40 Hong Kong Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Hong Kong For First Timers

We will write about Hong Kong travel tips and all the cool facts about Hong Kong and things to know before visiting Hong Kong for first timers. This post will be your go-to guide to get to know more of Hong Kong and what awaits you from amazing places in the city, hikes, culture to delicious food to try in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is situated on the Southeast coast of China and is favorite city of almost everyone in the world with more than 20 million visitors each year. Hong Kong is also considered as the world’s richest city, since it has the most billionaires in the world per capita. It has more skyscrapers than any other city including New York!

Read here how to get from Hong Kong airport to city center and 5 Days Hong Kong itinerary!

Read here our favorite Hong Kong tourist spots, Macau itinerary, where to stay in Hong Kong and instagrammable places in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Hong Kong For First Timers

1. IS IT SAFE HONG KONG?

Is it safe travel to Hong Kong? Yeah you should know that Hong Kong is safe and if you travel around Hong Kong, safety won’t be a problem. Make sure that you keep your valuables with you in crowded places and that should be more than enough.

2. EASY VISA IN HONG KONG

Great news for Nationals of the US, Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand no need a visa for stays of 90 days and 180 days for UK nationals. So it was perfect for us, Rachel with her Filipino passport was able to get 14 days free Visa in Hong Kong.

Click here to know more about the visa policy in Hong Kong.

3. CASH AND ATM IN HONG KONG

You can use cash and credit cards in Hong Kong. The official currency of Hong Kong is called Hong Kong Dollar. And $1=7.8 HKD. ATM’s are available all throughout the country. They accept credit cards almost everywhere in Hong Kong. You will use cash to buy street food and small things. There are many points around the city where you can exchange money in Hong Kong.

Click here to check the exact change rate.

4. BEST TIME TO VISIT HONG KONG

Hong Kong’s wet season is from February to March where it becomes warmer and humidity starts to rise. The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to early December when the weather is sunny, chill, and just comfortable. The best shopping season is during Christmas sales to Chinese New Year.

Click here to know more about the weather in Hong Kong!

5. HEALTH TRAVEL INSURANCE

Things to know before visiting Hong Kong we recommend always bringing travel insurance when traveling abroad just in case you have any problems. You can always have food Poisson, fever or any other kind of disease.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your HeymondoTravel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

FACTS ABOUT HONG KONG

6. HONG KONG IS EXPENSIVE

If you have been traveling around Southeast Asia Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are so cheap but prices in Hong Kong are expensive. Especially for accommodation where is difficult to find a room for less than $50 USD and prices for food and transportation are more affordable. Keep reading below!

7. ACCOMMODATION BUDGET TRAVEL IN HONG KONG

There are dorm rooms in Hong Kong that only go for $25 USD or less. Another inexpensive lodging option is AirBnB, where you can get rooms for $40-50 USD. Those who want to treat themselves can always book luxury hotel rooms starting at around $200 USD per night.

Planning to book accommodation for your next trip to Hong Kong? Click here to book  with Booking and Agoda!

8. FOOD BUDGET TRAVEL IN HONG KONG

A total of $5-6 USD can be your food budget in Hong Kong per meal in a local restaurant. You can go cheaper with street food and also higher of this budget if you visit fancier restaurants. Beers and drink can be expensive in bars and restaurants. But you can get beer for $1 USD in the supermarket or 7 Eleven. 

Click here to know our favorite street food dishes around Southeast Asia. Click here to get a discount booking activities in Hong Kong with Klook!

9. TOUR/ENTRANCE FEES IN HONG KONG

Most of the things to do and see in Hong Kong are for free. You will have to pay just a bus ticket, ferry ride or a metro ticket which would be around $1-2 USD.

There are free museums and also temples are free of charge. You can save money hiking to the Peak instead getting the tram! But if you wish more comfort and you want some is organizing for you joining tours can be $30-40 USD per person.  

Click here to get a discount booking activities in Hong Kong with Klook!

10. WI-FI AND INTERNET CONNECTION IN HONG KONG

Internet in Hong Kong works really fast and you will not have any problem since the speed is amazing if you are working online. You can access free WiFi at hostels and hotels and there are lots of restaurants that are offering free WiFi. We advise that you get a sim card in Hong Kong,  best Hong Kong eSim and Airalo vs Holafly Hong Kong eSim if you need to catch up with some work online.

Best Option: Asia Pacific Unlimited Data for 30 Days for $59 USD 

You can find the cheapest Hong Kong eSim with Airalo Hong Kong eSim prepaid for $5 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). For $9 USD with 3 GB data, for $13 USD with 5 GB data and for $19 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.

