Hong Kong Travel Guide

Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar and is highly card-friendly, with the Octopus card covering transport and small payments across the city. Cards and contactless handle most spending, though cash still helps at markets and smaller shops. A distinctive money point: Hong Kong has no general VAT or sales tax, so prices are as displayed, but restaurants frequently add a 10% service charge. Entry depends on the passport held, with many visitors getting visa-free stays, and Hong Kong immigration is separate from Mainland China. Budget around HKD 1,200 to 2,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip.

Understanding the HK Dollar exchange rate

HKD is stable relative to many currencies, but compare the final customer rate after card foreign-transaction fees, ATM charges and any conversion offer rather than a headline number. Check all visible charges before you confirm.

How much HKD to carry

For a short card-first visit, HKD 500 to 1,000 in cash is a practical starting point, with smaller notes for markets and local food. Load or top up Octopus separately, keep a second card and avoid carrying the whole trip budget in cash.

Octopus, cards and cash

Octopus is more than a transit card: it covers MTR, buses and ferries and is accepted at many convenience stores, cafes and vending machines.

• Octopus: load it for transport and small payments; visitor and mobile versions have different refund terms, so check before choosing.
• Cards: contactless is widely accepted; some cards can act as Octopus or transit media.
• Cash: keep smaller notes for markets, older restaurants and small shops.

The best ATM approach in Hong Kong

Use ATMs operated by recognised banks, review any operator fee, and withdraw a sensible amount rather than many small ones. Your own issuer may also charge a withdrawal or conversion fee. Decline any offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.

Hong Kong entry and the Mainland distinction

Entry depends on the passport held, travel purpose and length of stay; many visitors receive visa-free stays of varying length. Importantly, Hong Kong has separate immigration arrangements: a visa for Mainland China does not authorise entry to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong permission does not authorise entry to the Mainland. Check the Hong Kong requirements for your passport before booking.

Getting around Hong Kong

The MTR is fast, clean and links most neighbourhoods and the airport; Octopus or contactless pays the fare. Trams on Hong Kong Island, buses, the Star Ferry across the harbour and taxis fill the gaps. The Airport Express reaches Central in about 24 minutes. Use the same card or device consistently where a network supports contactless.

No VAT, service charges and tipping

Hong Kong has no general VAT or sales tax, so the price you see is the price you pay, and there is no tourist tax-refund scheme because there is no such tax. Restaurants frequently add a 10% service charge to the bill; beyond that, tipping is modest, such as rounding up a taxi fare or leaving small change.

Cash declaration entering Hong Kong

Carrying currency or bearer negotiable instruments worth more than HKD 120,000, in or out, must be declared to Customs via the Red Channel; an e-form pre-submission is available. Declaring is a reporting requirement, not a penalty.

Weather and typhoon season

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, and tropical cyclones can affect transport mainly from May to November, especially July to September. Follow Hong Kong Observatory rainstorm and cyclone warnings and keep a flexible plan during severe weather, when transport and attractions may close.