Be alert at all times.

Similar to all large cities, there will be some gangster activities going on especially in pubs, nightclubs, bathhouses, massage parlours. Most times, you will not get into trouble as a visitor of the city unless you get too drunk…

Avoid walking alone in dark alleys in the middle of the night. Always stick to the main roads.

Do look after your personal belongings at all times and be wary of pickpockets especially in crowded places, bazaars , night-markets, etc.

I will not encourage you to purchase any goods from any suspicious person handing out flyers / cards inviting you to “another location” for brand goods/ watches. You are likely to be conned into purchasing expensive counterfeit goods or goods that have been stolen. Monetary loss aside, I am more concerned about your own safety.

Since the electricity voltage in Hong Kong may not be the same as your home town, I will not suggest you purchase any electrical appliances in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the product warranty usually does not cover worldwide. Do not buy any unknown branded electrical appliance, they are likely made in China with poor quality and low safety controls.

next article – Chinese New Year

photo credit: TheTruthAbout…

Dear SMOKERS,

We are sorry to inform you as of 1st January 2007, non-smoking areas have been extended to cover the indoor areas of all restaurant premises, indoor workplaces, public indoor places, and some public outdoor places . No one can smoke or carry a lit cigarette, cigar, or pipe in no smoking areas.

Some pubs and clubs do allow smoking indoors, please check with the staff before lighting up. The maximum fine is HK$5000.

next article – Crime & Safety in Hong Kong

photo credit: gruntzooki

It is definitely not a good experience to encounter emergency situations, especially in a foreign land.
These are some tips that may be helpful in an emergency situation.

1. Have a mobile phone that is connected to the Hong Kong local mobile networks (click to learn more about telecommunication in HK )

2. The emergency number for the Police, Fire Department, Ambulance Service is the SAME – 999.

3. Purchase travel insurance before your trip, take down the telephone number of the insurance company. Medical & dental emergency services are expensive anywhere else around the world.

4. Useful telephone numbers are as follow :
Hong Kong Country Code – 852 (If you are calling outside Hong Kong)
Collect Call – 10010
Tourism Board Visitor Hotline- 2508 1234
Consumer Council -2929 2222

next article – Smoking in Hong Kong

next article – duty free concessions

Please take note, if you are going to use a pair of non-disposable chopsticks in a local coffee house or noodle shop, I strongly encourage you to rinse them in a glass of hot tea / water that they serve before you start using them.

next article – Octopus