Although Hong Kong is a modern city, traveling prepared will always reduce the amount of stress when you are vacationing. Below is a list of my top 10 things that you should know before traveling to Hong Kong.
Avoid traveling during the summer months (late June to early September): Hong Kong’s summers are hot, extremely humid and usually is not without a monsoon season. Most places you will walk through in Hong Kong are surrounded by tall buildings so a good breeze is hard to come by. Anyone with breathing difficulties should definitely avoid the summer months unless you intend to take a cab/taxi everywhere. If you ever must be in Hong Kong during the summer months, take advantage of the many elevated walkways throughout the city that usually passes through air-conditioned malls and complexes.
Get an Octopus Card as soon as possible: Octopus Card is a mean of digital currency in Hong Kong and is usually more commonly accepted than credit cards. It is to be used in a wide range vendors including public transportation, taxi/cabs, stores, and even some restaurants. You can easily reload your card with cash at most convenience stores such as 7Eleven and Circle K.
Mass transit is your best friend: The MTR, Hong Kong’s underground subway system, is one of the most modern subway systems in the world. It is extremely efficient and affordable. You pay based on distance using the Octopus Card or individual tickets. Depending on your route and the time of day, the MTR may be faster and more convenient than taking a cab or taxi where you are more likely to run into traffic congestion. Most destinations are accessible via the MTR and if not, public buses and minibuses are also usually available to help you get from point A to point B. Details here.
Tipping is not required: You do not need to tip in restaurants in Hong Kong. The stated price on your check usually includes it all. Few restaurants will have a service charge added at the end but for the most part all restaurants in Hong Kong are no tipping establishments. However, some people will leave the change at the end of the meal. Similar rules apply for cabs/taxis; most locals will just have the vendor or driver keep the small change but hardly ever give anything additional.
Have cash handy: Although a lot of places now accept credit card payments, there are still many that are cash only. Banks are plenty around Hong Kong and you can easily exchange currency in the bank if you have your passport on you. Don’t be caught wanting to eat or buy something you really want without cash!
Come prepared with a data plan or buy a SIM card: Make sure you have an appropriate cellular plan to use in Hong Kong for calls and data to avoid international roaming charges. If your provider does not offer access to an international data plan, SIM cards are readily available at most convenience stores such as 7Eleven or Circle K.
Which side to walk on: On escalators in most places in Hong Kong, you would stand right and pass left. On the streets and stairs most will walk on the left; however there are instances where it will direct you to walk on your right. While this is the general rule and courtesy to follow when in Hong Kong, in crowded areas like Mong Kok, you might still find yourself weaving through crowds in an orderly manner so don’t be too alarmed; Hong Kong is a heavily populated and tourist abundant city after all.
Pay attention to vehicular traffic: Keep in mind for those who end up driving in Hong Kong, drivers drive on the left side of the road as oppose to the right in the States. For those of you walking around, double check both sides of the streets before you cross as cars might come from a direction that may not be natural to you (sometimes there are signs that tells you to look right or look left before crossing). And for those driving into mainland China, the direction of traffic may be inverted.
Bring your own tissues: Most locals do not leave the house without a pack of tissues handy because they all know that it is not uncommon to dine at a restaurant where napkins are not provided or use the restroom at a stall without toilet paper available. Majority of Hong Kong is modernized and will offer your standard amenities but just to be safe and not to be without tissues when you need them most, it is wise to have a pack of Kleenex in your pockets wherever you go.
Lastly, go with an opened mind: Hong Kong is a city very rich in its own culture and history. At the same time it is also a multi-faceted city that’s modernized under both eastern and western influences. Most locals deem Hong Kong as ‘Heaven of Food & Drinks’ due to the many delicious cuisines that can be found there. Go with an opened mind, eat and do new things that the locals do and you will have an experience of a lifetime.
If you are planning a trip to Hong Kong, we hope you have a blast and don’t forget to check out our Hong Kong Travel Guide page for more tips, guides, and recommendations.