Hong Kong traffic drives on the left. Routes are designated by a number (such as Route 1, the main expressway route to China, or Route 3, from Hong Kong Island). Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas or 100kph (60mph) elsewhere. An International Driving Permit is recommended, although not legally required. A valid national driving licence is accepted for up to 12 months and the minimum age for driving is 18 years. Third-party insurance is compulsory. Holders of a valid foreign licence who are over 18 years old can drive for their first year of residence, after which they must apply for a local licence. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%.

The Hong Kong Automobile Association (tel: 2739 5273; website: www.hkaa.com.hk) can provide more information.

Emergency breakdown service: HKAA: (tel: 2304 4911).

Routes to the city: The most accessible places for one to drive to are Lantau Island (for the airport) and Guangzhou. Although there is no theoretical reason not to drive to and from the mainland, few visitors do.

Approximate driving times to Hong Kong: From Lantau Island - 1 hour; from Guangzhou - 3 hours.

Coach services: There are bus and coach links to destinations on the Chinese mainland. Citybus (tel: 2736 3888; website: www.citybus.com.hk) and CTS (tel: 2764 9803; website: www.ctshk.com) offer coach services to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, departing from the China Hong Kong City Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, and other pick-up points, including the Island Shangri-La Hotel in Admiralty.