SPAIN Travel Guide Overview

VirtualTourist.com - Spain Travel Guide - Pictures, Tips and Reviews Spain Travel Guide. Tips, Reviews & Photos plus Hotels, Restaurants, Activities & More in Spain member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums SPAIN Travel Guide Overview | Hotels | Forum | Things To Do | Top Member Pages | Deals | Members | Meetings & Events Home » Travel Guides » Europe » Spain Destinations Members Keywords Sponsored Links for Spain CarJet car hire Spain Car hire from 60 week in Spain 10% discount on-line bookings Hotels Spain Find the Heritage of Humanity in Spain - Get Info & Discover Spain Car Rentals Sort Rental Cars by Price, Type and Company. Compare Deals on ORBITZ! Marriott Hotels Enjoy stylish luxury hotels with Marriott's new rooms. Book now. Hotels Compare Prices, View Photos & More! Low Rates Guaranteed - Book Now Spain Hotel Rates City: Check-In Date: Check-Out Date: Guests: 1 2 3 4 Hotels by OneTime.com Spain Forum Join a Discussion From Spain to Italy (1 replies, 4:31 PM Dec. 27, 2005) Madrid - Las Palmas (1 replies, 1:06 PM Dec. 27, 2005) Southern Spain, from Malaga to Cadiz (4 replies, 7:45 PM Dec. 27, 2005) Be the first to reply to these questions backpacking ireland, scotland , spain (no replies yet) Sitges apartments (no replies yet) Photography locations in Madrid (no replies yet) » All Spain Discussions » Post a Spain Discussion Travel Resources Car Rental Cruises Vacations Luggage NEW! Spain Deals Madrid & Barcelona air + 6 nights $449 (0 comments, 8:35 PM Nov. 17, 2005) For twenties Hotel for only 24 Euros per person!! (1 comment, 11:59 PM Nov. 16, 2005) Ford Kas from 88 euros per week (0 comments, 7:30 PM Nov. 16, 2005) » All Spain Deals » Post a Spain Deal FREE VT Deals Newsletter great deals, inside tips & no spam Popular Spain Hotels In: Barcelona Madrid Sevilla Granada Valencia Isla de Tenerife Spain Flight Rates 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 Flights by OneTime.com Spain Local time: 11:37 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2005. TravelPro Sale - LuggageGuru.com Great hotels from $53/pp. Hotels in Spain Flights to Spain Map NEW! Members living here: 4,501 Member tips: 44,447 Member pictures: 70,029 Popular Destinations in Spain Barcelona Madrid Sevilla Granada Valencia Isla de Tenerife Palma de Mallorca Ibiza Mlaga Bilbao Isla de Lanzarote Crdoba Majorca Island Salamanca Alicante Toledo Cadiz Marbella Benidorm Ronda Nerja Girona Santiago de Compostela Santander Isla de Gran Canaria » More Destinations in Spain Regions in Spain Andaluca Aragon Asturias Balearic Islands Basque Country Canary Islands Cantabria Castilla y Len Castilla-La Mancha Catalunya Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad Valenciana Extremadura Galicia La Rioja Murcia Provincia de Navarra Top Pages About Spain 1. More Than This... by SirRichard 84 Tips 145 Pictures 2. The Clock Does Not "rule" In Spain by deecat 80 Tips 81 Pictures 3. Spain Under Perpetual Construction..... by Carmela71 110 Tips 101 Pictures 4. Bienvenido A Espana - Welcome To Spain. by Beach_dog 78 Tips 115 Pictures 5. Spain My Country! by Hosell 65 Tips 142 Pictures » View all rated pages (317) » View newest pages » Build your own Spain page Tips and Photos about Spain in General Overview General Tips Tips: 798 - Pictures: 589 Restaurants Tips: 311 - Pictures: 174 Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 328 - Pictures: 207 Things To Do Tips: 1,208 - Pictures: 1,092 Nightlife Tips: 168 - Pictures: 104 Off the Beaten Path Tips: 376 - Pictures: 322 Tourist Traps Tips: 83 - Pictures: 36 Warnings or Dangers Tips: 137 - Pictures: 55 Transportation Tips: 276 - Pictures: 160 Local Customs Tips: 287 - Pictures: 223 Packing Lists Tips: 74 - Pictures: 42 Shopping Tips: 49 - Pictures: 41 Sports Travel Tips: 15 - Pictures: 14 » See tips about a specific place in Spain More Sponsored Links for Spain Travelocity Car Rentals Fall Savings on Rental Cars! Compare Prices, Get a Great Deal. car hire from 89/week no hidden cost, new cars only save up to 20% on rentals now Car Rentals Low rates from all major agencies! Call now 1-800-cheapseats Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Local Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Germany Travel > Dinkelsbuhl,

