Location
| Conference Venue Visas Do you provide invitation or visa letters? Transportation Health Language |
Time Electricity Currency Tipping Social Conventions |
The 2010 learning Conference will be held in Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong from 6 to 9 July.
Conference Venue
Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIED)
10, Lo Ping Road
Tai Po, New Territories
Hong Kong
http://www.ied.edu.hk/eo/campus_map.htm
Map - Location of HKIED
How to get to HKIED
Visas
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas.htm
Transportation
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/hong-kong/transport/getting-there-around
Health
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/hong-kong/practical-information/health#0
Language
Cantonese and English are the official languages, with Cantonese the most widely spoken. Mandarin is growing fast as a second language. English is widely spoken, especially in business circles.
Time
GMT + 8.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Currency
Hong Kong dollar (HKD).
Tipping
Hong Kong isn’t particularly conscious of tipping and there is no obligation to tip, say, taxi drivers; just round the fare up or you can throw in a dollar or two more. It’s almost mandatory to tip hotel staff HK$10-20, and if you make use of the porters at the airport, HK$2-5 a suitcase is normally expected. The porters putting your bags on a push cart at Hong Kong or Kowloon Airport Express station do not expect a gratuity, though; it’s all part of the service.
Most hotels and many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Check for hidden extras before you tip; some midrange hotels charge HK$3-5 for each local call when they are actually free throughout the territory, and some restaurants consistently get the bill wrong. If using the services of a hotel porter, it’s customary to tip them at least HK$10.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the common form of greeting. In Hong Kong, the family name comes first, so Wong Man Ying would be addressed as Mr Wong. Most entertaining takes place in restaurants rather than in private homes. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home. During a meal, a toast is often drunk saying Yum Sing at each course. There may be up to 12 courses served in a meal, and although it is not considered an insult to eat sparingly, a good appetite is always appreciated and it is considered cordial to taste every dish. It is customary to invite the host to a return dinner. Informal wear is acceptable. Some restaurants and social functions often warrant formal attire. Smoking is widely acceptable, but is now prohibited in most public places. Police who speak English have a red shoulder badge.
For all inquiries please email the Conference organisers, Common Ground, by clicking this link.