Holafly HK eSim for less than $60 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in HK just for $2 USD per day. Nomad Hong Kong eSim for $34 USD with 20 GB data valid for 30 days.

11. ADAPTER IN HONG KONG

In our Hong Kong travel tips you should know they use the United kingdom adapter. A few places make it possible to fit your American and European adapter in the plug because they provide adapters. If you are coming from American and European countries, we recommend you to bring an adapter to be able to charge everywhere.

12. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN HONG KONG

Local transportation in Hong Kong is the cheapest way to move around is by bus where you can get rides for $1 USD. MTR is the easiest way to move around and it depends on the distance can be $1-2 USD. There are boat and tram rides in neighborhoods that will cost you less than a dollar.

You can use taxis if you want more comfort to move around Hong Kong but prices are expensive. You can use Grab and Uber and prices are around $5-7 USD depending on the traffic and the distance.

13. CRUISE THROUGH THE HARBOR

Cruise through the Harbor is one thing that we loved in Hong Kong. There are many different ways of transportation and the cruise was great. There are floating restaurants and even the possibility of buying food from the water. For just a few cents of dollar and a few minutes you will cross to the other part of the island in Hong Kong.

14. EASY BORDER CROSSING IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong has an easy border crossing with China in Shenzhen. Also, you can go by fast ferry to Macau and viceversa. If you are visa free to visit Hong Kong everything will be fast. You can also visit both of them for day trip if you have free visa to visit!

15. RELIGION IN HONG KONG

Taoist and Buddhist are the main religion in Hong Kong around 55% between both of them and Christian, Hinduism and a few more will be the others that you can find. It was really nice to visit temples and get the explanations of their rituals in the temples. We love the vibe in the temples is so quiet!

16. Languages In Hong Kong

The official languages in Hong Kong are Cantonese and English. You will realize English is well spoken but not all the people speak English in a few areas in Hong Kong only speak Cantonese and Chinese Mandarin.

17. NO NEED TO DRESS UP FOR TEMPLES

When visiting temples and tourist spots in Hong Kong you can dress the clothes that you like. They aren’t demanding covering your shoulders or going in shorts. But always try to be respectful and ask if it’s fine going inside with these clothes to show them your respect.

HIKES IN HONG KONG

18. HIKING VICTORIA PEAK

Hiking to Victoria Peak will take 2 hours. It’s a nice walk passing by the neighborhoods in Hong Kong. You can also take the Peak Tram and the bus to get to Victoria Peak. There is no entrance fee at Victoria Peak to enjoy the views of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

Click here to get a discount booking the Peak Tram with Klook!

19. DRAGON’S BACK HIKE

Dragon’s Back hike is a great way to truly appreciate southern Hong Kong Island and its shoreline. The end of the trail is the Big Wave Bay, where you can definitely enjoy surfing and dipping for your trip finale. It will take a few hours since there are a few of hikes around the area.

Click here to get a tour in Dragon’s Back!

VISIT LOCAL MARKETS IN HONG KONG

20. TEMPLE STREET MARKET

Temple Street Night Market is the largest in Hong Kong, a famous street bazaar. Temple Street Night Market is located in Kowloon’s Jordan district, famous for selling men’s clothing and accessories. Temple Street Night Market opens at 2 pm and it is made up of hundred stalls, colorful lights, which make it the liveliest night market in town.

The stores offer tea ware, watches, different kinds of clothing, electronics, shoes, phones, and many more. There are also second-hand goods and antiques. Temple Street Night Market is definitely the place to bargain!

Click here to get a discount booking activities in Hong Kong with Klook!

21. LADIES’ MARKET

Ladie’s Market if you’re really into shopping like Rachel, you would surely love it. Ladie’s Market is a whole 1 kilometer full of over a hundred stalls, you’ll surely find something you like. Facts about Hong Kong there’s a lot of clothing and accessories for women of all ages.

22. NIGHTLIFE IN HONG KONG AT LAN KWAI FONG

For nightlife in Hong Kong at Lan Kwai Fong is the best introduction you could get to experience Hong Kong. There are many bars and restaurants. Prices aren’t cheap and it’s opened until late night. Prices for a drink costs around HK$80.

Book here a Lan Kwai Fong Pub Crawl with Klook!

FACTS ABOUT HONG KONG FOOD

23. NOODLE SOUP

Noddle soup in Hong Kong is a typical dish in local restaurants. Noodle soup is made of beef, chicken or you can even choose vegetarian if you prefer. Prices are around $3-4 USD.

24. Barbecue Street Food

Barbecue street food in Hong Kong is the most affordable option for sure! Prices are around $1-2 USD and it’s a perfect place to try a snack while walking around Hong Kong.

