoking areas, so be sure to check with staff. Smoking in non-smoking areas is subject to a uniform fine of HK$1500.

Ferry Transfer Service

As mentioned above, you can use the Ferry Transfer Service and make the transit to Mainland China without having to go through Immigration control and custom clearance in Hong Kong.

Ferry Transfer Service makes it possible to travel to the cities in Pearl River Delta without passing through Immigration and Customs in Hong Kong. Currently, these are the routes are in service to/from Macau: Shenzhen Shekou, Shenzhen FuYong, Dongguan Humen, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Nansha, Taipa and Guangzhou Lianhuashan.

Passengers who wish to use ferries should go directly to "Ferry connecting counter."

Procedure From Air to Ferry

Ferry check-in and baggage procedure:

Please proceed to "Ferries to Mainland/Macau ticketing counter (ferry transfer counter)" in transfer area E2 before Immigration (no Immigration check required) on the Arrival floor.
At this counter, please show your passport and your checked baggage tag, and purchase the ferry ticket and check-in.
If you have a ferry ticket you purchased in advance, proceed to check in showing your passport and your checked baggage tag.
Your baggage will be checked with ANA from the departing airport to Hong Kong International Airport. By showing your baggage tag at the ferry transfer counter at Hong Kong International Airport, you can have your baggage transported to the ferry destination by the ferry company.
- You do no need to pick up your baggage in Hong Kong.
Passengers with checked baggage are required to arrive at the Ferry Transfer Counter 60 minutes before ferry departure for document check/purchase of tickets.
Passengers with hand baggage only are required to arrive at the Ferry Transfer Counter 30 minutes before ferry departure for document check/purchase of tickets.

Boarding the shuttle train (APM) to SkyPier:

Please proceed to the dedicated gate located next to "Ferries to Mainland/Macau ticketing counter" (Ferry Transfer Counter).
Then, take the escalator to the first floor and arrive at the APM platform (shuttle train). Ride on APM to proceed to the SkyPier (ferry terminal).

Boarding the ferry:

For ferry schedules, please see the China Travel Service.

Note: The entrance for the shuttle train (APM) for SkyPier is located before Immigration area. Once you pass through Hong Kong Immigration, your ferry ticket will be invalid. ANA is not responsible for any change on ferry operation or its schedule.

Procedure from Ferry to Air

Check-in for flights to Japan is available at Shenzhen (Shekou/FuYong), Macau, Taipa, Dongguan Humen, Zhongshan and Guangzhou Lianhuashan Ferry Terminal.

You can check in for ANA flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport along with your ferry check-in procedure at Shenzhen (Shekou/FuYong), Macau, Taipa, Dongguan Humen, Zhongshan and Guangzhou Lianhuashan Ferry Terminal.
Your baggage is transported directly to Japan.

At Ferry Terminal In Shenzen (Shekou/Fuyong), Macau, Taipa, Dongguan Humen, Zhongshan And Guangzhou Lianhuashan

Check-in for ANA flight via Hong Kong International Airport is completed along with your ferry check-in procedure.

Conditions of acceptance:

Having air-ticket (or e-ticket itinerary) with confirmed reservation.
In case of reservation change, the current itinerary is required. Please ask your travel agent or access the ANA website for a printout of updated e-ticket itinerary.
The connection time in Hong Kong International Airport must be ensured.
Passengers who have completed online check-in and hold an online check-in boarding pass or a mobile boarding pass are required to obtain an official boarding pass at an ANA check-in counter located at the applicable ferry terminal.

Flight connection time:

If the connection time in Hong Kong International Airport is less than 80 minutes, ferry-ride will not be available.
110 minutes is required for passengers who have not checked in at Shenzhen (Shekou/FuYong), Macau, Taipa, Dongguan Humen, Zhongshan and Guangzhou Lianhuashan Ferry Terminal.

Terms and conditions:

The check-in will be closed by 30 minutes prior to ferry scheduled departure time.
The service is available only to passengers with ANA-operated flight reservations (code-share flights are not applicable).
Check-in and check-in baggage is only accepted on one sector departing from Hong Kong International Airport.
If you are checking oversized baggage or require assistance when checking in, please direct any inquiries to your nearest ANA Branch Office.
Conditions of carriage of Ferry Company is applied about transport section from Shenzhen (Shekou/FuYong), Macau, Taipa, Dongguan Humen, Zhongshan and Guangzhou Lianhuashan ferry terminal to Hong Kong International Airport.
Free carry-on baggage allowance on a ferry is one piece per adult passenger.
- An excess baggage charge will be applied to baggage exceeding the limit set forth by the ferry company.

Boarding flow:

Pass through Immigration and board the ferry.
Arrive at SkyPier in Hong Kong International Airport.
Proceed to security check.
Refund is available for those passengers with Hong Kong Airport Tax included air-ticket.
- Please show your application form handed upon check-in at airport tax refund counter.
Go to Shuttle train (APM) at SkyPier to Passenger Terminal Building.
Arrive at the boarding gate 30 minutes prior to your departure.

At Ferry Terminal in Zhuhai And Nansha

Check-in for ANA flight is accepted at SkyPier.

Conditions of acceptance:

Having air-ticket (or e-ticket itinerary) with confirmed reservation.
In case of reservation change, the current itinerary is required. Please ask your travel agent or access the ANA website for a printout of the updated e-ticket itinerary.
The connection time in Hong Kong International Airport must be ensured.
- The same connection time requirement applies to passengers who have already checked in online.

Flight connection time:

If the connection time in Hong Kong International Airport is less than 110 minutes, ferry-ride will not be available.

Boarding flow:

Pass through Immigration and board the ferry.
Arrive at SkyPier in Hong Kong International Airport.
Check-in at an ANA Check-in counter.
- Passengers who have complete online check-in and have a mobile boarding pass are required to obtain an official boarding pass from ANA check-in counters at SkyPier.
A refund is available for those passengers with Hong Kong Airport Tax included air-ticket.
- Please show your application form handed upon check-in at airport tax refund counter.
Go to Shuttle train (APM) at SkyPier to Passenger Terminal Building.
Arrive at the boarding gate 30 minutes prior to your departure.

Ferry to Air Terms And Conditions

This service is available for passengers connecting from the ferry to an ANA flight on the same day for which they have tickets reserved (includes late-night flights departing after midnight).
There is no ANA ticketing counter at the Shekou ferry terminal check-in counter or at SkyPier (ferry terminal). If you need to change your flight or make a fare adjustment, please direct any inquiries to your nearest ANA Branch Office one day before the day of departure.
After arriving at Hong Kong International Airport by ferry, those passengers with connecting flight are strictly prohibited from going out of Hong Kong International Airport.
Please note that ANA is not responsible for any changes to ferry operations or schedules.
ANA is not responsible for mis-connection due to ferry operation delay.
The above information is subject to change without prior notice.