2024 Summer Conference

Hosted by the Southeast Asia Research Centre at the City University of Hong Kong

General Travel Information

  • Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
  • Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ 7.8 HKD (local currency is pegged to USD)
  • Where to Exchange: Currency exchange services are available at the airport, major hotels, and banks. ATMs are widely available and accept most international cards.
  • Voltage: 220V
  • Frequency: 50Hz
  • Plug Types: UK-style three-pin plug (Type G)
  • Meal: HKD 50 - 150 for a basic meal at a local restaurant; HKD 200 - 500 at a midrange restaurant
  • Public Transport: HKD 5 - 30 per trip in most cases for a ride on the MRT (see below), depending on distance and mode of transport
  • Taxi Fare: HKD 24 for the first 2 kilometers, then HKD 8.50 for each additional kilometer
  • Accommodation: Hostels and Budget Hotels: HKD 300 - 600 per night; Mid-Range Hotels: HKD 800 - 1,500 per night; Luxury Hotels: HKD 2,000+ per night

Arriving in Hong Kong

  • Airport Express: A quick and convenient train service from Hong Kong International Airport to Kowloon Station or Hong Kong Station. The trip to Kowloon Station takes approximately 21 minutes and costs HKD 105.
  • Taxi: Direct from the airport to Kowloon Tong will cost approximately HKD 300 - 350 and take around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Bus: Public buses (such as the A21 line) provide a more economical option, costing around HKD 33, and taking about 1 hour to reach Mong Kok (an area in Kowloon not far from campus).

Moving Around

  • Coverage: Extensive network covering all major areas of Hong Kong
  • Ticketing: Octopus Card (rechargeable smart card used for all public transport) or Single Journey Tickets
    • Octopus Card: Can be purchased at MTR stations, convenience stores, and the Airport Express counter at the airport. It can be recharged at MTR stations, convenience stores, and online.
    • Single Journey Tickets: Can be purchased at ticket machines in MTR stations. Select your destination, pay the fare, and collect the ticket.
  • Routes: Comprehensive network connecting different districts
  • Payment: Exact fare in cash or via Octopus Card

Taxis are widely available and can be easily hailed on the street or found at taxi stands. They are safe and affordable, but only take cash payments and drivers often cannot speak English. Uber is available and it is generally a better option.

Reaching CityU Campus (Kowloon Tong)

The meeting will take place at City University of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Tong campus, which can be easily accessed via the Kowloon Tong MRT station.

Kowloon Tong MTR Station is a key interchange station on the Kwun Tong Line (Green Line) and the East Rail Line (Light Blue Line), making it highly connected to various parts of Hong Kong:

  • Kwun Tong Line: Connects Kowloon Tong to key urban areas such as Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, and Tsim Sha Tsui.
  • East Rail Line: Provides direct access to the New Territories, including stops like Sha Tin and Tai Po, and extends all the way to the Mainland China border at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau.

Once at the station, take Exit C, walk through the Festival Walk shopping mall and find the Cova café. From there, and escalator will take you to a tunnel that leads straight to campus.

The building in front of you once you exit the tunnel is the Yeung Kin Man Academic Building, where the meeting will take place.

Accommodation Options

We recommend the following two options, both of which are moderately priced and located within a short MRT ride to campus.

Royal Park Hotel (Shatin)

Royal Plaza Hotel (Mongkok East)