Hong Kong
Last checked:
- Capital
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)
- Currency
- HKD · Hong Kong dollar
- Languages
- Cantonese, English, Mandarin
- Plugs
- Type G · 220 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Victoria Peak · Hong Kong Island
Classic skyline view, reached by the Peak Tram or bus; go near sunset.
- Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour · Tsim Sha Tsui / Central
Cheap historic ferry crossing with harbour views; the waterfront promenade hosts the nightly light show.
- Tian Tan Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 · Lantau Island
Giant bronze Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, reached by cable car.
- Temple Street Night Market and Mong Kok markets · Kowloon
Street food, stalls and the Ladies' Market and flower market nearby.
- Dragon's Back trail · Shek O, Hong Kong Island
Easy, popular ridge hike ending at Big Wave Bay beach.
Getting around
Public transport
Octopus card
Stored-value card used on MTR, buses, trams, ferries and minibuses, plus shops. Available as a physical card or in Apple Wallet. MTR gates also accept contactless bank cards.
Trains
MTR
Fast, clean metro covering most of the city; the Airport Express is the quickest airport link. Cheap compared to taxis.
Buses
Trams, buses and Star Ferry
The 'Ding Ding' tram on Hong Kong Island is very cheap with a flat fare. Double-decker buses cover areas the MTR does not. Use Citymapper or Google Maps for routes.
Taxi
Red, green and blue taxis
Red taxis serve urban areas, green the New Territories, blue Lantau. Fares are metered; tunnel tolls and luggage are extra. Book via the HKTaxi app or hail at taxi stands.
Ride-hailing app
Uber
Uber works and is widely used, but private-car ride-hailing has been legally grey; the government has been moving to regulate it (varies). Uber also offers licensed taxis through the app.
Money and cash
Currency: HKD · Hong Kong dollar
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and chains. The Octopus card (physical or in Apple Wallet) pays for transport, convenience stores and many small shops. Many red taxis now accept cards or Octopus but some still want cash, so keep some notes. Small local eateries and markets may be cash only.
Tipping
Tipping is optional and low key in Hong Kong. Most sit-down restaurants add a 10% service charge. Locals often leave small change or round up; nobody expects US-style tips.
| Restaurants | If the 10% service charge is on the bill, no extra tip is expected; leaving the small change is common. In local cha chaan tengs and noodle shops there is no service charge and no tip. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | No tip expected at counters; round up at table service if you like. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up to the nearest dollar or let the driver keep small change. |
| Hotels | Porters and housekeeping often get HK$10-20 in upscale hotels; optional. |
| Tours and guides | Small tip for a good private guide is appreciated (varies). |
| Food delivery | Not expected; app tips optional. |
Service charge: what’s true
Most sit-down restaurants add a 10% service charge, shown as a separate line and usually noted on the menu. There is no law in Hong Kong requiring the charge to be passed to staff; it is generally treated as restaurant revenue and the owner decides whether to share it. Sources disagree on whether you should tip on top: some say leave nothing, some suggest a few percent in cash directly to the server.
Pressure tactics to watch for
Heavy tip pressure is uncommon. Change may come back on a small tray to invite you to leave some; this is optional. If you want a specific server to get a tip, hand it to them in cash, since tips added to cards or the service charge may not reach them.
Useful phrases
- 埋單 (maai daan) The bill, please.
- 唔該 (m̀h gōi) Thank you (for a service) / excuse me.
- 可唔可以碌卡？ (hó m̀h hó yíh lūk kāat?) Can I pay by card?
Etiquette
- Stand on the right on MTR escalators and let people exit trains before boarding.
- No eating or drinking is allowed on the MTR or in paid areas of stations; fines apply.
- Sharing tables with strangers is normal in busy local restaurants.
- Hand over and receive cards and money with both hands.
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice.
- Queue orderly at bus stops and taxi stands.
- Haggling is fine at street markets, not in shops with marked prices.
Scams and how to handle them
Fake monks asking for donations
Where: Central, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok
How it works: People in monk robes hand you an amulet or bracelet, then demand a donation. The Hong Kong Buddhist Association says genuine monks do not beg in the street.
How to avoid it: Do not accept items; say no and walk on.
Electronics bait-and-switch
Where: Nathan Road (Tsim Sha Tsui) and some Mong Kok shops
How it works: A low advertised price is offered for a camera or phone, then the staff switch to a different model, add 'accessories', or swap items when packing.
How to avoid it: Shop at chain stores (Fortress, Broadway) or official brand stores; check the box before paying; look for the Quality Tourism Services mark.
Taxi overcharging
Where: Canton Road, Peak Tram terminus, Lan Kwai Fong late at night, airport
How it works: Drivers refuse to use the meter, use rigged meters, refuse short trips or take long routes.
How to avoid it: Use metered taxis from official stands, note the taxi number, and ask for a printed receipt. Complain to the Transport Complaints Unit.
Tailor and fake goods touts
Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, Nathan Road, Chungking Mansions area
How it works: Touts offer 'copy watch, copy handbag' or cheap custom suits; quality is poor and buying fakes is illegal.
How to avoid it: Ignore touts; use well-reviewed tailors with clear written prices and deadlines.
Bar bill or drink spiking
Where: Nightlife areas such as Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai
How it works: Visitors are lured into bars with hostesses where drink prices are inflated, or drinks are spiked.
How to avoid it: Check prices before ordering, keep drinks in sight and decline drinks from strangers.
Phone and investment scams
Where: Calls, WhatsApp and social media
How it works: Callers pose as officials, couriers or bank staff and demand transfers; Hong Kong police report this as a major scam type.
How to avoid it: Hang up and check with the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre hotline 18222.
Safety
- Violent crime is low; pickpocketing happens in crowded markets, MTR stations and tourist hotspots.
- Drink spiking has been reported; keep drinks in sight.
- Possession of any cannabis product, including CBD, is illegal.
- Typhoon season runs roughly May to November; follow Hong Kong Observatory warnings (T8 and above shuts most services).
- On hikes, stay on marked trails, carry water and avoid hiking alone in summer heat.
- Protests are rare now but leave the area if one starts; laws on public order and national security are strict.
How widely English is spoken
English is an official language and widely used on signs, in transport, hotels and business. Taxi drivers and staff in small local eateries may speak little English; have destinations written in Chinese.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Hong Kong, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Hong Kong
- Nora Fong: Hong Kong's 10% service charge
- Tripadvisor Hong Kong forum: Tipping
- Tripadvisor Hong Kong forum: Beware fake Buddhist monks
- Hong Kong scams to avoid
- Hong Kong Police: Anti-Deception Coordination Centre
- Discover Hong Kong: Quality Tourism Services scheme
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.