Dinkelsbuhl Germany - Travel Information for Romantic Road Village Dinkelsbuhl  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel > Dinkelsbuhl, Germany > Dinkelsbuhl Germany - Travel Information for Romantic Road Village Dinkelsbuhl Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Dinkelsbuhl Map: Approximate Location of Dinkelsbuhl in Germany James Martin Stay up to date! Dinkelsbuhl Map: Approximate Location of Dinkelsbuhl in Germany James Martin Email to a friend Print this page Dinkelsbuhl and Romantic Road Travel Resources Dinkelsbuhl Travel Directory Romantic Road Travel Directory Michelin Maps of Germany Germany Travel Information Germany Travel Directory Germany Map and Travel Essentials Germany Guidebooks Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Dinkelsbuhl, Germany - Travel Information for Romantic Road Village Dinkelsbuhl Dinkelsbuhl Travel Info From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Dinkelsbuhl Location Information:  Dinkelsbühl is located in the Wörnitz Valley of Bavaria at about the half-way point along the Romantic Road, just south of Rothenburg. Dinkelsbuhl is located east of the A7 autobahn, 230 km from Frankfurt, 235 km from Munich, and 100 km from Nuremberg. Population of Dinkelsbuhl:  Dinkelsbuhl has 11,600 people. Its moderate size makes it easy to get to and get around in. You can drive your car into the old town to unload your suitacases, but you may have to park outside the gates if your hotel doesn't have a parking lot. Shopping in Dinkelsbuhl:  Dinkelsbuhl has lots of shops and artist's studios to occupy the shopper. Shops to look for: Greifen (arts and crafts), Töpferei am Tor (handmade pottery), Kunststuben Appelberg (art), and Holzschnitzerei Buckl (wood carving and nativity figures). If you like ceramics, you can stay in a hotel associated with local ceramics manufacture: Dinkelsbühler Keramik . A list of studios and contact info is found here . Free in Dinkelsbuhl - The Night Watchman's Tour:  Patrol with a night watchman through the illuminated old town of Dinkelsbuhl. No, you probably won't have to run down miscreants. Free. Easter-October: 9.00 p.m. (daily), leaves from St. George’s Church. November-Easter: 9.00 p.m. (Saturday only), leaves from St. George’s Church. Guided Tours of Dinkelsbuhl:  One hour guided tours of Dinkelsbuhl in English, French or Spanish are offered at 2:30 and 8:30 in tourist season. Meet at St. George's Church. 2 Euros for adults. 40 minutre carriage rides through the village cost 5 Euros per adult and half that for kids. Families together can ride for 12.50 Euros. For more on tours see Dinkelsbuehl's Official Page . Dinkelsbuhl Attractions - Things to See and Do in Dinkelsbuhl:  A walk around Dinkelsbuhl in early evening is a pleasure. Dinkelsbuhl is far less touristy than Rothenburg, despite the numerous restaurants and hotels, and just about any street will take you past evocative half-timbered houses and shops. A walk outside the intact walls is also interesting--take the marked trail "Alte Promenade." Dinkelsbuhl's old town is one of the best along the romantic road. Saintgeogskirche (St. George's Church) , a late-gothic church on the Marktplatz. See the "pretzel window" donated by the Baker's Guild. Climb the Romanesque tower (which remains from an earlier church) for the views of Dinkelsbuhl. Spitalanlage (old hospital complex) now includes the historical museum, concert hall, and gallery of art. Stadtmühle , a large, military fortified mill that now houses the Museum of the 3rd Dimension, hands-on displays featuring fascinating three-dimensional effects. Dinkelsbuhl also sponsors Sunday concerts in the Town Park from May-September, often with overseas youth bands. Live jazz can be heard at the Jazzkeller. The former grain market, built in 1508 and originally used as a barn to store grains, is now the youth hostel. (See Dinkelsbuhl Lodging for info.) For a peek at the visual charm of Dinkelsbuhl, see our Dinkelsbuhl Picture Gallery .        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

