Switzerland Travel Guide Switzerland
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Switzerland Travel Guide : BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » Europe » Western Europe » Switzerland Switzerland Travel Guide Switzerland Travel Resources Accommodation: Hostels | Hotels Advice: Travel Stories Adventure Trips Airfare to Switzerland Travel Insurance Books about Switzerland Travel Blogs Swiss Alps, Swiss Army Knives and Swiss banks are three things that make Switzerland famous. There are also a few other things that make Switzerland notable: there are French, Italian and German influences in this melting pot and, of course, the sensational chocolate shouldn't be forgotten. BootsnAll Newsletters Sign up for any of BootsnAll's community, regional or deals newsletters. Why should you sign-up? Switzerland Travel Info Bern Geneva Interlaken Zermatt Switzerland Nutz And Bolts Switzerland Nutz and Bolts Switzerland Things To See And Do A Quickie in Europe: Best European Cities for a Short Visit! - Western and Mediterranean Europe Clubbing in Europe - Europe The Top of Europe: Jungfraujoch - Jungfraujoch, Switzerland Submit your own Switzerland guide! Discussions Recent Switzerland Travel Stories A Grape Surprise - Swiss Alps Kyle MacDonald and his girlfriend weren't thwarted by the early grape harvesting season in France - they worked in Switzerland instead. The Swiss Underpants - Switzerland Ann spots three pairs of the fanciest men's underpants I had ever laid eyes on...you know, those skimpy, low-cut, nylon net Euro kind no red-blooded American male would be caught dead wearing, and promptly ruins them. Where Bananas and Lost Tickets Go - Switzerland Josh Sprague is thrilled to find his Eurail pass...especially after digging through garbage! Freedom? - Switzerland Michael Muelheim takes on "The Man", reincarnated in the form of "Leah" at the Citibank Asia-Pacific Regional Call Center. Ducks of the Interlaken - Interlaken, Switzerland Two memories of Interlaken that will always stay with James Michael Dorsey and his wife are the laundromat, and the ducks that tried to kill them. More Switzerland Travel Stories » Submit your own Switzerland story! Home | Email BootsnAll | Become a Member | Top of page Travel Guides, Stories, Information, and Newsletters Africa Travel | Asia Travel | Pacific Travel | Europe Travel | North America Travel | Central America Travel | South America Travel | Middle East Travel Odds'n'Ends | Travel Book Reviews | Insiders | Travel Blogs | Travel Newsletters Around the World Travel Around the World Tickets | Around the World Travel Guide | Cheap International Plane Tickets | Around the World Travel Tips Airport Parking Reservations Philadelphia Airport Parking | Newark Airport Parking | Oakland Airport Parking | San Diego Airport Parking | Phoenix Airport Parking BootsnAll World Adventure Travel Tanzania Safari | Viet Nam Tours | Thailand Tour | China Tours | New Zealand Adventure | Australia Tours Youth Hostels Europe Hostels | New York Hostels | Paris Hostels | London Hostels | Amsterdam Hostels Eurail Eurail Passes | Britrail Passes | Eurail Travel | Eurail Tips Book Tickets, Hostels, Hotels and more anywhere in the world Search for Hotels | Traveler's Toolkit | Plane Tickets | Rent Cars | Search Youth Hostels | Travel Insurance | Learn Languages | Backpacker Tours | Cheap Tickets | Cruise and Vacation Packages | Cheap Hotels | Cheap Vacation Rentals | World Music Downloads | Travel Bookstore BootsnAll Travel Community websites, blogs and About the Company Press Kit | Advertise with us | Internships | TripPlanner Affiliate Partners | Link to Us | Join Us! | Privacy policy | BootBlog | Bali Travel | Australia Travel | BootsnAll TravelBlogs | Travel Writer's Resource | Travel Gear Blog | Eurail Blog | London Blog | BootsnAll Travel: Australia | UK and Europe Travel | Travel News Daily | World Travel Watch BootsnAll in Other Languages Chercher des Auberges De Jeunesse | Ricercare gli Ostelli di Gioventù | Busque para Albergues Juveniles de Juventud | Suchen Sie Jugendherbergen Suchen Sie Hotels --
South America Travel
