What you need to know before travelling to Hong Kong [New Restriction in Hong Kong}

A celebration for people who have been waiting for the Hong Kong government to lift the mandatory hotel quarantine. Starting September 26, people will no longer undergo the dreadful hotel quarantine. New orders for fully vaccinated arrivals will no longer require RT-PCR tests at the airports.

Hello! Hong Kong Tours Team has compiled everything you need to know when entering the city.

  1. Who can enter Hong Kong?

  2. Pre-departure requriements

  3. Arrivals Procedures

  4. Latest public gathering

hongkong-travel-postcovid

A beautiful view of the Hong Kong harbour

WHO CAN ENTER HONG KONG

Great news for Hong Kong residents. as they do not need to be fully vaccinated to enter the city. .However, non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 or above must be fully vaccinated. Those who cannot get vaccinated for Covid-19 due to medical reasons must provide a valid proof.

PRE- DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS

Travelers will need to complete the online health declaration and have evidence of a negative COVID-19 (RAT) test issued within 24 hours of boarding their flight. You'll need to take a COVID-19 (RAT) as well as (PCR) test on arrival. You'll also need to take multiple COVID-19 tests during the medical surveillance and self-monitoring period.

All inbound travelers must complete the online Health Declaration Form. After submitting the declaration and upon confirmation of boarding requirements, the system will generate a green Health Declaration QR code. That you will need to show before immigration.

You will need to download Leavehomesafeapp where you will be using during your entire stay in Hong Kong

ARRIVAL PROCERDURE

Please present the green Health Declaration QR code at check-in for verification. You will also need to show the GREEN QR code to the border control point staff upon arriving in Hong Kong.

All inbound persons must pass temperature checks at the airport. Travelers with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health.

When all your Covid-19 tests are negative, you will not need to spend three days in a designated quarantine hotel however, your movements will be limited.

Arrivals will be assigned an ‘Amber Code’ restriction which will be reflected on the Leave Home Safe app. Amber Codes allow arrivals to leave their homes or hotels but are only limited to the areas that require a Leave Home Safe app.

PUBLIC GATHERING

Finally, another ease of restriction. Starting October 20, live performances will resume in restaurants and bars, and public group gatherings will increase to 12. Wearing a mask is still mandatory. People caught in a gathering of more than 12 will be penalized $5,000. The only exemptions are in public transport; gathering at work or within hospital and healthcare facilities; same household gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Although the restrictions have been relaxed and Hong Kong residents are slowly seeing an improvement, travelers eager to visit Hong Kong are still a bit reluctant in visiting the city to the limited mobility around the city within the mandatory medical surveillance for the subsequent 4 days upon the arrival.

So if you have a longer stay in Hong Kong, you will still be able to visit the beautiful places. For more updates and arrival procedures, here is a helpful link from the Covid-19 inbound traveler page

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Sightseeing from the sky [ Helicopter tours in Hong Kong ]

Photocredits: Heliservices

Table of content:

  1. 18 minutes Private Hong Kong Island Scenic Flight

  2. 30 minutes Private Lion Rock / Geopark Scenic Flight

  3. 45 minutes Private City and Nature Scenic Flight

Looking for a unique weekend getaway with your friends and loved ones? Private Helicopter tours in Hong Kong are the perfect activity for you. It runs every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on Public Holidays. Hello! Hong Kong tours partnered up with Heliservices HK Ltd. It operates a fleet of top-class helicopters for scenic flights, VIP transfers, and construction services that will give you a different kind of sightseeing that you will enjoy!

18 MINUTES PRIVATE HONGKONG ISLAND SCENIC FLIGHT

Hong-Kong -Helicopter-tour

Victoria Harbour - Hello! Hong Kong Helicopter Tours 18minites private Hong Kong Island Flight

Photocredits: Heliservices

Be amazed by the beautiful view of skyscrapers and AWEmazing panoramic aerial view of Hong Kong Island. Seize the opportunity to take off from the Peninsula to experience Hong Kong from a different perspective! On the 18 minutes private scenic flight, you will fly around the famous Victoria Harbour Skyline and see Hong Kong's tallest buildings, and see the beautiful beaches/bays around the south.

