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Hong Kong Civil Unrest - Survival Guide Q&As (Flame Free)

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Old Oct 9, 2019, 2:25 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: garykung
A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. What is the purpose of this thread?

Ans: This thread is intended to help for FTers in navigating and resolving any potential issues related to their trips to Hong Kong, in light of to ongoing prolonged civil unrest in Hong Kong. The information on this guide is based on non-biased publicly available facts and data.While editing will be made as necessary to reflect the most updated development, please keep in mind that this guide is non-exhaustive. You should take any as necessary.

Declaimer– this thread is not intended to discuss about the civil unrest. FT has designated threads for the discussion of the civil unrest.

2. What should I know about the situation?

Ans: To make things simple, the civil unrest basically started from an anti-government movement against a proposed amendment to the existing extradition law due to an alleged murder occurred in Taiwan. Then it evolved to a conflict between the police and the protestors, as well as between pro-government/bill amendment supporters vs. anti-government/bill amendment supporters.

3. Does the civil unrest happen 24/7 or else?

Ans: Based on historical development, generally the unrest starts from a demonstration/protest, which usually happens after 12 pm. Then the confrontations start a few hours after the demonstration/protest and lasts passing midnight.

In most of the cases, non-business days are considered high risk days for the unrest. However, if there are any provocations, unrest can still occur on a business day within hours of the purported provocation.


B. PRE-TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT

1. Should I go to Hong Kong now? What about any future trips?

Ans: It is entirely up to you. So far, only Singapore has issued a travel alerts/advisory urging against non-essential travel to Hong Kong.

2. What recourse do I have if I want to change my trip to Hong Kong?

Ans: So far, there is no travel waiver/exception in place for Hong Kong. So the travel provider's standard cancellation policies will apply and most likely you will have to pay a penalty or change fee. However, there are reports of some exceptions have been made. This is straight YMMV situation for now. You will have to discuss your travel providers (airlines, hotel, TAs, etc.) for detail.

3. I heard that HKG has been affected by the unrest. Should I be worry if I plan to transit at HKG only?

Ans: It is entirely up to you.

Since the shut down on August 13, 2019, HKG has significantly tightened its security and heavily restricted its access. The High Court of Hong Kong has imposed an injunction against any non-legitimate use of the airport. In theory, there is no reason why you can't transit at HKG without issue.

However, keep in mind that airport/airline employees do not generally live/stay nearby. Their access may/can be impacted by the unrest, resulting a domino effect that eventually impact flight operations at HKG.

4. Which hotel should I stay?

Ans: It is entirely up to you. Because of how hotels in Hong Kong are positioned, the majority of hotels are nearby hot spots (see below) and have been impacted by the civil unrest. There are only limited options away from the hot spots. Many of those are not easily accessible by public transportation and are usually more expensive in comparison to hotels in similar levels. Use your own judgment to determine which one would work best or the least worst for you.

5. How about travel insurance (including benefits offered by credit cards)?

Ans: Because Hong Kong SAR Government has claimed in several occasions that certain events during the unrest as riots, insurers may exclude coverage as a result. Make sure you review necessary terms and conditions and contact your insurer/benefit administrator first.

6. I would like to go to Macau/Mainland China as well. Do I have anything to concern?

Ans: Yes. Since the civil unrest, both Macau/Mainland China has tightened its border security. It has been reported that many have been subjected to additional questioning. Some have been denied entries, and even detained.


C. IN HONG KONG

1. How can I avoid troubles?

Ans: You can avoid troubles by:
a. Avoid any related discussions in any public settings within the Greater China areas (Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, and Taiwan)
b. Avoid going to any hot spots (See below)
c. Avoid taking pictures or video of the protests/confrontations/etc.
d. Avoid wearing any top clothing either in black or white in colour
e. Be vigilant about your surroundings
f. Leave at once when situations are deteriorating, i.e. when you see police personnel in riot gears are present nearby, or there is a massive gathering nearby

Situations can deteriorate in seconds. Please process with extreme cautions and do not wait until the last minutes before out of control.