Tucan Travel, South and Central America Travel Specialists Home Travel Styles Discovery Tours Adventure Tours Overland Expeditions Independent Travel Family Adventures Antarctica Galapagos Islands Language Schools Specials GAP Year Adventures Tour Info Pre-Departure Information Documents Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Country Dossiers FAQ Useful Links Latest News Visas Post Tour Questionnnaires Tour Highlights Central America South America Peru (inc Inca Trail) Picture Gallery About Us All About Us Sustainable Tourism Tucan Staff Travel Shows Contact Us Book Online Travel Agents Bookings General Enquiries Find an Agent Brochure Request Booking Form & Conditions Travel Insurance Employment Opportunities Quick Trip Finder Country Any Antarctica Argentina Belize Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Uruguay Venezuela Length Any < 1 week 1 - 2 weeks 2 - 3 weeks 3 - 4 weeks 5 - 6 weeks 6 - 7 weeks > 7 weeks Travel Style Any Adventure Tours Antarctica Discovery Tours Family Adventures Galapagos Islands Language Schools Overland Expeditions Departing After: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2005 2006 2007 Independent Travel Country Any Argentina Brazil Chile Ecuador Peru Subscribe to the email newsletter Email Country First Name If you have an adventurous spirit, a strong sense of fun, a desire to embrace new cultures and are longing see the world as it really is, then come andtake the trip of a lifetime with Tucan Travel, and lose yourselfin Latin America, Cuba, or Antarcita. Put yourself in the Tucan picture Don't miss your last chance to get 10% off Book before Friday31 January06 and get 10% off ANY Tucan tour but hurry: this special is in its final days. Iguazu Falls, Brazil Chichen Itza, Mexico Machu Picchu, Peru Fulfil your dream to see Machu Picchu, learn how to salsa in Rio,see ancient ruins and temples in Mexico, or close your eyes and feel the spray of Brazil's Iguazu Falls Click for more details 06/07 Brochures out now Read our new Brochure online. Just click on the the front cover and away you go! You can also request your free copy by completing the details on the bottom left of this page. WEB SPECIALS Do you need a holiday in a hurry? PHOTO GALLERY Browse through our photos and be inspired. LATEST NEWS Is something happening in Latin America that you need to know about? INCA TRAIL Discover what makes this hike so celebrated around the world. FINDYOUR STYLE With five unique styles oftravel,Tucan cater for every kind of traveller. FAQ If you're pondering a Tucan Tour, and want to find out more, browse through our FAQ. LANGUAGE SCHOOLS Learn a new language and embrace the cultural experience that Tucan Travel provides. Win a tour to Guatemala! If you subscribe to the Tucan Traveller, Tucan's monthly e-magazine, before December 31st 2005, you could win an unforgettable, magical 7 day journey through Guatemala, on Tucan's popular Chichi tour Girls in Antigua Rio Dulce Tikal Temple The Tucan Traveller will keep you up-to-date with all the latest Tucan news, specials and competitions. To subscribe to the Tucan Traveller, please complete area to the left. Take the adventure of a lifetime with Tucan Travel Leaders in Latin American travel On a budget? Cheap travelin Europe, Turkey, Egypt &South America
RUSSIA TRAVEL GUIDE |
Travel to Russia - *Escorted St. Petersburg tours* HOME | TOUR GUIDES | ESCORTED TOURS | SHORE EXCURSIONS | VISAS | CLIENTS | RUSSIA TRAVEL GUIDE | HOTELS The State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg City of St. Petersburg Destination guide for independent and cruise travel to Russia City of Moscow Cultural capital of Russia Michael's Palace St. Nicholas Cathedral Stroganoff Palace Palace Square Hermitage Theater If you are going to travel to Russia or need first-hand information about Moscow and St. Petersburg - this site is for you! Your Personal Travel Concierge Planning a trip to Russia can be strenuous and time-consuming. As many experts agree, engaging a company with local expertise can save time, money and offer a high level of flexibility. With over 12 years of experience serving foreign guests who choose Moscow and St. Petersburg as their destination, we are ready to alleviate your burden of making travel arrangements half a world away. We are a St. Petersburg based tour operator offering top-rated service at a reasonable price. Our art-savvy tour guides will introduce you to the world-famous art exhibits and bustling nightlife of Russia's both capitals. Our friendly drivers will meet you at the airport and get you to your hotel at any time of day or night. Our free travel concierge will help you plan every detail of your trip making sure your visit to Russia is enjoyable and fun. Russia Travel Guide To help you prepare for your trip even further, we have created a comprehensive Travel Guide where you can get the latest news and practical advice on travel in Russia. Our Guide features information on Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Greater Area, and covers such topics as transportation, money, arrivals guide, museums, and many others. It is an indispensable companion both for first-time and seasoned travelers. For more information visit Russia Travel Guide , St. Petersburg City Guide , Moscow City Guide . Private Escorted Tours Our tours are designed