Hong Kong, officially known as the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The city uniquely blends rich cultural heritage with modern influences, offering an exciting experience for first-time visitors. It boasts breathtaking skyline views, vibrant city life, and protected green reserves. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of delicious cuisines, and being informed about local customs, transportation, and attractions can significantly enhance your trip. Here are some things to know before visiting Hong Kong for the first time.
During your trip, you may often encounter language barriers that make it difficult to communicate or ask for what you need, especially since many locals may not speak English well. Try to learn some basic Cantonese phrases. For example, “Néih hóu” means hello, “jóusàhn” means good morning, “néih hóu ma” means how are you?, “Géido chín a” means how much is it?, and “ngóh mhsìk góng” means I don’t speak Cantonese. You can also find many more useful phrases online.
If you plan to visit Hong Kong, remember that accommodation will likely be the largest part of your travel budget. If you want to save on lodging costs, consider staying in a guesthouse, which is often the best option. Hong Kong guesthouses are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Before making a reservation, ensure your safety by choosing only licensed guesthouses. You can also look into low-budget hotels that offer accommodations that fit various budgets.
Before visiting Hong Kong, it's important to understand the payment system and how to settle your bills. Most international cards, such as American Express, VISA, and Mastercard, are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Additionally, many places accept mobile payment options like Alipay, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. To see which payment methods are accepted at a specific store or restaurant, check the signs displayed at the cash counter. Remember that some shops and restaurants may only accept cash or Octopus cards. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a currency exchange to obtain enough cash for your purchases.
The Octopus card is the easiest way to pay for public transport in Hong Kong. This card not only provides convenient access to trains, trams, and ferries, but it can also be used to purchase cinema tickets, and it works at vending machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels. You can buy a standard Octopus card upon your arrival at Hong Kong International Airport from stores such as 7-Eleven, MTR Ticket counters, and Octopus Selling Machines.
Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise, with stores in virtually every available space. You'll appreciate the wide variety of products and shopping venues. Bargaining is not an option if the prices are clearly displayed on items. However, if there are no price tags, you can negotiate. Be sure to compare prices in multiple stores before purchasing, as some retailers may overcharge tourists.
Be sure to check the weather before your outing. It’s a good idea to bring extra clothes in case you get caught in the rain. Avoid keeping all your IDs in one location. Remember to respect local traditions and culture. Carry cash for more manageable payments, and don’t forget to download a taxi app for convenience.