Page Added
July 8, 1998HONG KONG
LANGUAGE
* Cantonese is the most commonly spoken language in Hong Kong. English is widely used in business.
BUSINESS ATTIRE
* Suits for men and smart business outfits for women.
INTRODUCTIONS
* Business cards, particularly cards printed in both English and Chinese are essential. As in most Asian countries, the distribution and receipt of business cards should be performed with both hands. Cards signify a person's status and should be studied carefully for a few seconds. Never place cards immediately into your pocket or wallet, as this may be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
* When introduced to a person, it is customary to bow the head slightly. Always use the title of your business contacts. "Mr" or "Madam" are appropriate if you are uncertain of a person's official corporate title.
* Chinese surnames precede given names, hence a man named Lin Chee-hwa should be referred to as Mr Lin.
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
* Business entertaining is widely used in Hong Kong and dining out is common during the negotiating process. Business contacts are usually taken to fine Chinese restaurants where huge multi-course banquets are served.
* It is not uncommon for large quantities of alcohol such as brandy or cognac to be consumed throughout the meal. Foreign guests may be expected to participate in such drinking sessions.
* Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment for Chinese people and foreigners may be encouraged to participate in "sing-a-longs" after a meal.
MONEY
* Hong Kong is an international financial centre and all major currencies and travellers* cheques can be exchanged at almost any hour of the day or night.
* Most credit cards are accepted throughout Hong Kong and can be used to obtain cash advances at banks and automatic teller machines.
POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
* Hong Kong*s post and telecommunications system is very efficient and reliable. Postal rates are cheap and post offices scattered far and wide across the Special Administrative Region.
* Local telephone calls are free and international direct dial calls can be made from IDD phones almost anywhere. IDD phone cards, which can be bought at convenience stores and newsagencies, are useful if making an international call from a phone box.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
* Hong Kong"s Kai Tak International Airport was located in Kowloon, a short distance from the tourist centre of Tsimshatsui. A new airport some 30 kilometers away has just opened. As a result, much of the following information has just become dated:
* Efficient airport shuttle buses leave from outside the arrival hall and serve Tsimshatsui, Wanchai, Central, Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay.
* These buses stop at most major hotels along their routes and include the Star Ferry and Macau Ferry terminals.
* Set-rate metered taxis also operate from a rank situated outside the terminal.
GIFTS
* For information concerning the giving and receiving of gifts in Hong Kong, refer to the China chapter in this guide.
* Western table wines have enjoyed considerable growth in popularity in Hong Kong in recent years and may be a suitable gift, particularly if the wines are produced by your own country.
GENERAL
* Woman play a far greater role in business and civic affairs in Hong Kong than in countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan or China.
* All aspects of a deal will be discussed at great length before the bargaining process begins. Business people in Hong Kong bargain enthusiastically but will honour deals once agreement is reached.
* Hong Kong is an international city and most residents of Hong Kong are quite westernized and accustomed to dealing with foreigners.
BUSINESS HOURS
Weekdays
Offices 9am-5pm
Banks 9am-4.30pm
Post offices
Department stores
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July 8, 1998