2. Where are the hot spots?

Ans: Based on historical development of this unrest, the following non-exhaustive points of interests have experienced either major conflicts or damages:
a. Best Mart 360
b. China Travel Service's Entry Permit Service Centres
c. Chinese* banks' facilities - ATMs and/or branches
d. Government buildings named "Government Offices"
e. HSBC Group# banks' facilities - ATMs and/or branches
f. Maxim's operated locations
f. MTR facilities - MTR (including Airport Express) Stations, Light Rail Stations and Bus Stops, Hong Kong West Kowloon (CRH) Station, Malls, etc.
g. Police stations
h. Retail networks of Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited, including, but not limited to Chung Hwa Book Company, Joint Publishing and the Commercial Press
i. UGC-funded universities
j. Yoshinoya
k. VTC Member Institutions
l. Immediate vicinity (Within 5-15 minutes of walking distance) of the locations above

In addition, Central Government Complex and Hong Kong Liaison Office have experienced multiple confrontations. When both of the British Consulate General and the U.S. Consulate General are not impacted, they have frequently become demonstration destinations.

Unless necessary, these areas should be avoided as much as practically possible.

* Based on self-identification, including Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Communications, China Construction Bank (Asia), China CITIC Bank, Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited, Chong Hing Bank, CMB Wing Lung Bank, ICBC (Asia), and Nanyang Commercial Bank.

# Hang Seng Bank and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

3. How bad is the traffic? How can I get around Hong Kong?

Ans: MTR has been frequently targeted during the civil unrest, which practically paralyzed the entire system. MTR may/can suspended service without prior notices, and this happened in the past. This includes Airport Express service. Please plan carefully if you intend to travel with MTR (including Airport Express). If you intend to use the in-town check-in at Hong Kong/Kowloon Station, please make sure that Airport Express is in service and you are able to reach the station. Please follow Twitter MTR Service Update (@mtrupdate)*.

At this moment, public bus is the most reliable form of public transportation, even routes may be cancelled or diverted. Each of the major bus operators has its own smartphone Apps (KMB/LWB - APP 1933 - KMB/LWB, First Bus/Citybus - CitybusNWFB). Make sure that you have a smartphone with mobile data when you are in Hong Kong. Those Apps can help you navigate within Hong Kong, providing live update to current service status.

* MTR Mobile is MTR's official Mobile App. However, the App has often been criticized for its slow update than this unofficial Twitter.

4. What are the police using?

Ans: During the civil unrest, the Hong Kong Police Force has utilized the following non-exhaustive weaponry:

a. Lethal Weapons
- SIG Sauer P250
- Smith & Wesson Model 10

b. Non-lethal Weapons
- Baton
- Beanbag rounds, delivered by Remington Model 870
- Pepper spray, delivered by canister, water tank spray, pepper-spray projectile (including PepperBall VKS), and/or water cannon
- Rubber bullet rounds, delivered by Remington Model 870 or Federal Riot Gun
- Specialized Crowd Management Vehicle, commonly known as water cannon, delivering special dyed chemical water with tear gas substance
- Sponge rounds, delivered by Pacem Defense ALS Bore Thunder Launcher Adapter
- Tactical light
- Tear Gas, delivered by grenade or Federal Riot Gun

The following are safety data sheet of some of the above weaponry:
- NonLethal Technologies
- Pacem Defense ALS
- PepperBall

Note - the above information is provided for information only.

5. I see from the news that many have protective gears. Should I be prepared as well?

Ans: Preferably not a good idea.

Protective gears may/can be subject to import/export control. You could get serious trouble in found. Also – while unofficially, it seems that the police is focusing those who have protective gears. So having protective gears on can become a case of mistaken identity. Beside, the effect of protective gears are very limited in protection, as they are designed for industrial use only, but not withstanding weaponry.

6. What else can I do?

Ans: a) Make sure you have to your country’s emergency contact (international and local consulate) ready. For other countries which have their consulates in Macau, check with their consulates respectively. For Portugal, please ensure you have the emergency contact of another consulate of an EU member state located in Hong Kong.

Here is a list of contacts of all consulates serving Hong Kong.

b) Because the situation can change very rapidly, especially MTR closures, a smartphone with mobile data is essential when moving about. Having a smartphone App with live alert from a local media will also help you to avoid areas with trouble.

c) Be mindful of your actions. Due to the tightened tensions, an innocent move can be seen as a provocation. Always remember - Safety first.

d) Be extremely mindful about the content of your mobile devices. Any contents related to the unrest may/can possibly cause you troubles, Hong Kong and/or elsewhere.
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Hong Kong Civil Unrest - Survival Guide Q&As (Flame Free)

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Old Nov 21, 2019, 9:32 pm
  #226  
 
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Dioxin Concerns?

Since there's a possible Black Friday sale coming up for Cathay Pacific, I really want to buy tickets to a number of destinations in Asia (like I did last year), all of which will require layovers in Hong Kong.

