Travel Tips for Hong Kong

Essential information and practical advice for your Hong Kong adventure

💰 Money & Currency

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

The official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD or HK$). Current exchange rates:

  • 1 USD = HK$7.80 (pegged rate)
  • 1 EUR = HK$8.50
  • 1 GBP = HK$10.00
  • 100 JPY = HK$5.30
  • 1 CNY = HK$1.10
  • 1 AUD = HK$5.20
  • 1 TWD = HK$0.25
  • 1 SGD = HK$5.80

Payment Methods

  • Octopus Card: Essential rechargeable card for transport, convenience stores, and restaurants
  • Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay widely accepted
  • Mobile Payments: AlipayHK, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay very popular
  • Cash: Still useful at small vendors and traditional markets
  • Contactless: Tap-to-pay widely available

ATMs & Money Exchange

  • ATMs everywhere - 7-Eleven, MTR stations, banks
  • Daily withdrawal limits: HK$5,000-20,000 depending on bank
  • Currency exchange at licensed money changers (better rates than banks)
  • Airport exchange available 24/7 (slightly higher rates)
  • Chungking Mansions offers competitive exchange rates

Hong Kong Banknotes & Coins

Banknotes (issued by 3 banks):

  • Notes: HK$1000, HK$500, HK$100, HK$50, HK$20, HK$10
  • Three Issuers: HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China
  • Each bank: Different designs but same value

Coins: HK$10, HK$5, HK$2, HK$1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢

Note: HK$10 comes in both coin and note form

Tipping Culture

  • Tipping is NOT mandatory in Hong Kong
  • Restaurants: 10% service charge usually included
  • Optional: Round up or leave small change for exceptional service
  • Taxis: Not expected, but rounding up is appreciated
  • Hotels: HK$20-50 for porters/housekeeping (optional)

Practical Money Tips

  • Get Octopus Card: Buy at airport or MTR stations (HK$150 deposit)
  • Small Change: Useful for street food and small shops
  • Tax-Free Shopping: No sales tax in Hong Kong!
  • Credit Cards: Some merchants add 2-3% surcharge
  • Money Changers: Shop around for best rates, avoid airport if possible

🔌 Electricity & Plugs

Power Specifications

  • Voltage: 220V
  • Frequency: 50Hz
  • Plug Type: Type G (UK-style, three rectangular pins)
  • Same as UK, Singapore, Malaysia

What You Need

  • Type G (UK-style) adapter for most countries
  • Universal adapter recommended for convenience
  • Most modern electronics work with 220V (check your device)
  • Hotels often provide adapters on request

Where to Buy Adapters

  • 7-Eleven and convenience stores (HK$30-50)
  • Fortress, Broadway (electronics stores)
  • Airport shops (more expensive but convenient)
  • Hotels may lend or sell adapters

Power Reliability

  • Extremely reliable power supply (99.999% uptime)
  • No load shedding or regular outages
  • Most buildings have backup generators
  • Safe to use all electronic devices

📱 SIM Card & Internet

Major Mobile Operators

  • SmarTone: Excellent coverage, tourist-friendly packages
  • CSL Mobile: Good network, popular among locals
  • 3HK: Budget-friendly, decent coverage
  • China Mobile HK: Good for travelers to mainland China

Tourist SIM Cards

  • Available at airport (arrivals hall, open 24/7)
  • 7-Eleven, Circle K convenience stores
  • Prepaid packages: 3-day, 7-day, 30-day options
  • Data plans: 3GB-unlimited options
  • Price range: HK$48-198 for tourist packages
  • No registration required (just passport)

eSIM Options

  • Airalo, Holafly, Nomad - popular international eSIM providers
  • SmarTone and CSL offer eSIM services
  • Activate before or upon arrival
  • Convenient but usually more expensive than physical SIM

WiFi Availability

  • Free WiFi at MTR stations (GovWiFi)
  • Free WiFi at most cafes, restaurants, and malls
  • Many public areas offer GovWiFi.HK (free government WiFi)
  • Hotels provide excellent WiFi (usually free)
  • Starbucks, McDonald's, Pacific Coffee have reliable WiFi

Internet Speeds

  • 5G network widely available across Hong Kong
  • 4G LTE excellent coverage everywhere
  • Average mobile speeds: 50-200 Mbps
  • Among the fastest internet in the world
  • Fiber broadband standard in hotels and businesses

🤝 Local Etiquette & Customs

Greetings & Interactions

  • Handshakes are common in business settings
  • Nodding or slight bow shows respect
  • Use both hands when giving/receiving items (shows respect)
  • Address people with titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.)
  • Personal space is valued - avoid excessive physical contact

