All LEAP East attendees will require a visa from eligible countries in order to enter China.
China offers a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.
The visa portal is simple and quick to navigate, and will provide you with up-to-date information about eligible countries.
Documents required to complete your visa application will vary depending on your nationality.
Before you start your application, it may be useful to have:
While the processing time for a Saudi Arabia e-visa for tourists is usually swift (as little as 1-2 days) we recommend you apply well in advance to allow for any delays. With a simple visa process, transition smoothly from your home country into the heart of the fintech revolution in Saudi Arabia.
Before you Arrive
01
A visa to visit Saudi Arabia is available to all. There are different processes depending on your nationality – for example, holders of a US, UK or Schengen Business or Tourist Visa can apply for the visa upon arrival, while citizens of some nations will need to apply in advance. Use this tool on the Visit Saudi site to enter your nationality and check requirements.
02
Cultural norms in Saudi Arabia require both men and women to dress modestly. As a tourist in Saudi Arabia you do not need to cover your hair unless you visit a mosque.
Pack loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and opt for light, cooling fabrics. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor to charge devices.
03
The national currency is the Saudi riyal, which is divided into 100 halala. Notes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 riyals, and coins are available in denominations of 1 and 2 riyals, and 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 halala.
But don’t worry – currency exchange and transactions are simple in Saudi Arabia, and credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.
04
While Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, English is widely understood – and you can expect to speak English at the fintech conference. If you’re keen to network and build positive relationships with Arabic speakers, try learning some basic phrases including ‘salum alaykum’ (hi/hello), ‘min fdlek’ (please), and ‘eysh esmk?’ (what is your name?).
The airport in Hong Kong is the King China International airport. We encourage you to pre-book a taxi to travel from the airport to your hotel, to make your arrival smooth and easy.
Here are some options for accommodation related to finance events in China: Marriott International offers convention hotels and resorts in China. They provide facilities for conferences and events.
In Riyadh, there are several hotels with event space and conference rooms. For example, the Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania and the Luthan Hotel & Spa.
Getting around Hong Kong and China is easy – with plenty of taxis, car rental services, ride-hailing platforms and excellent public transport.
Hiring a car is a cost-efficient way to explore, and cars can easily be hired at all major airports.
Taxis can be found around busy locations including shopping malls and public parks, and they’re all equipped with a digital meter to show the fare. Some hotels also offer private taxi hire services.
Familiar ride-hailing apps operate in Saudi Arabia, including Uber and Careem – we recommend these for convenient and reliable services.
Attending LEAP East in Hong Kong promises not just professional growth but also a culturally rich experience. With careful planning, your visit can be both insightful and delightful at the same time as capturing inspiration for the latest tech advancements.
Hear from our Partners
Jerry Li
Founder and Managing Partner
- ewpartners
"With an unprecedented surge of growth and development enveloping the global fintech industry, events such as LEAP East will provide a critical platform for world leaders and experts to engage in discussions around relevant policies, foster collaboration, and amplify the opportunities available."
Tom Farley
Founder and Managing Partner
- ewpartners
"With an unprecedented surge of growth and development enveloping the global fintech industry, events such as LEAP East will provide a critical platform for world leaders and experts to engage in discussions around relevant policies, foster collaboration, and amplify the opportunities available."
Michael Wong
Founder and Managing Partner
- ewpartners
"With an unprecedented surge of growth and development enveloping the global fintech industry, events such as LEAP East will provide a critical platform for world leaders and experts to engage in discussions around relevant policies, foster collaboration, and amplify the opportunities available."
Jerry Li
Founder and Managing Partner
- ewpartners
"With an unprecedented surge of growth and development enveloping the global fintech industry, events such as LEAP East will provide a critical platform for world leaders and experts to engage in discussions around relevant policies, foster collaboration, and amplify the opportunities available."