30 MINUTES PRIVATE LION ROCK / GEO ROCK SCENIC FLIGHT

Tsing Ma Bridge - Hello! Hong Kong Helicopter Tours

Photocredits: Heliservices

If you want to have a longer scenic flight and to make the experience worthwhile. There is also the 30minutes private flight that you can book. You may choose between LION ROCK SCENIC FLIGHT, A scenic flight where you will admire the wonderful view of the mighty lion. You can also see the beauty of the Tsing Ma bridge and see why it was named the world's 16th-longest span suspension bridge. Choose the GEOPARK SCENIC FLIGHT where you will see the wonderful view of the internationally acclaimed Hong Kong Geo Park. You will also witness the difference between busy Victoria Harbour and the tranquility of Sai Kung.

45 MINUTES PRIVATE CITY AND NATURE SCENIC FLIGHT

helicopter-scenic-hongkong-tour

Big Buddda - Hello! Hong Kong Helicopter Tours

Photocredits: Heliservices

Experience an exhilarating helicopter private ride away from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Hong Kong for a panoramic bird's eye view of Hong Kong including Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the Big Buddha on Lantau Island.

Thinking of booking this weekend? Just complete the form below.

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A Guide to Hong Kong's Public Transportation

Hong Kong is a densely populated metropolis with an efficient public transportation system that can be daunting for first-time visitors. But with a little planning, getting around the country is easy and convenient.

There are many different types of public transportation in Hong Kong, from buses and trains to trams and taxis. The best way to get around depends on your budget, where you're going, and how much time you have.

This guide will help you navigate Hong Kong's public transportation system so you can get to your destination without any hassle.

Mass Transit Railway

The Mass Transit Railway, or MTR for short, is the most convenient and popular way of traveling and commuting in Hong Kong. The MR connects Hong Kong Island, the New Territories, Lantau Island, and Kowloon. It has ten lines with over 70 stations, such as Island Line, Tsuen Wan, Tung Chung, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, Ma on Shan, West Rail, East Rail, Disneyland Resort, and the Airport Express.

 You read it right. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you can go straight to Disneyland! Of course, you may have to change lines now and then, which is the beauty of a railway transit system. In fact, one of Next Vacay cheap travel destinations is Hong Kong due to its public transportation.

 The cost of transportation might not be expensive, but it can bring you to places and gives tourists a challenge and a chance to sightsee different parts of the country. The MTR runs every two to four minutes. It opens at 6:00 am and closes at 1:00 am. You can find locations at places where people usually go, and multiple exits are making it highly convenient for locals and travelers as it leads people to meaningful and unique buildings.

 

Star Ferry

Star ferries began their operations in 1898. It’s an excellent way to travel between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. So if you’re looking to enjoy the panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, book a ride on a star ferry!

 When booking, you have to remember that the price difference for the upper and lower deck is different. You can enjoy the best views and fresh air on the upper deck. On the other hand, seats at the lower deck are more affordable, though it would be hard to enjoy the view.

 

Taxi

Most countries have taxis that make traveling to places more accessible. In Hong Kong, using taxis as a mode of transportation is inexpensive and highly convenient, which is something to look forward to now that gas prices are increasing. In addition, taxis in Hong Kong are readily available, and you can ride them to travel throughout the city.

 You may get surprised at the beginning due to the extra charges, but these are common in Hong Kong. When you drive through paid underground tunnels, these charges are added. You will also have to pay extra if you have baggage items.

 The following are the three kinds of taxis you’ll be able to ride in Hong Kong:

●       Red taxis - you can only ride these in urban areas

●       Blue taxis - these only operate on Lantau Island

●       Green taxis - you can only ride these in the New Territories

 These taxis can take you to or from the Hong Kong International Airport. Don’t worry if you still can’t speak their language, because almost all the taxi drivers can speak English.

 

Buses & Minibusses

Another kind of public transport is buses and minibusses; residents commonly use these. It’s because the bus routes cover almost all of the country, except the outlying islands. It’s also commonly used when traveling to the southern part of Hong Kong Island, e.g., Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, and Ocean Park.

 MTR only covers the northern areas of the Island, so if you plan on going to the south side, you will have to use buses to travel. Don’t worry because most buses are air-conditioned, so you won't run hot even if you have to commute to a far destination.

Ensure you don’t overpay when paying on a bus because change isn’t given on buses. When paying, you will place the notes or coins in the box.

 

Tramway & Peak Tram

In 1904, officials opened the tramway line on the northern side of Hong Kong Island. This is the oldest public transportation in the country, and the fare remains affordable. Also, the tramways have become a popular sightseeing attraction. It’s a comfortable ride, even for short distances.

