Hong Kong Hong Kong! part 2

First thing first, transportation!

Hong Kong is very small and transportation is so well developed that one could pretty much get to anywhere without having to speaking to anyone. Even if you do rather ask, Hong Kong people are very friendly and will always try to help unless they're in a hurry. What I learned from my Beijing trip was if someone looks at you or what you're looking at (even if it's just a glance), then it's a good chance that he/she is willing to help!

MTR is probably the simplest transportation system for foreigners to follow. Spending HK$150 (equal about 15 Euro or US$16) for an Octopus card <八達通> is highly recommended. It comes with an initial value of HK$100 and may be recharged in increments of HK$50 at stores such as the Seven Eleven convenient stores and the Wellcome <惠康> supermarkets. It can be used for virtually all public transportation (excluding taxi and some mini-buses), at many stores, and even at vending machines.

Hong Kong people do follow in line. However, if you're being too slow, leaving too much space in front of you, not paying attention, or appearing not care about it, then they could cut you. They go by common sense and don't follow rules blindly.

Same with many major cities in Asia, there're often a lot of sales persons on the streets and department stores who try to get your attention. It isn't impolite to look away unless you're interested.

Spitting is not so much of a problem anymore ever since the SARS incident happened a few years ago. People pay a lot more attention to sanitary environment & personal hygiene. There're often liquid disinfectant at entrances of restaurants, clinics and hospitals. Also signs are posted everywhere notifying the frequency of disinfection of carpets, buttons of lifts (elevators). Public toilets are a lot more cleaner, and free toilet papers are often provided.