With all of the unrest that's going on, and tear gas being deployed; I'm worried that some of Dioxin from the tear gas has gotten into the air/water/food supply that gets loaded on Cathay's planes.

Am I just worrying too much? Or would there be a genuine risk of Dioxin contamination?
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Old Nov 21, 2019, 9:57 pm
  #227  
 
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If you are worried about that risk then do not think about all the crap that gets into the food chain across Asia in general, like hormones and steriods which local producers love to give their livestock. Apparently there are farms in China where you would genuinely believe pigs can fly. Then there is the pollution in certain centres, water supplies that can be suspect, mosquito borne diseases.......................................... ...........

Tear gas disperses pretty quickly in open air, however the tear gas used in HK is manufactured in China with potentially carcenogenic compounds being included. Studies which have been done are based on Western types of tear gas which while not nice are produced to a set of safety protocols. I would not wish to downplay the risk, but dioxin for a person in transit is not going to break your top 10 concerns for a trip to Asia.
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Old Nov 22, 2019, 1:29 am
  #228  
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A foreigner has been arrested at the airport with shell casings found at protest sites. These, as well as spent rubber bullets, are considered "ammunitions" under Hong Kong law, and illegal possession of arms or ammunition is regarded as a serious crime in Hong Kong.

Man held at airport with tear gas shells | The Standard

EDIT: The SCMP is reporting that a man has been arrested after he used his mobile to take photographs of police operations near the Polytechnic and uploaded them to social media, on the grounds of "obstructing police officers from executing their duties."

HK Man 43 Arrested over Photos of Elite Flying Squad | The SCMP

Both stories are strong warnings to travellers.

Those venturing out tomorrow Sunday will note an exceptional police presence throughout the city, as the Government has confirmed that "riot police would be stationed at every polling station."

Riot Police to Be Stationed at Polls | The Standard

Last edited by 889; Nov 23, 2019 at 4:44 am
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Old Nov 23, 2019, 9:30 pm
  #229  
 
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Originally Posted by 11sjw
My 13 yr old daughter and I have 8 hours on the ground in a few weeks time. Having been to HKG a few times we were planning to sneak out of the airport to try out the "World's Fanciest McDonald" located at Admiralty (Exit A from the station). .
I visited the "Fancy McDonalds" this past Friday evening. For anyone visiting in the near future, be aware that Admiralty Exit A has been out-of-service recently. If you find Exit A blocked, I'd suggest using exit C2 instead.

However I'll also note that while my companion and I both like checking out the usual (e.g such things as the World's Largest Starbucks, etc), we were both pretty underwhelmed overall by this "Fancy McDonalds". And while it's been a long, long time since I've been 13, I think 13 year-old me would have been "meh" about the experience as well.
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Old Nov 24, 2019, 9:28 am
  #230  
 
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I am not familiar with the city geography to match up the potential trouble spots against the logistics of a long-ago-planned trip. I had booked the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbourfront hotel with a plan to commute to work, as usual for me, on the ferry, to the Harbourfront area, Tak Fung Street. I booked time for long potential transit times to/from the airport. Is my planned commute too risky, if being at the office is near-imperative?

Hotels that are closer to the office are beyond my employer's rate limits, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Maybe this is that. Yes, I have been monitoring relatively low hotel prices.

Thank you.
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Old Nov 24, 2019, 11:33 am
  #231  
 
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Originally Posted by 365RoadWarrior
I am not familiar with the city geography to match up the potential trouble spots against the logistics of a long-ago-planned trip. I had booked the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbourfront hotel with a plan to commute to work, as usual for me, on the ferry, to the Harbourfront area, Tak Fung Street. I booked time for long potential transit times to/from the airport. Is my planned commute too risky, if being at the office is near-imperative?

Hotels that are closer to the office are beyond my employer's rate limits, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Maybe this is that. Yes, I have been monitoring relatively low hotel prices.

Thank you.
I don't think your ferry has ever stopped running in these few months. And your hotel is literally next to the ferry pier. If anything, the bigger risk for you is missing the ferry and having to wait half an hour for the next one! Yes, there were a few scuffles with the Hokkien people in North Point back in September but I would not worry much now.
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Old Nov 24, 2019, 7:42 pm
  #232  
 
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Originally Posted by Quokka
I visited the "Fancy McDonalds" this past Friday evening. For anyone visiting in the near future, be aware that Admiralty Exit A has been out-of-service recently. If you find Exit A blocked, I'd suggest using exit C2 instead.