 Just like buses, there isn’t any change given in tramways. So when commuting in Hong Kong, it would be best if you prepared your travel fare beforehand so that you won’t hurriedly search through your pocket for notes or coins.

 

Final Thoughts

Often, tourists stay in the same spot because of their fear of getting lost. Thankfully, traveling naturally encourages you to get out of your box, helping you discover new places and experiences. If you're new to Hong Kong, use the information above to guide your travel experience and lead you to where you want to go.

 

Summer activity you need to do in Hong Kong

Summer isn’t over yet! Have fun in the sun and enjoy a Hong Kong sailing experience with Daybreak! A 56ft fully equipped cruising sloop that can be chartered for day sailing, harbour, and beach cruising, corporate team building, or a romantic evening dinner cruise. Also available for overnight adventure charters

Gather your family and friends and enjoy Daybreak amenities including air conditioning, microwave, and stove/oven. Daybreak can seat 8 comfortably in the cockpit and may be chartered for a total of 16 guests for motoring and 12 guests for regular sailing plus two crew.

Got some questions for us? Fill up this form and our team will get back to you right away!

MUST HAVE mobile app when in Hong Kong

Hong Kong perhaps still has the strictest restrictions and guidelines in its effort to control and minimize the spread of the virus in the city. Believe it or not, You can now travel to Hong Kong for leisurely purposes provided that you are eligible to enter the city. To know the latest travel advisories and requirements check the Hong Kong Tourism website.

Say, you are brave enough and have the patience to go through the 7 days of compulsory hotel quarantine, and a series of RAT and PCR tests, What’s the MUST-HAVE mobile application you should have on your mobile phone when in Hong Kong?

All Hong Kong residents and non-residents are required to download the Leave Home safe app on their mobile phones.

LEAVE HOME SAFE APP | HOW TO USE | HOW DOES IT WORK | WHERE TO USE | WHERE TO DOWNLOAD

leave home safe app in Hong Kong

Photo: GovHK.

LEAVE HOME SAFE APP

All Hong Kong residents or non-residents are required to have the app on their mobile phones and scan the QR code of every establishment that they visit.

LeaveHomeSafe is a digital contact tracing app launched by the Hong Kong Government conducts contact tracing and mass surveillance in Hong Kong. It is used to record visits, Report confirmed or positive cases, received exposure notification, and use it to store you electronic vaccination record.

HOW TO USE

  • No registration is required. The app can be used right away.

• When entering a venue, scan the venue QR code. The visit records will be stored locally on your mobile phone which will not be sent to Government systems or other IT systems.

• Press "Leave Now" when you leave the venue

HOW DOES IT WORK

  • Visit records are encrypted and stored on your mobile phone (automatically erased after 31 days)

  • In an unfortunate event of infection, the user is required to submit their visit records to CHP to assist in epidemiological investigations.

  • If a user has visited the same venue that a confirmed patient has visited at about the same time, the user will receive an exposure notification from the app.

WHERE TO USE

Public Venues

• Government and public organisation buildings and facilities

• Public and social welfare organisations

• Community facilities, e.g. community centres, cultural and leisure venues, sports facilities, etc.

• Public works and construction sites, transportation and related facilities

• Public rental estate and related facilities

• Education institution venues

• Hospitals and clinics

• Others

Private Venues

• Food and beverage venues

• Non-government organisations and residential buildings

• Stores and shopping malls

• Sports, recreation and leisure facilities

• Hair salons, massage establishments and beauty parlours

• Hotels and guesthouses

• Bank branches and financial institutions

• Franchised bus and passenger service

• Hospitals and clinics

DOWNLOAD NOW

Leave home safe app is available to download from apple store, google play and HUAWEI AppGallery

Why American University Education Remains Highly Coveted Globally

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In a world of ever-changing social and geopolitical landscape, it is not uncommon to hear commentaries about how the United States is a global superpower that is basically on its way out. It challenges ideas of American predominance not just in terms of military prowess but also in terms of cultural exports, research and development, and indeed, education. 

However, for decades, American higher education has maintained a level of prestige that surpassed those of many other countries’ higher education systems. For much of the 20th century, it has been an almost universally accepted idea that getting an American education is an excellent way to open plenty of future professional opportunities for students who are willing to do the hard work. Much of this actually remains true up to this day.  

In  this short guide, we’ll explore some of the reasons why American university education remains highly coveted globally today, and why secondary school students in and around Asia continue to study in American Schools in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, and elsewhere to prepare themselves for college life.
 