Dining Etiquette

  • Wait for host to start eating (formal settings)
  • Use chopsticks properly - never stick upright in rice (funeral symbolism)
  • Slurping noodle soup is acceptable
  • Tea etiquette: Tap fingers to thank for tea refills
  • Share dishes at Chinese restaurants (family-style)
  • Don't tip in dai pai dongs (street food stalls)

Temples & Religious Sites

  • Remove shoes before entering some temples
  • Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Speak quietly and turn off phone ringers
  • Don't point feet at Buddha statues
  • Ask permission before taking photos
  • Incense offerings welcome (usually provided)

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Respect queuing culture - Hong Kongers queue for everything
  • Stand on right side of escalators (left for walking)
  • Don't litter (HK$1,500 fine)
  • No smoking in most public areas (HK$1,500 fine)
  • Keep voices down in public (speaking loudly is considered rude)
  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics

💬 Language & Communication

Essential Cantonese Phrases

  • Hello: 你好 (néih hóu)
  • Thank you: 唔該 (m̀h'gōi) or 多謝 (dō jeh)
  • Excuse me: 唔好意思 (m̀h hóu yi si)
  • How much?: 幾多錢？(géi dō chín?)
  • I don't understand: 我唔明 (ngóh m̀h mìhng)
  • Where is...?: ...喺邊度？(...hái bīn douh?)
  • Bill please: 埋單 (màaih dāan)
  • Delicious: 好好味 (hóu hóu meih)

Language Landscape

  • Cantonese: Primary spoken language
  • English: Widely spoken, official language
  • Mandarin: Increasingly common
  • All MTR stations, signs bilingual (Chinese/English)
  • Young people generally speak good English

Useful Local Terms

  • "Ding-ding": Tram (from the bell sound)
  • "Dai pai dong": Open-air food stall
  • "Cha chaan teng": Hong Kong-style cafe
  • "Yum cha": Drink tea (dim sum meal)
  • "Siu mei": Roasted meats
  • "Gweilo/Gweipor": Foreigner (literally "ghost person")
  • "Add oil!": Keep going! Good luck! (加油)

Communication Tips

  • Download Google Translate for instant translation
  • Learn to read basic Chinese numbers for prices
  • Point at menu items or use pictures
  • Most tourist areas have English speakers
  • Hotel concierge can write destinations in Chinese

🏥 Health & Safety

Food & Water Safety

  • Tap water is safe to drink (excellent quality)
  • Food hygiene standards very high
  • Street food is generally safe (look for busy stalls)
  • Restaurants regulated and inspected regularly
  • Bottled water widely available if preferred

Common Health Concerns

  • Heat and humidity (summer) - stay hydrated, use AC
  • Air pollution (occasional) - check AQI on bad days
  • Seasonal flu (winter) - consider flu shot
  • Dengue fever (rare) - use mosquito repellent in rural areas
  • Food allergies - many speak "no peanuts" etc.

Medical Facilities

  • World-class public and private hospitals
  • 24-hour pharmacies (Watsons, Mannings, Guardian)
  • English-speaking doctors readily available
  • Travel insurance highly recommended
  • Emergency: 999 (ambulance, police, fire)
  • Public hospitals: Low cost but may have wait times

Personal Safety

  • Hong Kong is one of the world's safest cities
  • Low crime rate, safe to walk at night in most areas
  • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas (pickpockets rare but exist)
  • Use pedestrian crossings and follow traffic signals
  • Avoid unregistered taxis (use Uber or red taxis)
  • Police are helpful and professional (999 for emergencies)

🌤️ Weather & What to Pack

Climate Overview

  • Subtropical climate: Hot, humid summers; mild, dry winters
  • Summer (May-Sep): 26-33°C, humid, occasional typhoons
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 14-20°C, dry, comfortable
  • Spring (Mar-Apr): 18-26°C, humid, fog common
  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): 20-28°C, best weather, low humidity

What to Pack

  • Summer: Light, breathable clothes, sun protection, umbrella for rain
  • Winter: Light jacket/sweater, long pants, closed shoes
  • Year-round: Comfortable walking shoes, portable fan (summer)
  • Formal dining: Smart casual attire for upscale restaurants
  • Layers: AC is strong indoors, hot outdoors

Seasonal Tips

  • Summer: Very hot and humid - stay hydrated, seek AC
  • Typhoon Season (Jul-Sep): Check weather, follow warnings
  • Winter: Rarely below 10°C, light jacket sufficient
  • Best time: October-December (comfortable weather)
  • Humidity: Can exceed 90% in summer, pack light clothes

Air Quality

  • Check Air Quality Index (AQI) daily
  • Pollution can be high in urban areas
  • Worst in autumn/winter due to mainland winds
  • Consider mask on high pollution days if sensitive

🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining

Where to Shop

  • Fixed prices: Malls, chain stores, branded shops
  • Bargaining expected: Street markets, Stanley Market, Temple Street
  • Luxury: IFC Mall, Harbour City, Times Square
  • Electronics: Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po
  • Best markets: Ladies' Market, Temple Street Night Market

Bargaining Tips

  • Start at 50-60% of asking price at markets
  • Be polite and smile during negotiation
  • Walk away if price too high (often brings better offer)
  • Cash usually gets better deals than cards
  • Buying multiple items? Negotiate bundle discount

What to Buy

  • Electronics (competitive prices, check warranty)
  • Designer goods (authentic, tax-free)
  • Chinese tea and tea sets
  • Jade jewelry
  • Tailored suits (24-48 hour service)
  • Chinese medicine and health products

Shopping Precautions

  • Verify electronics are genuine (check serial numbers)
  • Get written quotes for tailored items
  • Avoid "copy watches" - illegal and confiscated at customs
  • Check international warranty on electronics
  • Keep receipts for exchanges/returns

🚇 Transportation Tips

Getting Around Hong Kong

  • MTR (Subway): Fast, clean, efficient - covers most areas
  • Tram (Ding-ding): Iconic double-decker on Hong Kong Island (HK$3)
  • Bus: Extensive network, scenic upper deck views
  • Minibus: Green (fixed route) or Red (flexible route)
  • Star Ferry: Historic harbor crossing (HK$3.40-4.20)
  • Taxi: Red (urban), Green (NT), Blue (Lantau)

Octopus Card Benefits

  • Works on all public transport (MTR, bus, tram, ferry)
  • Accepted at 7-Eleven, supermarkets, restaurants
  • No need for exact change
  • Get at airport, MTR stations, 7-Eleven
  • Refundable HK$50 deposit, load HK$100-500
  • Discounts compared to single tickets

Transport Etiquette

  • Let passengers exit before boarding
  • Stand on right side of escalators
  • Priority seats for elderly, pregnant, disabled
  • No eating or drinking on MTR (HK$2,000 fine)
  • Keep voices down, use headphones

Taxi Tips

  • Red taxis: Most areas of HK Island and Kowloon
  • Taxis honest, use meters (flag fall HK$27)
  • Drivers may not speak English - show address in Chinese
  • Tunnel tolls paid by passenger (added to meter)
  • Uber available but more expensive than taxis

⏰ Time & Business Hours

Time Zone

  • UTC+8 (Hong Kong Time - HKT)
  • No daylight saving time
  • Same as Singapore, Beijing, Perth, Manila
  • 12 hours ahead of New York (EST)
  • 16 hours ahead of San Francisco (PST)

Business Hours

  • Shops: 10:00-22:00 daily (malls even later)
  • Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 (some 24 hours)
  • Banks: 9:00-16:30 (Mon-Fri), 9:00-12:30 (Sat)
  • Museums: 10:00-18:00 (closed some Mondays)
  • 7-Eleven: 24 hours (everywhere!)

Public Holidays

  • Lunar New Year: Late Jan/Early Feb (3 days - biggest holiday)
  • Ching Ming Festival: April 4-5
  • Buddha's Birthday: May (lunar calendar)
  • Dragon Boat Festival: June (lunar)
  • Mid-Autumn Festival: September (lunar)
  • National Day: October 1
  • Christmas: December 25-26

Best Times to Visit

  • Best weather: October-December
  • Avoid if possible: Lunar New Year (crowded, many shops closed)
  • Summer: Very hot but great sales (June-August)
  • Spring: Humid but good for hiking
  • Major events: Check calendar before booking

📲 Essential Apps & Resources

Must-Have Apps

  • MTR Mobile: Route planning, fares, service updates
  • Citymapper: Best navigation app for HK
  • OpenRice: Restaurant reviews and bookings (HK's Yelp)
  • HKO My Observatory: Official weather app
  • Octopus: Check balance, reload card

Payment & Delivery

  • AlipayHK / WeChat Pay: Popular mobile payments
  • FPS (Faster Payment System): Instant transfers
  • Foodpanda / Deliveroo: Food delivery
  • Klook: Book attractions and activities

Communication & Translation

  • WhatsApp: Most common messaging app
  • Google Translate: Essential for reading Chinese
  • Google Maps: Excellent navigation in HK
  • Pleco: Chinese dictionary app

Tourist Services

  • DiscoverHongKong: Official tourism app
  • HK Taxi: Official taxi booking app
  • GovHK Notify: Government alerts and info
  • Tourist Hotline: +852 2508 1234 (save in phone!)

Ready for Your Hong Kong Adventure?

Armed with these essential tips, you're ready to explore Hong Kong like a pro!

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