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Living in Hong Kong - Transport & Getting Around

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Living in Hong Kong - Transport & Getting Around Empty Living in Hong Kong - Transport & Getting Around

Post  Admin Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:33 pm

MTR / AIRPORT EXPRESS / KCR KOWLOON – CANTON RAILWAY
MTR
AIRPORT EXPRESS
KCR

* Fast, clean & reliable, the MTR is Hong Kong's primary mode of public transport, carrying close to 3million passengers every day.
* Fares range from HK$4 to HK$26 and can be paid with single-journey tickets or travel passes like the Octopus card.
* Look for signs pointing to nearby MTR station entrances.
* The MTR is great for getting to Hong Kong's attractions as well as a host of shopping and dining outlets.
* There are NO public toilets in MTR stations.
* Facilities are available for disabled passengers at all stations.
* Smoking, eating & drinking are not allowed on MTR trains.

* The MTR has 6 lines:
· Airport Express: Hong Kong International Airport – Central
· Island Line: Sheung Wan - Chai Wan
· Tsuen Wan Line: Central - Tsuen Wan
· Kwun Tong Line: Yau Ma Tei - Quarry Bay
· Tung Chung Line: Central - Tung Chung
· Disneyland Resort Line: Disneyland – Sunny Bay

Enquiries:
Tel: 2881 8888

BUSES

CITYBUS

* Bus routes cover most of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
* Fares are low, but exact change is required.
* All buses have their final destinations marked in English and Chinese.
* Fares are low, usually ranging from HK$1.20 to HK$45.
* Exact change or Octopus cards are required.

MINI-BUSES

* Minibuses are best suited for those who speak some Cantonese, or, if you prefer shout “yau lok”, meaning “I want to get off” when you want to disembark and the driver will stop at the next safe point.
* Minibuses are small passenger vans that differ by colour.
* Cream-coloured minibuses with green-stripes travel specific routes at fixed prices.
* They tend to goto places not served by larger because of demand or accessibility.
* Minibuses with red stripes have no fixed route; the route is fixed by demand.
* Passengers may get on and off anywhere.
* There are no set stops so you need to flag the drivers down.
* They are not allowed to stop at regular bus stops or on yellow lines on the roads.
* Fares for minibuses are a little higher than buses, but usually in the HK$2 to HK$22.50 range.
* Exact payment is required and can be paid as you alight.
* Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory.

CABS / TAXIS

* Taxis are everywhere in Hong Kong, though it can be harder to find on a rainy day.
* Many drivers speak some English, but it is wise to have your destination written in Chinese characters.
* Taxis are easily hailed in the street, although they cannot pick up or drop off passengers in areas marked with yellow lines.
* All taxis can go to and from the Hong Kong International Airport .
* At peak periods, you might opt for a hotel taxi-queue.
* Taxi fare information is listed on the inside of the taxi.
* Always ask for a receipt.
* Only Hong Kong dollars are accepted.
* Taxis are cheap too.

Flag fall Per 0.2km or 1 min

* Hong Kong Is & Kowloon – Red Taxis $15 $1.40
* New Territories – Green Taxis $12.50 $1.20
* Lantau – Blue Taxis $12 $1.20
* All taxis are regulated and drivers are required to display their Taxi Driver Identity sign on the dashboard.
* If you ever have a complaint about a particular taxi, check-out their ID tag on the dashboard and call complaints.
Tel: 2889 9999
* For lost property there is a HKD$380- charge.
Tel: 2385 8332

FERRIES

STAR FERRY

TURBOJET

* The infamous Star ferry connects Hong Kong with Kowloon.
* There are 4 Star ferry routes; Tsim Sha Tsui – Central / Wan Chai, Hung Hom – Central / Wan Chai.
* Double-decker boats run every 5mins with a crossing taking approx.8mins
* First-class views of one of the world’s best harbours and skylines.
* Outlying island ferries all depart from ferry piers to the Northwest of the Star ferry.

* Jetfoils to Macau depart from the Macau ferry terminal on Connaught Rd, Central.
* Hover ferries depart from the China Ferry Terminal, Kowloon.
* The trip to Macau is approx. 60mins.
* Ferries for Guangzhou also depart from the China Ferry Terminal.
* Ferries to Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Shekou depart from the Macau ferry terminal.
* Visitors to Macau require a passport, while visas are required for mainland China.

Further Information:
Tel: 2859 3333

Telephone Bookings (Credit Card):
Tel: 2921 6688

TRAMS

* The tram system in Hong Kong is the only double-decker tramway in the world, dating back to 1904.
* They are certainly the cheapest form of transport on the Island at HKD$2 per ride, but with that they aren’t the most efficient.
* A fantastic way to see the sights of Hong Kong.

PEAK TRAM

* Is the longest funicular railway in the world.
* A 7min trip up the steep slope is best on clear days, giving unsurpassed views of the harbour and city skyline.
* Once at the peak enjoy the host of sights, activities, shops & restaurants on offer.

HELICOPTER

* Live extravagantly and see Hong Kong from above.
* Either take scenic flights or trips between Hong Kong and Macau

HELISERVICES

HELI HONG KONG


CARS – LICENCE – RULES OF THE ROAD

You can drive in Hong Kong on a foreign licence temporarily when you arrive, but if you're planning to stay here beyond a year, you must get a Hong Kong licence to keep driving.