Many of the World’s Most Esteemed Universities Are in the U.S. 

In the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2022, American universities led the pack, occupying 12 of the top 20 spots for the best institutions of higher learning globally. In the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings 2022, the results were similar, with 9 American universities being listed in the leading 20 higher education institutions around the world. Although not everyone might agree on the value of these rankings, they do provide an excellent benchmark for the quality of education one might expect to receive in a particular country.
 

American Universities Offer Plenty of Options for People from All Walks of Life 

By virtue of having some of the world’s best universities, the United States also offers an extensive and range of higher education programs. Prospective students can choose from a diverse range of college majors, including the most popular ones related to business, the health sciences, social sciences, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, computer and information sciences, psychology, education, communication, and visual and performing arts. There are also plenty of opportunities in some of the most advanced fields of research, including those under physics and astronomy, aeronautical engineering, cancer research, climate science, and more. 

Another area in which American universities excel is student sorting. This means that American universities generally don’t offer just one and the same option to prospective students. Often, academic and co-curricular options are offered to peer groups that share similar interests, so students can be exposed to many other individuals who can help them in both their academic and personal pursuits. 

American Universities Pay Well, Attracting the Best Instructors 

Higher education institutions in the United States have always been among the highest-paying in the world, which means they also attract some of the best instructors and researchers globally. This can be partly illustrated by the fact that the U.S. today leads the world in the number of Nobel laureates, which, in turn, points to how American universities are actually some of the most productive in the world in terms of research and development.

 American Higher Education Institutions Spend a Considerable Amount on R&D 

Building on the last point, American universities indeed channel a considerable amount of resources to research and development. According to Forbes, in fiscal year 2019, these institutions spent almost USD 83.7 billion in R&D, some USD 4.5 billion more compared to the previous year. If you are a graduate or postgraduate student who desires to complete your training through fellowships and grants, enrolling in a U.S. university will likely be an excellent decision.  

Some of the best public research universities include the University of Michigan, the University of Washington, the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of California at San Diego, and the University of California at Berkeley. Top private research universities, on the other hand, include Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, John Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and Columbia University.
 
Multicultural Environments That Foster Freethought and Independence

 Finally, big American universities generally offer cosmopolitan environments where students learn tolerance, independent thinking, self-reliance, and cooperation. It won’t be difficult for foreign students, in particular, to adjust to these multicultural hubs of learning that celebrate diversity and organize various cultural and social activities and peer groups that students can join. The benefit of joining such organizations and activities extend even beyond one’s college days, as personal networks formed in school can prove to be very useful for when graduates pursue their professional goals later in life.

 

Studying in the United States is certainly not for everyone. However, foreign students who desire to take advantage of the opportunities presented by top American universities will not be disappointed with the doors that American education will certainly open for them.

Hello! Hong Kong Helicopter Scenic Flights

We know it has been a tough year for everybody and we all have the same question. WHEN will this end? We feel you! and we know how badly everyone wants to travel and go on with their daily lives!

Worry not, because we got you!

Hello! Hong Kong private scenic flights are just the right things to do right now to unwind and remind ourselves how beautiful Hong Kong is.

Scenic flights take off from the roof of the iconic Peninsula hotel and will allow you to take in an unbeatable ariel view of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, marvel at the rock formations of the Geopark, and cruise over the beaches and bays of Hong Kong Island.

The aircraft is air-conditioned, quiet, and provides excellent visibility all around. Perfect for having a private moment with your loved one.

Come and let us take you on a different journey and admire Hong Kong from above! BOOK NOW!

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What's NEW this 2022

As we celebrate the Lunar New Year in Asia, We would like to share some exciting updates from the Hello! Tours Team.

Border from around the globe is opening up! ICYMI, visitors from a number of countries including the USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and more can now visit Singapore, quarantine free, via Vaccinated Travel Lanes.

To get you or your friends ready for your upcoming trip to Singapore we have designed a special interactive ONLINE Singlish experience!

In this 60-minute experience, you will learn Singlish words, understand where the Singlish language came from, enjoy a mini-tour of Singapore, discover our famous landmarks and see who can score the most points in the quiz and games!

We are optimistic that Japan will reopen this year. Until then. check out

Our Asian Perspectives Online session where you will learn about Japan's culture, subcultures, history, sports, geography, and more...

Whilst it looks like it will remain impossible to visit Hong Kong for the foreseeable future why not...

