Hong Kong has traditionally been a very expensive place to fly out of because of the monopoly held by a few airlines over routes into and out of Hong Kong and the high airport taxes. This is starting to change, with new operations such as Oasis Hong Kong Airlines now flying between Hong Kong and London for as little as $1,000, and low-cost airlines such as Orient Thai picking up regional traffic with several flights per day.

Expect to pay a hefty premium on flights out of Hong Kong during the major holidays – that’s if you can get a flight – especially at Chinese New Year, Christmas, Easter and during the summer. The airlines do not have identical high season dates, though, so check with your travel agent when booking tickets to get the best deal possible. If you’ve committed to going home for Christmas, book your flight well in advance – in September, say – even though prices have not yet been confirmed. You only have to pay for your ticket(s) in early December.

Popular Asian Destinations

The most popular Asian destinations from Hong Kong include Borracay, Vietnam, Bali and Thailand. Sri Lanka is also a big seller for agents. Langkawi (Malaysia) is very popular with those who want to go upmarket and enjoy five-star resort luxury. For many Hong Kongers, a two- or three-day package abroad is common. A holiday of five days or more is considered extravagant (time-wise)!

Chinese Travel

If you plan to visit Beijing or other destinations in China, it can be significantly cheaper to fly from Shenzhen Airport rather than Hong Kong. An example is provided by Ben Pearce, an English teacher who ran a travel agency for eight years in Hong Kong:

Ferries between the airports run about every 90 minutes (see www.hong kongairport.com/eng/aguide/skypier.html ), or you can take a coach, which costs about $180. Other ferry and coach services connect Hong Kong Airport to Macau, Guangzhou, Shekou, etc.

To get to Shenzhen Airport from Hong Kong city centre, passengers can take the ferry from the China Ferry Pier in TST ( www.ctshk.com ; tel. 2789 5401). The fare is about $189 and ferries run every 90 minutes or so. Alternatively, you can take the train from Hung Hom to Lowu, which costs $33 and then pick up a taxi to Shenzhen Airport – a further $110.

Many Hong Kong agents sell domestic air tickets for mainland China but add a $50 handling charge. China Southern Airlines has an English website through which you can book ( www.cs-air.com/en/ ).

Visas

Visas are not required by many nationalities traveling to Macau, but do take your passport. However, visas are required for travel to Shenzhen and elsewhere in China. It is possible for some nationalities, though not the British, to apply for a visa at the Shenzhen border – check with the PRC Visa Office (7/F, Lower Block, China Resources Building, 26 Harbor Road, Wanchai; tel. 3413 2424; e-mail visa@mail.fmcoprc.gov.hk).

Your travel agent can arrange a visa (usually the cheapest option), or you can apply in person at a branch of the China Travel Service (one is conveniently located in the Hong Kong International Airport). For regular trips to China, consider getting a $580 multi-entry visa for the year. CTS ( www.ctshk.com ) sells tour packages to China as well as train, coach and air tickets. The largest branch is at G/F, CTS House, 78–83 Connaught Road, Central; tel. 2853 3531.

Travel Agents

In Hong Kong, as elsewhere, it’s worth cultivating a good relationship with a travel agent who is knowledgeable about the most popular places to go for a short break, the best-value resorts in each price range and the cheapest flights. Expats usually share information by word of mouth. You need to know what package you’re after and then go through your chosen agent. Do your homework via travel agents such as Aero International ( www.aerohkg.com ) or Tiglion ( www.tiglion.com ).

Local Chinese travel agencies such as Hong Thai Travel and Wing On Travel can provide good package tour prices, as long as you don’t mind staying at a Chinese-style hotel serving Chinese food, etc. Branches of these agents exist all round the city, but a concentration of them can be found in places such as Star House (TST) and 3/F–4/F, Bank Centre Building (Mongkok MTR station Exit E2). An extensive list of registered travel agents is provided at the Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents ( www.hata.org.hk ).

When buying an air ticket or package:

• check that the quotation you are given includes taxes;
• check how much these taxes are; and
• make sure that the amount of tax paid is shown on the tickets.

 

Always get a franked receipt for a tour package. E-tickets are common here and perfectly safe.

Web-Based Travel Agents

It’s worth checking out www.lastminute.com.hk for attractively priced short-break packages in Asia and cheap international flights. You can offer your own price at www.priceline.com and the company also gives you the option of choosing your preferred airline and dates: they then match your offer with an airline willing to accommodate it. Singapore-based www.zuji.com can sometimes offer better seat availability, although prices are similar to www.priceline.com .

Group Travel

Groups such as the AWA and the Royal Asiatic Society organize regular trips in Asia.