public security penalties 治安处罚
1. The punishment for violating social morality in Hong Kong is quite severe, with a fine of HKD 1500 for littering and spitting in public places.
2. Hong Kong strictly prohibits smoking, with most areas of workplaces, public places, restaurants, streets, and public amusement parks implementing smoking bans. Smoking in non-smoking areas (including public transportation) or carrying lit cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is illegal, and offenders will be fined HKD 1500.
Notice in Hong Kong
1. In Hong Kong, it is illegal to not carry an ID card with you. Please note that you must always carry a photo identification document (such as a pass). Generally speaking, regardless of day or night, Hong Kong has good public security. But it is advisable to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, preferably using traveler's checks or credit cards, and make full use of the hotel's safe deposit box facilities.
2. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service fee to the bill, and customers can also give extra tips according to their personal preferences. In addition, passengers should also check with the waiter before taking their seats to see if there are any additional charges at the restaurant, and verify the billing information before making payment. Taxi drivers, gatekeepers, and restroom attendants, passengers may give tips at their discretion.
3. Most hotels provide same day laundry services, and many hotels also offer childcare services. The voltage in Hong Kong is 200/220 volts, and most hotels have transformers/converters for electrical appliances. Small appliances brought from China can generally be used.
4. The tap water supplied by the Hong Kong government is soft water, disinfected with chlorine gas, and meets the standards of the United Nations World Health Organization, making it suitable for drinking. Hotels and supermarkets also sell various types of bottled distilled water and mineral water. Some parks also have drinking fountains where visitors can drink water for free.
5. The office hours of Hong Kong government agencies are 5 and a half days a week, with 9:00-17:00 from Monday to Friday (lunch time from 13:00-14:00) and 9:00-13:00 on Saturday; Some companies also have office hours from 10:00 to 18:00 or later. The bank is open from 9:00-16:30 from Monday to Friday and from 9:00-12:30 on Saturday.
6. Hong Kong has two Chinese and English television stations, which not only broadcast programs produced in Hong Kong, but also programs produced in mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. Viewers can also receive programs from five channels of Asia Satellite Television. In Hong Kong, there are seven stations operated by the Hong Kong government, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), one station operated by Commercial Radio (CR), and three stations operated by New City Radio. The main broadcasting languages are Cantonese and English. Hong Kong Radio has recently launched a Mandarin program.
7. Eating and drinking are not allowed on public transportation in Hong Kong, and loud noises should be avoided in public places as much as possible.
8. One pound in Hong Kong is equivalent to 16 taels, so it is particularly important to pay attention to this when dealing with dry goods and medicinal herbs.
9. Ordinary restaurants in Hong Kong do not have special requirements for clothing, but the air conditioning temperature in Hong Kong's subway, shopping malls, and indoor restaurants is relatively low. It is recommended to bring a small thin jacket. High end restaurants may have specific requirements, such as no shorts, no slippers, etc. It is recommended to consult the merchant by phone when ordering.
10. Hong Kong's tea restaurants always offer a cup of tea before serving, which is used to wash dishes and utensils. However, it is also acceptable to drink it, as it is clean and reassuring.
11. Hong Kong's escalators require standing on the right and giving up the other half of the steps for pedestrians to use.
12. Smoking ban: No one is allowed to smoke or carry burning cigarettes, cigars, or pipes in designated no smoking areas. Violators will be fined $1500. Designated no smoking areas include: restaurants, shopping malls, cinemas, entertainment venues, buses, taxis, subways, public elevators, escalators, schools, public swimming pools, and beaches.
13. Reservation: Lunch time in Hong Kong is from 13:00 to 14:00, dinner time is from 19:30 to 20:30. Both lunch and dinner are peak hours. If you choose to dine during this time, it is recommended to book your seat by phone in advance. If the phone reservation is successful, be sure to dine on time, as most popular restaurants are outdated and never wait.
14. Prepare change: Many street side shops in Hong Kong will prominently post a message saying 'Our store does not accept 1000 yuan banknotes', so remember to prepare change when going to street side shops.
15. Consumer rights: After consumption, please save the documents; In case of disputes, you can contact the following organization: Consumer Council: 2929-2222 (office hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday; there is a message service outside of office hours, and staff will reply within the next working day). Serious disputes or urgent requests can be directed to the Hong Kong police at 999 (24 hours)