Travelling to Hong Kong
Well prepared for Hong Kong
A trip to Hong Kong Disneyland is also a trip to Hong Kong. Here you can read what you need to know as a Dutch or Belgian visitor. Sources: the Hong Kong Immigration Department (immd.gov.hk), the tourism board (discoverhongkong.com) and the Hong Kong Observatory.
Visa and passport
As a Dutch or Belgian citizen, you don't need a visa for a holiday. According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, you can stay for 90 days. According to the tourism board, your passport must be valid for at least one more month (six months if you're travelling on to China). Always check the rules on immd.gov.hk before you leave.
KLM and Cathay Pacific fly direct from Amsterdam to Hong Kong. When you leave Hong Kong by plane, you pay a departure tax of HK$ 200 from the age of 12; this is usually included in your ticket.
Money and payments
In Hong Kong you pay with the Hong Kong dollar (HKD or HK$). According to the tourism board, it is pegged to the US dollar, at roughly 7.80 HKD to 1 USD. Shops may refuse HK$ 500 and HK$ 1,000 notes.
Credit cards, the Octopus card, Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. At Hong Kong Disneyland you can also pay with renminbi, Alipay and WeChat Pay. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge.
Time, language and electricity
- Time: Hong Kong is in the UTC+8 time zone. In winter it is seven hours ahead of the Netherlands and Belgium, in summer six hours.
- Language: Chinese and English are the official languages. Signs and announcements are bilingual; most people speak Cantonese.
- Electricity: 220 volts, with sockets for plugs with three rectangular pins. Bring an adapter.
- Emergency number: 999 for police, fire brigade and ambulance.
Climate and typhoon season
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. From May to mid-September it is hot, wet and humid. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, July averages 31.6 °C during the day. June sees an average of almost 500 millimetres of rain. From November to April it is cooler: in December an average of 20.4 °C during the day and 16.2 °C at night.
The typhoon season runs from May to November. With typhoon signal 3, outdoor attractions may close. With signal 8 or higher, the park may open later or stay closed all day. Check the park's website and the Hong Kong Observatory's website before you set off.
Best time to travel
October to December is drier and less hot. Do watch out for crowds around public holidays.
Rain and typhoons
Bring a raincoat in summer and keep an eye on typhoon warnings.
Travel insurance
Medical costs are high for visitors. The tourism board recommends travel insurance.