for those seeking to maximize their time in Russia. We are delighted to offer individual and group tour programs of any duration tailored to your unique interests and tastes. Whether you are coming on a business trip or as a tourist, we have a variety of tour options to accommodate even the most demanding time schedule. During the tour you will be accompanied by one of our licensed guides who will ensure that you visit the venues of your own choice at your preferred pace with all of your questions or concerns being addressed right away. For more information visit Escorted Russian Tours . Cruise Shore Excursions We offer individual and group shore excursions in Moscow and St. Petersburg for both sea and river cruisers. Regardless of whether you will stay for only a few hours or for 2 weeks, we will tailor your tour program according to your individual needs. This high level of flexibility will be especially appealing for those travelers who wish to avoid all the inconvenience of ship-organized group tours and prefer to spend less while experiencing more. Read what our clients say and get in touch with us before you book the cruise tour package. For more information visit Baltic Shore Excursions , St. Petersburg Shore Excursions , Moscow Shore Excursions . Russia Travel Services Russian Visas : Free tourist visa invitation letters for customers booking our tours. Russian Hotels : Online hotel reservation system for Moscow and St. Petersburg hotels. Folk Show and Ballet Tickets : Get front of the line tickets for performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Official capital of Russia Red Square The Dashkov House Ivan the Great Tower Annunciation Cathedral Kremlin Cathedrals 2005 Optima , B. Konyushennaya St., 9 suite 9. St. Petersburg 191186 Russia. Tel/fax: +1 253 5507816 E-mail SITE MAP | TERMS | FAQ's | GLOBAL RESOURCES
European Vacation Thanks to
Hotwire's Free European Vacation - Cheap Ticket Links: Great deals and tips to save you money on air tickets Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Cheap Hotels | Cheap Car Rentals | Bali Travel | Carnival Cruises | Viva Las Vegas Great deals and tips to save you money on air tickets Ctrl+D Hotwire's Free European Vacation Thanks to Hotwire, you can now afford a European vacation. The fall is the best time to travel in Europe -- avoid the crowds and score sweet deals in Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, London and Paris. Hotwire is also rewarding three lucky couples with a 6-day vacation in their choice of London or Paris, hotel accommodations and round-trip airfare included. No purchase is necessary: To enter the sweepstakes, search for any European hotel and provide an email address. It's that simple! This deal was added on November 04, 2005 . For the most recent similar deals, visit Hotwire Deals ( tag ) More Cheap Ticket Deals » Travel Mid-Holiday Season and Save » Hotwire Hotel Savings in Hawaii and Mexico » Hotwire's Hot Hotels » Hotwire Fills Empty Beds » Hotwire's Hot Summer Savings Previous Deal: AA Hawaii Sale from $271 Round-trip Next Deal: Thanksgiving Flights from $154 Cheap ticket Links Home Cheap Air Ticket Search Engine Enter your departure and destination cities/airports Enter your desired dates Select number of passengers, then click "Check Rates" From the results page, check every box under "Choose Websites" so that you have the best possible chance of finding that cheap ticket! Find Flight Deals From: To: Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening MIDNIGHT 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM NOON 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening MIDNIGHT 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM NOON 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Passengers: 1 2 3 4 Looking for Airport Parking ? Traveling from the UK & Europe? UK and Europe Cheap Tickets! Search for Cheap Tickets Cheap Ticket Links Home 1. Airfare Comparison Tool 2. BootsnAll Farebeater (great US domestic air) 3. International Air Tickets (great int'l fares) 4. Priceline.com 5. Orbitz 6. Hotwire 7. TravelNow 8. Cheap Tickets 9. Travelocity 10. Expedia.com Air Travel Tips: » How to use different ticket sites to find low airfares » Tips for finding lower fares » How to survive airports, problems, and have a good flight » Travel & Flight Accident Insurance Categories » Air France Business Class Deals (1) » Air France Specials (3) » Alaska Air Deals (14) » Cheap Air Ticket Tips (3) » Cheap Rental Car Deals (16) » Cheap Travel Insurance (1) » Cheap Travel News (20) » CheapTickets (2) » Cruise Deals (1) » Delta (15) » Departure from Europe Deals (3) » Expedia (15) » Florida Travel Deals (2) » Hotel Deals and Specials (32) » Hotwire