Air Canada Vacations

Before you leave Canada

Entry requirements
To enter China as a Canadian you will require a Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry with at least 2 blank pages. A visa will need to be organized prior to your arrival. For this you will require a completed application form with one passport photo and your passport. Allow 5-10 working days for processing. It is your responsibility to ensure all visa and entry requirements are met prior to arrival in China. For all other nationalities, consult your consulate or tourist board for details. You can also visit www.voyage.gc.ca for up-to-date information.

Baggage
Please refer to aircanada.com for baggage information.

Airport check-in
It is recommended that you present yourself at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your voucher 3 hours prior to departure. Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations representatives will be available starting at 5 a.m.

During your stay

Geography
Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China at the mouth of the Pearl River facing the South China Sea. Covering an area of 1,104 square kilometres (425 square miles), the territory is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. At the core is Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and beyond that, the New Territories that run up to the boundary with mainland China. As well as making up the bulk of Hong Kong's land mass, the New Territories also incorporate 262 outlying islands, including Lantau where the airport is located.

Languages
Cantonese is the Chinese dialect spoken by over 88% of the people in Hong Kong. However, English is widely used in the government and by the legal, professional and business sectors as well as tourist areas. Most taxi drivers and salespeople are able to communicate in English. Since reunification with China in 1997, Mandarin, more commonly known as Putonghua – the official dialect of China – has gained prominence and most locals can at least comprehend it to a certain degree. Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. All official signs are bilingual (using traditional characters). Most shops and restaurants also have English signage, though don't expect this from the more local or rural establishments.

Money
The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), which is linked to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.80 HKD to 1 USD, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly. You can find notes of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1000. For the coins the denominations are 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, 2$, $5 and $10.

Health & Safety
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, automatic sensors will take your temperature and if it is high, you will be required to have a quick health check. Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Tap water is soft in character and conforms to the guidelines for drinking-water quality recommended by the World Health Organisation. However, most people prefer to drink bottled water. Mineral water including major imported brands is readily available from supermarkets and convenience stores.

Hospitals: As an international city, Hong Kong has world-class hospitals providing outstanding care. Visitors using accident and emergency services in Hong Kong public hospitals are charged a set fee of 570 HKD per attendance, but will always be treated even if they cannot pay immediately.

Emergency numbers: In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 999.

Communication
Telecommunications in Hong Kong are efficient and sophisticated. Local private landline calls are free and cost only 1 HKD for five minutes from public telephones. Hotels usually make a charge. International direct dial (IDD) service to most countries and regions of the world is available at most of the hotels in Hong Kong.
 
Mobile phones: Using your mobile phone in Hong Kong is convenient as most of the wireless systems used around the world – like GSM 900, PCS 1800, CDMA and WCDMA – operate in Hong Kong.

Population : More than 7 million

Electricity : 220V / 50Hz UK plug

Time Zone : GMT +8

International calling code: Dial +852 to call a Hong Kong number from overseas. There are no regional codes.

Your departure from destination

Hotel checkout
Hotel checkout times may vary depending on the property but generally you must vacate the room by 12 p.m. (noon).

Duty-free shopping
After an absence of 7 days or more, Canadian residents are permitted to return with a maximum of 750 CAD of merchandise per trip without paying duty. Each time you leave Canada for at least 48 hours, you are eligible to declare up to 400 CAD of merchandise. A written declaration may be requested. Each adult is allowed 1.1 litres (40 oz.) of liquor, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks and 200 grams (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco. To calculate the number of days absent, do not count the day you left Canada but include the day you return. If you include cigarettes, tobacco sticks and loose tobacco in your personal exemption allowance, only a partial exemption will apply. You will have to pay a minimum duty on these products unless they are marked “Canada-Duty paid”. Canadian made products sold at duty-free shops will be marked this way.

Airport check-in
Procedures are the same as for departure from Canada.

Customer care
For inquiries relating to extension of stay or change or hotel changes, please call Air Canada Vacations Customer Care department toll free at + 800 296-3408 or e-mail us at: prevoyageclientele@vacv.com We are at your service seven days a week; from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday ET and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.