An expert travel guide to Hong Kong | hong kong travel
•Ifyouhaveacold,it’sconsideredpolite,butnotobligatory,towearafacemasksodon’tbealarmedbytheirubiquityinwinter.Coughetiquettehintsarepostedonsomeofthebusesandhandsanitisersareavailableintheshoppingmalls.•Evenifyou’renotonbusiness,there’sprobablygoingtobeanoccasionwhensomeonewillproduceanamecard.Receiveitwithbothhands,readitandtreatitrespectfully.Inthesameway,whenyou’rehandingoveracreditcard,it’spolitetousebothhands.•EnglishisnotaswidelyspokenasyoumightexpectinaformerBritishcolony.Alwayscarryth...
• If you have a cold, it’s considered polite, but not obligatory, to wear a facemask so don’t be alarmed by their ubiquity in winter. Cough etiquette hints are posted on some of the buses and hand sanitisers are available in the shopping malls.
• Even if you’re not on business, there’s probably going to be an occasion when someone will produce a name card. Receive it with both hands, read it and treat it respectfully. In the same way, when you’re handing over a credit card, it’s polite to use both hands.
• English is not as widely spoken as you might expect in a former British colony. Always carry the Chinese address of where you’re staying and where you’re going.
• Be aware of the concept of face. Don’t persist, for example, in asking directions from someone who is clearly not at ease with English. And try not to ask questions (e.g. "Is this the way to the Star Ferry?") which can be answered by Yes or No. People wishing to save your face will say Yes, whether ...