* For overseas driving licence holders who wish to drive in Hong Kong, a valid driving license may be obtained through the following means:-
• Apply for a full driving licence by direct issue without test;
• Apply for a temporary driving licence;
• Driving on strength of their valid overseas driving licence or international driving permit if they are visitors to Hong Kong (visitors mean that they arrive Hong Kong other than to take up residence for a period exceeding 12 months)

Full driving licence by direct issue without a test criteria:

* Hold an overseas driving licence issued by one of the countries or places as listed. (See Below – List of Approved Countries & Places)
* The overseas driving licence must be valid or has not expired for more than 3 years, and must be obtained through passing of driving test held in the issuing country or place.
* The driving entitlement(s) applied for must be equivalent to the class(es) which are authorized to drive by the issuing country or place.
* Applicants have resided in the overseas country or place of issue for a period of not less than six months during which the license was issued; or have held the licence for 5 years or more immediately prior to the application; or
* hold a passport or equivalent travel document of the country or place in which the licence was issued.
* To apply, you need to complete Form TD63A and submit it to the Hong Kong Licensing Office.
* Bring along original and photocopy of overseas driving licence, Hong Kong Identity Card and any other documentary proof of compliance of the above criteria.
* An officially certified translation of your overseas driving licence is required if it is in a language other than English or Chinese.
* Medical certificate is required for applicants aged 70 or above.


Temporary Licence Criteria:

* Hold a valid overseas driving licencee of which the issuing country or place is NOT on the approved list. (See Below – List of Approved Countries & Places)
* Apply for a driving test within 3 months after the date of arrival in Hong Kong to take up residence.
* Applicants have resided in the overseas country or place of issue for a period of not less than six months during which the licence was issued; or have held the license for 5 years or more immediately prior to the application; or
* hold a passport or equivalent travel document of the country or place in which the licence was issued.
* If you subsequently fail in any part of the driving test, your temporary driving licence will be cancelled immediately.


To apply, you need to complete Form TD181 and submit it to the Hong Kong Licencing Office. Original passport, overseas driving licence, Hong Kong Identity Card and any other documentary proof of compliance of the above criteria. An officially certified translation of your overseas driving licence is required if it is in a language other than English or Chinese. Medical certificate is required for applicants aged 70 or above.


List of Approved Countries & Places:

* Australia - Austria
* Bangladesh, People’s Republic of - Belgium
* Canada - China, People’s Republic of
* Denmark - Finland
* France - Germany, Federal Republic of
* India - Ireland, Republic of
* Israel - Italy
* Japan - Korea, Republic of
* Luxembourg - Malaysia
* Netherlands - New Zealand
* Nigeria, Federal Republic of - Norway
* Pakistan - Portugal
* Singapore - Spain
* Sweden - Switzerland
* Republic of South Africa together with S.W. Africa
* United Kingdom together with Alderney (with Channel Islands), Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey
* United States of America

Licensing Information (24-Hour Interactive Voice Hotline):
Tel: 2804 2600


Hong Kong Licensing Office: 3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong
Tel: 2804 2600
Fax: 2804 2599


Kowloon Licensing Office: 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Govt Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Rd, Kowloon
Tel: 2150 7728
Fax: 2782 0153


Kwun Tong Licensing Office: 5/F, Kwun Tong Govt Offices, 12 Lei Yue Mun Rd, Kowloon
Tel: 2775 6835
Fax: 2348 2150


Sha Tin Licensing Office: 2/F, Sha Tin Govt Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Rd, Sha Tin
Tel: 2606 1468
Fax: 2691 1242


Driving Test Appointment Offices:


Hong Kong Driving Test Appointment Office:
3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong


Kowloon Driving Test Appointment Office: 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Govt Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Rd, Kowloon

PRIVATE CARS

* A first registration tax is applicable to all new cars in Hong Kong and is derived from the taxable value of your vehicle times the appropriate tax rate.
* Owners bringing cars from overseas are also subject to this tax.
* Cars in Hong Kong are super expensive. Prices can range from HKD$85,000-$400,000- for an ordinary saloon, and over HKD$450,000 for luxury cars.
* Annual licence fees are as follows;
Vehicle Engine Capacity Annual Fee
Below 1500cc HKD$3,929
1501 - 2500cc $5,794
2501 – 3500cc $7,664
3501 – 4500cc $9,534
4501 & above $11,329
* By law, all cars over 6yrs old require an annual inspection to renew the licence. Appointments must be arranged at Government-approved garages.

SECOND-HAND CARS

* The Automobile Association of Hong Kong will inspect any second-hand vehicle you purchase if you become a member of the association.
* Membership entitles you emergency, 24hr towing service.
* Second-hand cars can be found in local newspapers, bulletin boards at supermarkets and recreation clubs attended by expats.

Car City
Tel: 2893 6126

The Car Locator
Tel: 2592 8360

Expat Motors
Tel: 9674 7454

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

Hong Kong Automobile Association

Wanchai North Tel: 2827 7474
Yau Ma Tei Tel: 2739 5273

AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS

Hong Kong Automobile Association
Tel: 2827 7474

* Cars can be rented for long-term or short-term use.
* You must be 25yrs or over and have had a driver’s licence for more than 2yrs.
* Some nationalities maybe required to have an international driver’s licence.


Avis
93 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay
Tel: 2890 6988

Toyota Rent-A-Car
G/F, Block C, Seaview Estate, 2-8 Watson’s Rd, North Point
Tel: 2880 1515

Hawk Rent-A-Car
Suite 1302, Eastern Harbour Centre, 28 Hoi Chak St, Quarry Bay
Tel: 2516 9822

PARKING

* Parking is expensive and a major problem in Hong Kong.
* Parking spaces can rent for over HKD$4,000- /mth!
* There are over 17,000 metered parking spaces in very high demand.
* Payment can be made by Octopus card or by purchasing tickets from Shell service stations or 7-Eleven stores
Admin
Admin
Admin

Male Number of posts : 52
Age : 48
Location : Hong Kong
Airline : Pilots Lounge
Position/Rank : Administrator
Registration date : 2008-01-02

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