However I'll also note that while my companion and I both like checking out the usual (e.g such things as the World's Largest Starbucks, etc), we were both pretty underwhelmed overall by this "Fancy McDonalds". And while it's been a long, long time since I've been 13, I think 13 year-old me would have been "meh" about the experience as well.
Thanks for the reply. Handy to know the alternative exit should we choose to venture into the city during our time on the ground.
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Old Nov 24, 2019, 8:02 pm
  #233  
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Originally Posted by 11sjw
Thanks for the reply. Handy to know the alternative exit should we choose to venture into the city during our time on the ground.
Many of the MTR stations have had random exits closed in the evening.
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Old Nov 25, 2019, 12:34 am
  #234  
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Originally Posted by Quokka
I visited the "Fancy McDonalds" this past Friday evening. For anyone visiting in the near future, be aware that Admiralty Exit A has been out-of-service recently. If you find Exit A blocked, I'd suggest using exit C2 instead.
Originally Posted by 11sjw
Thanks for the reply. Handy to know the alternative exit should we choose to venture into the city during our time on the ground.
Originally Posted by tentseller
Many of the MTR stations have had random exits closed in the evening.
During my four day visit last week I used the Admiralty MTR Station several times and found different exits were closed at different times. I never tried to use Exit A but it’s likely it was closed most of the time as it’s closest to the government buildings. It wasn’t easy to enter the station sometimes but exiting shouldn't be a problem. There were security staff at the station near exits and elevators/escalators to direct you if you tell them where you want to go.

P.S. I found the detailed location maps of MTR stations useful. Here’s one for Admiralty.
http://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/ch/services/maps/adm.pdf
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Last edited by NewbieRunner; Nov 25, 2019 at 12:45 am
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Old Nov 25, 2019, 6:08 am
  #235  
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Originally Posted by 365RoadWarrior
I am not familiar with the city geography to match up the potential trouble spots against the logistics of a long-ago-planned trip. I had booked the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbourfront hotel with a plan to commute to work, as usual for me, on the ferry, to the Harbourfront area, Tak Fung Street. I booked time for long potential transit times to/from the airport. Is my planned commute too risky, if being at the office is near-imperative?

Hotels that are closer to the office are beyond my employer's rate limits, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Maybe this is that. Yes, I have been monitoring relatively low hotel prices.

Thank you.
It's a great hotel and a good place to stay that should be free of any major issues. The ferry pier is right next to the hotel and hasn't been affected.
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Old Dec 5, 2019, 9:27 am
  #236  
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Hi All,

This is a really informative thread. Really interesting to read about everyone's experience in HK during the protests.

I am scheduled to visit Hong Kong in March for 5 days. However due to ongoing protests, I have decided to decrease the Hong Kong portion of my trip from 5 days to maybe 1 or 2 days. I know the media really like to exaggerate about the situation in HK right now but can anyone chime in about Lantau Island? I had hope to visit Tai O or neighboring Cheung Chau on this trip.

Thanks!
Lisa
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Old Dec 5, 2019, 10:22 am
  #237  
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March is an eternity in these terms.

But at present, Lantau has been free of problems for months now, with one exception: Tung Chung MTR station has been vandalized and closed from time to time, The other Outlying Islands have had no problems at all.
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Old Dec 5, 2019, 11:22 pm
  #238  
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Originally Posted by 889
March is an eternity in these terms.

But at present, Lantau has been free of problems for months now, with one exception: Tung Chung MTR station has been vandalized and closed from time to time, The other Outlying Islands have had no problems at all.
Yes, March seems like an eternity away these days. I had plan on staying at Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay. Any thoughts on that?

-Lisa
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Old Dec 6, 2019, 2:01 am
  #239  
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Originally Posted by traveling_newbie
Yes, March seems like an eternity away these days. I had plan on staying at Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay. Any thoughts on that?

-Lisa
CWB lately is a lot better than it used to be a few months ago. The CP is also a bit away from where the CWB marches and unrest typically go through. I'd guess on weekdays you're almost certainly fine. On weekends there's a chance of unrest, but you're still better off there than for example MK.
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Old Dec 6, 2019, 10:11 am
  #240  
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Victoria Park in Causeway Bay is often the starting point for marches to Central, and trouble often seems to come in the wake of marches.

And there is in fact a march starting in Causeway Bay scheduled this Sunday, December 8.
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