Life in Hong Kong: climate, transport, money and scams

The most important thing first: avoid scams

CityU devotes a section of its "Hong Kong at a glance" page to "Beware of deception", in strong terms: in recent years a number of students have unhappily become victims of telephone scams.

How the fraudsters work:

• They approach victims under false identities — public officials, courier companies, law enforcement officers and so on
• They use various methods to extract money
• Some obtain the victim's personal data unlawfully, convincing the victim that they are connected to a crime and that the story is true

CityU's three rules for students:

1. Do not give out personal information readily.
2. Do not remit money to bank accounts you cannot identify.
3. If you get a suspicious call, hang up immediately and contact the police Anti-Deception Coordination Centre on +852 18222.

Emergency numbers and security

Getting around: drive on the left, and the MTR is easiest

• Vehicles in Hong Kong drive on the left, unlike the right-hand traffic in Mainland China. Take care about which direction traffic comes from when crossing.
• CityU is right at MTR Kowloon Tong Station, where the Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line meet, so transport is very convenient.
• Taxis: urban taxis start at HK$29, with an extra charge for luggage.
• Buses: there is a bus terminus next to Festival Walk.

Published reference fares:

Clothing: indoor air-conditioning is strong — carry a jacket

• Hong Kong weather varies through the year: summers are hot and humid, but indoor air-conditioning is usually powerful, so the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large — bring a light jacket to class.
• Winter temperatures normally do not fall below 10°C, but because there is no indoor heating you still need to keep warm.
• Casual clothes are normal for classes; for interviews or a hall high-table dinner and similar occasions you may need formal dress. You can buy a formal outfit after term starts.

Climate at a glance

Food and drinking water

• Hong Kong's food safety ordinance follows international standards, and both locally produced and imported food is quality-assured.
• Hong Kong tap water is not suitable for drinking directly — only water that has been boiled or comes from a water dispenser should be drunk.
• Mineral or distilled water is on sale in campus restaurants, convenience stores and supermarkets.

Electricity and telecoms

• Hong Kong's voltage is 220 volts, and sockets are three flat-pin (British).
• Bring a plug adapter for appliances brought from the Mainland.
• SIM cards: local and international prepaid SIM cards are available at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Circle-K, and monthly plans from operators are available if you prefer.

Language

• Everyday life in Hong Kong runs on two written languages and three spoken languages.
• At CityU, classes and examinations are conducted in English. Students whose first language is not English may find it hard at first, but with practice they settle into an English-medium environment.
• Cantonese is the everyday language outside class and off campus, and basic conversation makes daily life much easier.
• CityU's reassurance for new students: with an open mind and a willingness to listen and speak, students from Chinese-speaking regions who do not know Cantonese often understand simple Cantonese after a semester.

Healthcare

• Non-local students are normally covered by the insurance scheme arranged for students.
• If you need to see a doctor off campus, you can attend a hospital with your Hong Kong Identity Card.
• On campus there is the Young Chung Yee Health Centre, on the fourth floor of the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Complex next to the swimming pool, providing general outpatient services and basic dental care for students and staff. The Western medicine clinic there offers general consultations, dispensing, wound dressing and emergency medical services.
• Charges depend on the treatment and on the category of student.

Public health and smoking

• Hong Kong does not require residents to be vaccinated.
• Most enclosed public places are designated no-smoking areas, including university campuses, student residences, restaurants, shopping malls and certain outdoor places. Smoking, or carrying a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe, in a no-smoking area is an offence.
• Under Hong Kong law, no one may litter or spit in public, and offenders are fined.