Air Travel

International Air Transport Association About Us Board of Governors Director General and CEO Corporate Secretary History Human Resources Organisation Our Offices Membership Airlines Freight Forwarders Industry Suppliers Travel Agencies What We Do Aircraft Operations Airport Development and Infrastructure Cargo Finance Passenger Policies and Regulations Safety and Security Simplifying the Business Products & Services Business Solutions Events Publications Training IATA Store Pressroom Press Releases Speeches Statements News Briefs CEO Briefs Industry Facts DG's Biography IATA in the News Airlines International About Us Membership Careers Work Groups What We Do Products & Services Pressroom which contains the background images -- Press Releases 30 November 2005 Passenger Traffic Growth Slows, Freight Remains Flat 24 November 2005 Chirac Tax: Biting the Hand that Feeds Development Speeches 14 December 2005 Global Press Briefing - Industry Remarks, Geneva 30 November 2005 Remarks to AACO AGM, Yemen Current Issues Avian Flu - Aviation and Communicable Diseases IATA in the News 16 December 2005 Airlines to Rebound in 2007 Source: The Standard (China) 4 November 2005 Airlines must meet IATA benchmark Source: All Africa IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 265 airlines comprising 94% of international scheduled air traffic. This Week's Jet Fuel Price: $73.3/b Ö Source Platts. More... World Air Transport Statistics 2004 Passenger and Freight forecast until 2009 IATA international traffic monthly statistics Other publications on Air Transport forecasts and statistics IATA 2006 Priorities Simplifying the Business Safety Audit (IOSA) Security Environment Fuel Action Campaign EU Block Exemption EU Denied Boarding Legal Symposium, Feb 12-14, Hong Kong IATA / Asian Aerospace Aviation Summit, Feb 20th, Singapore Regional and country pages Contact Us FAQ Privacy Policy Help Terms of Use ©2004 International Air Transport Association. All rights reserved. Search powered by