Deals (14) » How to find Cheap Hotels (16) » International Air Deals (9) » Las Vegas Travel Deals (2) » Last Minute Deals (9) » Mexicana Deals (1) » Orbitz (27) » Priceline Deals (21) » Ski Package (1) » Student Travel (1) » Travel Products and Services (8) » Travelocity Deals (25) » United Airlines (1) » Virgin Atlantic (2) Recent Deals » Travel Mid-Holiday Season and Save » Delta's Canada Sale from $220 » Shhh...Apple's Black Friday Surprise » Reminder: Holiday Hotel Sale going on now » Holiday Flight Deals from Priceline » Orbitz Satisfaction » Delta's Domestic Sale » Priceline Thanksgiving Sale » Get the Best Rates With Ramada » Radisson Stay Together Package » Thanksgiving Flights from $154 » Hotwire's Free European Vacation » AA Hawaii Sale from $271 Round-trip » TripRewards from Days Inn » Malaysia Air Specials Cheap Tickets RSS Feed BootsnAll Travel Network Booking Sites Youth Hostels International Air Tickets Cheap Ticket Links UK & Europe Cheap Hotels Cheap Car Rental Travel Insurance Cheap Vacation Rentals BootsnAll World Adventures Cruises and Vacation Packages Destination Guides Africa Travel Guide Europe Travel Guide Australia Travel Guide South America Travel Guide North America Guide Central America Guide Asia Guide Bali Travel Guide Travel Blog Sites Australia Blog Bali Daily News Eurail Blog London Blog Travel News Daily Travel Photo Blog Written Road Travel Gear Blog World Travel Watch Community Sites Travel Message Boards BootsnAll Insiders BootsnAll Member Travel Blogs Around the World Travel Around the World Travel Guide Round the World Tickets Student Travel Student Spring Break Student Travel Resources Just for Fun Oregon Ducks Basketball World Cup Blog Rugby World Cup Blog Boot Bus
Asia Travel || Hong
Hong kong Travel Information Provided by Asia Travel Hong Kong Country and Travel Information Climate || Entryregulations || Airport facilities || Transfer information Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok || Currency || Tipping Telephone || Gettingaround in Hong Kong Hotels Reservation in Hong Kong at upto 75% discount from published rates TourReservation in Hong Kong Hong Kong in a Nutshell ( Don't miss ) Map of Hong Kong The Fragrant Harbour ( click for postcard ) Lying at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton), and is just south of the tropic of Cancer. The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,078 square kilometers, comprising Hong Kong Island (77.5 square kilometers); Kowloon (45.5 square kilometer); and the New Territories , including 235 outlying islands (955 square kilometers). Today Hong Kong has become a great international trading post, a powerful manufacturing base and one of the world's largest financial centres. Population and Language The population as of 2002 was about 7.5 millions, almost 95 per cent of which is Chinese. Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin, Shanghainese and other Chinese dialects are also spoken. Many people, especially in shops, hotels, and service industries, speak English. Climate Hong Kong has a subtropical climate: Spring (March - mid-May): Temperature and humidity rising. Jackets or sweaters suggested. Average temperature: 23C (73F), humidity around 82%, sea temperature, 22.3 C (72 F) Summer (late May - mid-September): Hot and humid. Temperature may rise to 33C (91 F) with humidity up to around 90%. . Shirtsleeves, cotton clothing, a sweater for indoors and an umbrella for outside suggested Average temperature: 28C (82F), humidity 80%, sea temperature 28C (82F). Autumn (late September - early December): temperature and humidity drop. Clear sunny days. Shirtsleeves to sweaters and light jackets suggested. Average temperature: 23C (73F), humidity 72%, sea temperature 17C (63F). Winter (late December- February): Cool with low humidity. Suits, light woollens and sometimes overcoats suggested. Average temperature: 17C (62F), humidity 72%, sea temperature 17C (63F). Top Entry Regulations Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong. Citizens of some 24 countries, including the USA, Japan, and certain Western European and South American nations are permitted one-month visa-free visits. Three-month visa-free visits are available to another 23 countries as well as all Commonwealth countries. Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status. Health Regulations Vaccination certificates are not required for yellow fever, cholera and typhoid for visitors travelling to Hong Kong. Check with your travel agent well before your departure, however, as requirements can change without notice. Customs Allowance Visitors may bring into Hong Kong free of duty: Liquor - A one-litre bottle of wine or spirits. Ivory - The importation and exportation of raw or worked ivory is governed by strict regulation. Firearms must be declared and handed into custody until departure. Top Airport Facilities A baggage storage service is available in the departure hall and the arrival hall. Other services include a bank, moneychangers, gift shops, duty-free shops, snack bars, restaurants, payphones, a police station, post office, a HK Telecom International Ltd. Office, HKTA Information Centres and private reception rooms. Airport Departure Tax Adults: HK$80; children (aged 12 years and under) free. Safety Hong Kong is generally considered a safe city by day or night. Policemen are very helpful, and those who speak English wear a red label under their shoulder badge. As in all big cities, avoid carrying large amounts of cash; traveller's cheques or credit cards are preferable. Make use of your hotel's safe-deposit boxes. Top Currency The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). Notes issued by two private banks (the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and Standard Chartered Bank) have denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10. There are silver coins for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5, bronze coins for HK10 cents, HK20 cents and HK50 cents, and a new nickel and bronze coin for $10. Most foreign currencies and traveller's cheques are easily changed in Hong Kong, either at banks, hotels or moneychangers (check how much you will get in return before handing over your money). Top Tipping Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional 5 per cent may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic, 10 per cent is acceptable. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys, doormen and washroom attendants. Electricity The voltage in Hong Kong is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. Most hotels provide adaptors. Water All water direct from government mains in Hong Kong satisfies the United Nations World Health Organization standards. Bottled water is widely available in hotels and supermarkets. Top Telephones Telephones in Hong Kong are advanced, economical and easy to use. Local calls are free, and many stores and restaurants offer use of a telephone free of charge to patrons. Calls from public coin phones cost HK$1. Most hotels have International Direct Dialling (IDD). Please note that some hotels charge a handling fee for local and/or international calls. You can also make long-distance calls from (IDD) Public Coin Phones and from HK Telecom International Ltd. Offices. An easy method of making calls is to purchase stored-value phonecards (HK$50, $150 and $200), which can be used in any Cardphone box. The new Hello Phonecard (HK$100, $200,$300) is a stored value card that enables the user to place calls to and from over 30 countries from a touch-tone phone. Both types of cards can be purchased at HKTA Information and Gift Centres and most convenience stores. Call 013 for information. Post Offices The main post offices are on Hong Kong Island, next to the Star Ferry and in Kowloon at 10 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Both are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday. All post offices close on Sunday and public holidays. Television There are two English-language channels. Programmes include a selection of locally produced shows as well as features from the UK, the US, and Australia. Also available is STAR TV (a satellite channel) and, in some areas, Cable TV (subscription television). Radio Fifteen radio channels are broadcast in Hong Kong. Six English-language channels provide a wide range of programmes and the BBC World Service is available 24 hours. Office and Banking Hours Most offices open from 9am to 5pm with a lunch hour from 1 pm to 2pm. On Saturday the hours are 9am to 1 pm. Some Chinese businesses open at 10am and close around 6pm or later. Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Top Getting Around In Hong Kong Airport Transport After you have reclaimed your baggage and passed through Customs, you will find yourself in the Buffer Hall of Hong Kong International Airport where the Hong Kong Tourist Association Information Centres are located . There you can obtain free visitor publications and any other assistance you may need. Hong Kong International Airport is approximately 40 minutes' drive by car from all major hotels in Kowloon and about 50 minutes' drive via the Cross-Harbour Tunnel from all major hotels on Hong Kong Island (under normal traffic conditions). If you are making your own way to your hotel, follow the signs directing you to the Transport Terminus for taxis or use the airport coach service. If you have no local currency on arrival, change only enough at the airport to get you to your hotel. Hotel Transport Hotel bookings do not normally include transportation from the airport. However, if you have a prearranged hotel booking that includes an airport transfer, you should leave the Buffer Hall via the exit marked Hotel Transport and look for the hotel representative waiting to meet you. Taxis Taxis are numerous and readily available, and fares are low compared with those in most cities. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; green ones in the New Territories and blue taxis on Lantau Island operate at even lower rates. Many drivers speak some English but it is wise to have your destination written in Chinese characters. Rates for red taxis start at HK$16.5 on the flag fall plus HK$1.60 for every 200 metres after the first two kilometres. Waiting time is HK$1.10 per minute. Pay, in Hong Kong dollars only, the fare shown on the meter, plus any additional charge where applicable. A HK$20 surcharge applies to cross-harbour tunnel trips (includes the driver's HK$10 return toll). There is also a surcharge for rides through the Lion Rock (HK$6), Junk Bay (HK$3) and Aberdeen (HK$5) tunnels, and a HK$5 charge for each piece of luggage. Taxi drivers expect a tip, but just round up the fare to the nearest dollar. Drivers cannot pick up or drop off passengers on restricted streets, which are marked with yellow lines. New Territories taxis will pick up and drop off only in the New Territories. If you have any queries or complaints, note the taxi's number and call the 24-hour Police Hotline on 2527 7177. Buses Double-decker buses, which run from 6 AM till 3 midnight, cover most parts of the territory. Fares range from HK$1 to HK$30.60. Exact change is required. You'll find that, in general the drivers do not speak much English. Minibuses Minibuses are small passenger vans which are yellow with a red stripe. They can pick up passengers and let them off anywhere except regular bus stops and the usual restricted areas. Fares range from HK$2 to HK$7. Maxicabs Maxicabs are yellow with a green stripe. They run along specific routes and have fixed prices ranging from HK$1 to HK$8. A sign on the front indicates the destination. Pay as you get on. Trains The Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) is 34 kilometres long and runs from Hung Hom in Kowloon up to the border with China. Trains run every tour to 10 minutes in each direction, and vary according to the ordinary single trip to Sheung Shui, the farthest you can go without a China visa). It's a go way to visit some of the New Territories' towns and villages. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Hong Kong's fast, efficient and air-conditioned underground system, runs not only along the north side of Hong Kong Island, but also from Central across the harbour to divide into east and west branches in Kowloon. Stations are located by a X symbol. Fares range from HK$4 to HK$11. MTR and KCR stored-value tickets (HK$70-200) are also available. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a high-speed surface system linking the New Territories towns of Tuen Mun Yuen Long. The LRT runs from 5.30am to 12.30am daily. Fares range from HK$3.20 to $4.70. Ferries The Star Ferry, which has connected Hong Kong and Kowloon since 1898, runs regularly between 6.30am to 11.30pm. At HK$ 2.20 (upper deck), it must be one of the cheapest and most scenic ferry rides in the world. The crossing takes approximately eight minutes. The Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company provides other regular and inexpensive services which connect Hong Kong Island to other parts of the Kowloon Peninsula and to the outlying islands. Trams ( click for postcard ) Since 1904, the tram system has run east to west along the north side of Hong Kong Island, and still provides a leisurely, grandstand view. The flat fare is HK$1.20 (exact change required) and the service operates between 6 AM and 1 AM. The Peak Tram is one of the most advanced tram systems in the world, taking just eight minutes to climb Victoria Peak. The service operates from 7am to midnight and the single fare is HK$12 (HK$19 return). The funicular railway has run since 1888 and is still the quickest way to reach the Peak. Car Hire Self-drive rental cars are not often used in Hong Kong, but chauffeur-driven cars are widely available. Hotels have their own limousines for hire. Rickshaws The only means of travel in the old days, rickshaws today are used mainly for fun rides and photo sessions. Rickshaw drivers congregate at the Star Ferry on Hong Kong Island and charge for a trip round the block or for a photo session. Negotiate the price first. Top Asia Travel || Hong kong Hotels Page