Join our Holiday by Post program and receive an authentic Hong Kong gift in the post!

Thank you very much from all of us at Hello! Tours. We are looking forward to welcoming you back this Year of the Tiger.

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50 BEST BARS IN THE WORLD

Three Hong Kong bars have just made it to the 50 best bars in the world 2021 list. It features bars from 17 countries, including 18 new entries, among the top 50. The best bars list is compiled from the votes of over 600 participants around the world, including drinks writers, bartenders, and cocktail aficionados.

The top 3 Hong Kong bars that made it to the list are

  • Coa, Hong Kong - That made it to the 7th spot

  • DarkSide, Hong Kong - Made it first time on the list taking the 49th spot

  • Quinary, Hong Kong - That made it to the 50th spot

    Hong Kong is one of the best cities in Asia for nightlife experiences which will guarantee you an unforgettable night out. Here are the complete top 50 best bars in the world.

    ** are first time included in the list

    1. Connaught Bar, London 
    2. Tayēr + Elementary, London
    3. Paradiso, Barcelona
    4. The Clumsies, Athens
    5. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires 
    6. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City 
    7. Coa, Hong Kong 
    8. El Copitas, St. Petersburg
    9. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
    10.  Katana Kitten, New York 
    11. Two Schmucks, Barcelona
    12. Hanky Panky, Mexico City **

    13. Insider Bar, Moscow **
    14. Baba au Rhum, Athens
    15. Manhattan, Singapore
    16. Atlas, Singapore
    17. Zuma, Dubai
    18. The SG Club, Tokyo
    19. Drink Kong, Rome
    20. 1930, Milan
    21. Presidente, Buenos Aires
    22. Maybe Sammy, Sydney
    23. Cantina OK!, Sydney
    24. Salmón Gurú, Madrid
    25. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City **
    26. No Sleep Club, Singapore**
    27. Camparino in Galleria, Milan **
    28. Cafe La Trova, Miami**
    29. Little Red Door, Paris

    30. Dante, New York
    31. Kwānt, London
    32. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
    33. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires **
    34. Attaboy, New York (12)
    35. Lucy’s Flower Shop, Stockholm **
    36. MO Bar, Singapore**
    37. Sips, Barcelona **
    38. Baltra Bar, Mexico City**
    39. Sober Company, Shanghai
    40. Tjoget, Stockholm
    41. Epic, Shanghai**
    42. Charles H, Seoul
    43. Tippling Club, Singapore
    44. Above Board, Melbourne**
    45. Galaxy Bar, Dubai**
    46. Re, Sydney**
    47. Sidecar, New Delhi**
    48. Union Trading Company, Shanghai**
    49. DarkSide, Hong Kong**
    50. Quinary, Hong Kong

#hongkonger #hongkongese #welovehongkong #explorehongkong #meetthelocals #instagood #photooftheday #hk #tourism #travelbug #natgeotravelpic #lonelyplanet #hellohongkongtours #ilovehk #hellohk #streetsofhongkong #hongkongtour #homekong #privatetour #specialtour #personaltour #customisedtour #50bestbars2021 #topbarsinhk #bestbarsinhk #852 #hellofrom

Hello Hong Kong
Local experiences not to miss!

We know you still miss traveling and looking for some new activities and new things to do before this year ends. Look no further because you are Hello! Hong Kong Tours team has exciting activities that you can do with your friends and loved ones!

Hello! Hong Kong Residents Tour

Book our RESIDENTS TOUR and learn more about the stories behind what seems to be usual things that you see all over Hong Kong. The prices are local friends that you will have a great deal for a Hong Kong day tour!

Cheung Chau Kayak Adventure

If you are feeling a little adventurous why not book our Cheung Chau Kayak Adventure?. This is specially curated for thrill-seekers. This experience is perfect for both novice and experienced kayakers and is a great team-building activity. You can book here!

Chinese Bamboo Ink Painting

Unleash and discover your artistic side when you book our Chinese Bamboo Ink Painting. In this activity you will learn the skills and techniques of traditional Chinese ink painting and learn the key differences between Chinese and Western art.

#localhk #igers #traveldestination #workshophk#iconichk #travel #travel2021 #localtourism #tourism #explorehk #phtooftheday #discoverhk #discoverhongkong #momentsofmine #goexplore #hellohongkong #hongkong #hk #travelagain #postcovidtravel #postcoviddestination #wanerlust #ig_worldclub #traveller #hkexplorer #domestictravel

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