Golf Vacation Resorts to

Golf Vacation Resorts to Love  You are here: About > Travel > Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways > Romantic Places > Vacations with a Difference > Golf Vacation Resorts to Love Travel Honeymoons Essentials 10 Ideas for a Great Romantic Getaway All-Inclusive Resorts Best Months to Go Nude Beach Guide Photo Galleries Articles & Resources Valentines Day Adults-Only Travel Honeymoon 101 Romantic Places Best of the USA Honeymoon in Hawaii Las Vegas Caribbean & Mexico Love Boats: Cruises for Two Destination Weddings Love & Romance Inexpensive Trips Honeymoon Buzz Weekend Getaways A - Z Romance Index Buyer's Guide Anniversary Gifts Cheap Champagne Find a Gift by Price Gown & Garment Bags Travelers' Gifts Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Stay up to date! The American Club, Wisconsin Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Activities and Sports Vacations Top-Ranked Hotels, Resorts, and Destinations Find a Golf Instructor or School Related Guide Picks Top 5 Ski Resorts for Couples in the USA and Canada Most Popular Best New Romantic Hotels 2006 Romantic Getaway Ideas Love Quotes Anniversary Gift Last Minute Travel What's Hot Royal Caribbean Honeymoons New Year's Resolutions Beverly Hills Hotels Palmilla Resort in Mexico Travel Contests Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Adventure Travel Canada for Visitors Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors Marriage Top 10 Golf Vacation Resorts to Love Guide Picks From Susan Breslow Sardone , Your Guide to Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! If one or both of you golf, you probably want to take your next vacation -- even if it's your honeymoon -- at a resort with a superior golf course and golf facilities plus other amenities. At the following golf resorts both players and non-players can expect to have an exceptional vacation. The majority offer golf vacation packages, and some also feature romance packages. So if you one of you wants tee times and the other loves dinner by candlelight, you can choose a place that offers both. 1) The American Club, Wisconsin The Midwest's only AAA Five-Diamond resort hotel, the American Club is located in Kohler, named the top golf resort destination in the United States by readers of Golf Magazine. Golf course designer Pete Dye created two championship courses at both Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. For non-golfers, a vacation at the American Club can include shopping for antiques, visiting the innovative Kohler Design Center, spa treatments, hiking, and canoeing. The resort also hosts weddings. Buy Direct 2) Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club, Puerto Rico Sunny days, warm breezes, and the sparkling Caribbean wrap the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club's four 18-hole golf courses, all designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., in tropical splendor. The 4th hole on the East Course (6,665 yards) is ranked by Jack Nicklaus as one of the top 10 holes in the world. Both East and West (6,431 yards) seaside courses wind through tropical forests and citrus groves, along the Atlantic Ocean, past a chain of lakes, and a man-made lagoon. Read Review Buy Direct 3) Williamsburg Inn, Virginia Golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. called the Golden Horseshoe's Gold Course his finest design, and many leading golf publications concur. Yet there's so much to do and see on a Williamsburg vacation that the allure of the links may fade. Travel back in history as you walk the streets, attend a town hall meeting at the brink of the American Revolution, stroll among the gardens, and dine on authentic 17th-century cuisine in the historic center or sophisticated fare at the elegant Inn. Read Review Buy Direct 4) Sea Pines Resort, South Carolina Twelve-mile-long Hilton Head Island holds an astonishing 22 golf courses, including three at 5,200-acre Sea Pines Resort. When you're not playing golf, there's boating, biking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, birdwatching, parasailing, and swimming to keep you active on your vacation. Read Review Vendor's Site 5) The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Florida Ritz-Carlton boasts two award-winning hotels in Naples. This one, where golf is the focus, was named no. 1 hotel in Florida on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List. It contains the Tiburon Golf Club with two 18-hole courses designed by Greg Norman and the Rick Smith Golf Academy. Guests have access to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, also a Mobil Five-Star property, located just three miles away on the Gulf of Mexico. Non-golfers can use the pristine beach, fitness, and spa facilities. Read Review Vendor's Site 6) Mauna Lani Resort, Hawaii Rated the no. 1 golf resort on the Big Island by Condé Nast Traveler, Mauna Lani has two extraordinary golf courses carved out ot black lava fields that overlook the sparkling Pacific. At this ultra-luxury resort, you can unwind in a canopied chaise for two on the immaculate beach, experience an open-air sauna as part of the extensive spa, and dine at Canoe House, named the best restaurant on the island. While on the island, don't miss touring still-simmering Volcanoes National Park. Read Review Vendor's Site 7) Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia Three 18-hole championship courses and the Golf Digest Academy, which offers advanced instruction, attract golf aficionados to White Sulphur Springs. Non-golfers can swim in indoor and outdoor pools, depending on the weather, use the fitness center, and play tennis. They can also tour the bunker, secretly designed to harbor members of Congress during the Cold War. Additional recreation choices include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and romantic carriage and balloon rides. Read Review Vendor's Site 8) Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, California Northwest of Santa Barbara, the Alisal has been welcoming guests since 1946. Two 18-hole championship courses satisfy those who come to golf on either the private and secluded Ranch Course or the scenic and popular River Course. Set on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch, the Alisal is also favored by horseback riders, who can choose from 100 steeds. If you like, the management will give you directions to a private spot overlooking the lake and a gourmet picnic basket to fortify you. Read Review Vendor's Site 9) Turning Stone Casino Resort In the midst of central New York's rolling farmland lies Turning Stone Casino Resort, an ever-expanding complex that features five golf courses. Among the designers: Tom Fazio, Rick Smith, and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Non-golfing partners can gamble, swim, use the spa, or visit local attractions (including a huge mall). Read Review Publisher's Site 10) Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Arizona No mention of great American golf resorts is complete without acknowledging the world-class resort golf courses of Arizona. From the Phoenician Hotel to the Boulders Resort to the Four Seasons, it just doesn't get much better. So take your pick, and rest assured that the non-golfer in your relationship with find that the spas, shops, swimming, tennis, restaurants, and weather on your golf vacation fit him or her to a tee. Read Review Vendor's Site Important product disclaimer information about this About site.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Royal Caribbean Honeymoons New Year's Resolutions Beverly Hills Hotels Palmilla Resort in Mexico Travel Contests

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