Organizational Communications

A Guide for Doing Business in The Pearl of The Orient—Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an area in Eastern Asia that borders the South Sea and China. Hong Kong culture is known for its blending of both Eastern and Western cultures. Even though there is evidence of this cultural fusion, the major influence of Hong Kong’s culture and tradition stems from the Chinese background of its inhabitants.
One would expect to encounter some barriers in their efforts to properly communicate with locals and navigate their way through the busy city streets of Hong Kong. A businessperson would do well to investigate the customs and business practices of the country before planning to conduct business in Hong Kong.
Introduction
The Chinese put a premium on social behaviors that emphasize relationships and virtue. Researching the culture and traditions of Hong Kong is extremely important. Relationships are built on people. The type of organization one is doing business with will significantly affect management style and how decisions are made in that organization.
Findings
A business trip is scheduled for December 8 to December 15, 2024, to Hong Kong. Travel is booked so that you will arrive in Hong Kong early on Sunday, December 8. An early arrival will allow adequate time to adjust to the time change before beginning meetings on Monday, December 9. The following information reviews the per diem rate, flight information, and hotel information for the trip.
Per Diem Rates
Foreign Per Diem rates are established as maximum U.S. dollar rates for reimbursement for executives traveling on official business in foreign areas. The maximum lodging rate for Hong Kong is $355 per night. The M&I rate, covering meals and incidentals, is $180 per day. The maximum allowed per day combining lodging and meals and incidentals is $535. (Office of Allowances, 2024)
Flight Information
The Delta Airlines flight will depart New Orleans International Airport on Friday, December 6. The flight is an overnight flight with arrival in Hong Kong in the morning on Sunday, December 8, 2024. The return flight on Delta Airlines will leave Hong Kong on Sunday, December 15, 2024, with arrival in New Orleans on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The total airfare for these economy flights is $3,005.20 (Delta, 2024)
Details for the flight are displayed in the following table.

Flight to Hong Kong
Date Departure City Arrival City Flight Number Departure Time Arrival Time
Friday,
December 6 New Orleans Atlanta 3146 5:25 p.m. 7:56 p.m.
Friday,
December 6 Atlanta Seoul,
South Korea 27 11:35 p.m.
5:45 a.m.
Sunday, December 8
Sunday,
December 8 Seoul,
South Korea Hong Kong 7771 8:20 a.m. 11:20 a.m.
Flight to New Orleans
Sunday,
December 15 Hong Kong Seoul,
South Korea 7772 12:35 p.m. 5:05 p.m.
Sunday,
December 15 Seoul,
South Korea Atlanta 26 7:25 p.m. 6:50 p.m.
Sunday,
December 15 Atlanta New Orleans 2072 9:43 p.m. 10:20 p.m.

Accommodations While in Hong Kong
Lodging has been reserved at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. The downtown hotel is located at 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong. The hotel is located near Victoria Harbour and in the heart of Kowloon’s business district. The ferry and Express Rail link are nearby. Lodging per diem is $355 per night. The room reserved is priced at $218.36 (1,706 HKD) per night. The total cost for the seven-night stay is $1,681.49 (13,136.75 HKD).
A guest room with one king bed has been reserved. The room offers complimentary high-speed Internet access, air conditioning, bottled water, evening turndown service, a flat-screen TV, and a luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and shower. A fitness center and outdoor pool are available. Additional amenities include a coffee maker/tea service, alarm clock, desk, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, and several restaurants on-site. A Continental breakfast buffet is available each morning for approximately $35. Several other restaurants are available at the hotel, as well as a lounge.
While the hotel does not offer complimentary airport service, alternate transportation to and from the airport can be obtained by airport shuttle service or taking the train. (Marriott, 2024)
Total Cost of Trip
The total cost for this business trip includes airfare, hotel accommodation for seven nights, and meals and incidentals for ten days. The estimated total cost of the trip is displayed in the table that follows.
Airfare (Economy) $3,005
Hotel (7 nights) $1,681
Meals and Incidentals (10 days) $1,800
Estimated Total Cost $6,486

Currency Issues in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the official currency. The HKD is subdivided into 100 cents. Hong Kong dollar notes are 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 500-, and 1,000-dollar denominations. Coins are in 10, 20, and 50 cents. Additionally, there are $1, $2, $5, and $10 coins. Although exchange rates fluctuate, as of July 1, 2024, one U.S. Dollar is equal to 7.80 Hong Kong Dollars. (HKT to CST Converter, 2024)
Money can be exchanged at any authorized money exchanger. Look for a money exchanger that is accredited by the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme. The currency exchange counters at the Hong Kong International Airport are open from early morning to late at night. Many money exchangers located within the city stay open into the evening. ATMs are widespread and operate 24 hours.
Traveler’s checks are accepted by most leading banks and hotels. Credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club, and MasterCard are welcomed at most hotels, retail shops, and restaurants. Look for display stickers at the entrances that indicate the credit cards accepted at the business.
Weather in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is subtropical with four distinct seasons. Spring is warm and humid, while the summer is hot and rainy. The fall is sunny and pleasant while the winter is cold and dry. Tropical cyclones are possible between May and November. Typhoon season is between July and September.
Winter in Hong Kong is from mid-December to February. Winter is the coolest season in Hong Kong and temperatures can be cool at night. December is one of the sunniest and driest months in Hong Kong. The average temperature in December is 65oF with lows from 57oF to highs of 68oF. Sweaters and light jackets or coats will be needed for evenings. (Travel China Guide, 2023)