25. DIM SUM

Dim Sum is a perfect snack that you can have anytime in Hong Kong. Dim sum is a small portion of meals that you can eat with the tea. Prices are around $2-3 USD.

26. DUMPLINGS

Dumplings is our favorite in Hong Kong. You can get dumplings made of beef, pork and vegetarian dumplings too. Prices are around $2-3 USD.

27. OZONE BAR

Ozone Bar is the highest bar in the world. The views were amazing and we liked the atmosphere. It had live music, tapas, cocktails, beers. You can have dinner while relaxing in the couch and after that you can enjoy the music and also the check the views with a periscope at night of Victoria Harbour. Ozone Bar is located in 118th floor of The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong.

28. HAVING AFTERNOON TEA IN HONG KONG

Having afternoon tea in Hong Kong with snacks, sandwiches and sweets. We did at The Club in Ritz Carlton where you can enjoy super delicious food: cheese, salmon to tasty cakes. Also beer, wine, cocktails, coffee if you prefer instead tea. The views from The Club in the 116th floor were amazing!

29. Pineapple Bun and Butter

Pineapple Bun and Butter is perfect for the tea or coffee time. Pineapple bun tastes sweet and crunchy. You can have also for breakfast. Prices are around $1-2 USD.

30. EGG TARTS

Egg tarts is also known as Portuguese-style egg tarts. Egg tarts is the most popular Macanese food and you will also find in Hong Kong. Prices are starting half dollar as street food.

31. Delicious Desserts

When visiting coffee shops you can try delicious desserts in Hong Kong. Our favorite dessert is cheesecake but we tried amazing ones in Hong Kong. Prices are around $3-4 USD.

Festivals In Hong Kong

32. CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year is celebrated is the biggest festival in Hong Kong by the Chinese people. They decorate their houses with traditional decorations for a couple of weeks. They meet their family and friends cooking food, having tea and spending time together. Chinese New Year is celebrated at the end January or February!

33. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE IN HONG KONG

Christmas and New Year is also celebrated in Hong Kong since is one of the most international cities in the world. Make sure you book in advance your accommodation, bars and restaurants can be full on these dates too.

More Hong Kong Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Hong Kong For First Timers

Places To Visit

34. CHOI HUNG STATE

Choi Hung State is famous because of the basketball courts, children’s playground, fitness stations, and many more. It will be the best if you are coming for the sunrise or sunset. Choi Hung means rainbow in Cantonese language and it’s a perfect place to take pictures and walk around in Hong Kong.

35. ROOFTOP VIEWS

Rooftop views are so popular in Hong Kong. Our choice was The Ritz-Carlton is located in 116th floor in the center of the city. The rooftop lounge called Ozone Restaurant which is the highest bar in the world and it has a lot to offer from spectacular views of the city.

Read our experience in Ritz Carlton for Rachel’s Birthday!

36. BIG BUDDHA

The Big Buddha is located in Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The Big Buddha was built in 1993 is hidden away by lush mountain and it is one of the biggest seated Buddha statues in the world. The Big Buddha is made of bronze and its staircase with 260 steps to the top and have a close look at Tian Tan, the Buddha who is seating on a wreath of lotus leaves as a symbol of Purity.

37. NAN LIAN GARDEN

Nan Lian Garden is located in the Diamond Hill. Nan Lian Garden has a bunch of trees and plants and a lovely pagoda. You can access to the park free of charge apart from realacing and walking around. You can check exhibition of Chinese art and crafts. Nan Lian Garden is a peaceful place inside Hong Kong.

38. MONSTER BUILDING (YIK CHEONG BUILDING)

Monster Building also called Yik Cheong Building is located in Quarry Bay in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island. The Monster Building consists of five connecting buildings which form an E-shaped architecture complex. The Monster Building offers local lives, culture, and a unique city’s neon night light. You can walk around the compound and take pictures.

39. CLOCK TOWER IN HONG KONG

The Clock Tower is located in Southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui, just right next to Victoria Harbour. Clock Tower is an interesting old piece of history constructed in 1915 which reminds the colonial history of Hong Kong. There are small shops along the bay and a mall just a few blocks down and so much life during the day around this area.

40. THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE

The Tsim Sha Tsui is located in Kowloon Peninsula. Tsim Sha Tsui will give you amazing views of Hong Kong Island’s spectacular skyline. During the day you can cross with the boats by Victoria Harbour it costs less than half of dollar.

Our favorite at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is a show for 20 minutes from 8 pm called “Symphony of the Stars”, where you can expect brilliant lights onto Hong Kong’s skyline.

Hope you liked our Hong Kong travel tips. Let us know if we missed things to know before visiting Hong Kong and facts about Hong Kong in the comments below.

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Happy Travels!