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Hong Kong SAR
Hong Kong
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From $107 /day
Hong Kong SAR China
Hong Kong is a high-octane sensory experience where ancient traditions collide with a futuristic skyline. You will find yourself navigating narrow neon-lit alleys one moment and hiking lush emerald peaks overlooking the South China Sea the next. The city is defined by its dramatic Victoria Harbour, a deep-water channel that separates Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula. It is a place of endless culinary discovery, from humble tea houses to world-class dining, all connected by an incredibly efficient transit network. Whether you are hunting for luxury goods in glass towers or seeking serenity in incense-filled temples, the energy of this territory is unmistakable and infectious.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$107 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Hong Kong
Languages
Chinese (Cantonese), English, Putonghua (Mandarin)
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
1 $ ≈ 7.82 HK$
Plug Type
Type G
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+852
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
HKT (UTC+8)
Emergency
999 (Police/Fire/Ambulance); 992 (SMS for hearing impaired)
Why Visit Hong Kong SAR China
A Global Culinary Mecca
Hong Kong is arguably the world's most accessible food capital, offering everything from Michelin-starred dim sum to sizzling open-air stalls known as Dai Pai Dongs. You can enjoy a full meal for as little as $5.89–$12 / HK$46–HK$92 or indulge in opulent banquets overlooking the city lights.
World-Class Public Transport
Getting around is a highlight in itself, thanks to the iconic Star Ferry and the historic double-decker trams. The MTR subway system is so efficient and clean that it sets a global gold standard, making exploration effortless even for first-time visitors.
Surprising Natural Beauty
Only about a quarter of Hong Kong is developed; much of the rest remains countryside, with country parks and special areas covering over 40% of the territory. You can take a 20-minute bus ride from the city center to start the famous Dragon's Back hike or explore the remote sea caves of the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Unique Cultural Fusion
The city's identity is a complex blend of Cantonese heritage and a century of British colonial influence. This manifests in everything from the 'Cha Chaan Teng' cafe culture to the bilingual street signs and the harmonious existence of Taoist temples alongside Gothic cathedrals.
Unrivaled Shopping Variety
From the sprawling luxury malls of Central to the organized chaos of the Ladies' Market in Mong Kok, the shopping options are limitless. It remains a duty-free port, making it a premier destination for electronics, fashion, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Hong Kong SAR China
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Hong Kong Island
The political and financial heart of the city, home to the iconic skyline and Victoria Peak. It offers a mix of high-end nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong, luxury shopping in Causeway Bay, and historic tram rides through the northern coastline.
Kowloon
Located across the harbour from the island, this area is known for its vibrant street life, night markets, and cultural landmarks. You can stroll the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for the best views of the skyline or explore the dense residential neighborhoods of Mong Kok.
Lantau Island
The largest island offers a slower pace of life and is home to the majestic Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery. It is also where you will find Hong Kong Disneyland and the scenic Ngong Ping 360 cable car that stretches over the mountainous terrain.
The New Territories
This vast northern region provides a glimpse into the city's rural past with its walled villages and ancient monasteries. It is the best place for serious hikers and nature lovers to explore expansive country parks and wetlands near the border.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the autumn and early winter months when the weather is clear, dry, and mild. Avoiding the summer heat and the peak typhoon season ensures a more comfortable experience for outdoor exploration.
Peak Season
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Autumn (October–December) offers the most pleasant temperatures, typically 18–28°C (64–82°F), with low humidity. The Lunar New Year period in January or February is also a peak time for festivities, though it brings massive crowds and higher hotel prices.
Shoulder Season
Mar, Apr, Sep
Spring (March–April) can be misty and humid, but temperatures remain moderate at 17–25°C (63–77°F). September marks the end of summer heat and the beginning of more stable, pleasant weather.
Off-Peak
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Summer is hot, humid, and rainy, with temperatures frequently exceeding 31°C. This is the primary typhoon season, which can cause significant disruptions to flights and public transport.
Getting Around
Hong Kong boasts one of the world's most efficient and affordable public transport networks. The Octopus card, a stored-value smart card, is essential as it is accepted on almost all forms of transport, as well as in convenience stores and many restaurants.
Metro
The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the fastest way to travel and covers most major districts. Fares vary by stations; many short trips start around HK$4.9 / HK$38 and cross-harbour trips such as Central ↔ Tsim Sha Tsui are HK$11 / HK$83.
Ferry
The Star Ferry is a scenic harbour crossing between Central/Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Adult fares are typically HK$4–$6.5 / HK$31–HK$51 depending on route/day and upper vs lower deck.
Tram
Operating only on Hong Kong Island, the historic double-decker trams are a slow but charming way to see the city for a flat adult fare of HK$3.3 / HK$26.
Bus
Extensive double-decker bus routes and smaller minibuses reach areas not served by the MTR, with fares varying based on distance.
Taxi
Taxis are colour-coded: red for urban areas, green for the New Territories, and blue for Lantau. Flagfall (first 2 km) is HK$29 / HK$227 (red), HK$26 / HK$199 (green), and HK$24 / HK$188 (blue), plus surcharges/tunnel tolls.
Food & Drink
Dining is the national pastime in Hong Kong, where Cantonese traditions are elevated by international influences. The culture revolves around freshness and technique, with a heavy emphasis on seafood and the social ritual of 'Yum Cha'.
Must Try
Dim Sum
Small bite-sized portions served in bamboo steamers, including favorites like Siu Mai (pork dumplings) and Har Gow (shrimp dumplings). It is traditionally enjoyed with hot tea in the late morning or afternoon.
Char Siu
Barbecued pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasted until tender and caramelized. It is often served over white rice or inside soft, fluffy steamed buns known as Char Siu Bao.
Wonton Noodles
Springy egg noodles served in a hot seafood-based broth with delicate shrimp and pork dumplings. The best versions are found in small, specialized shops where the noodles are handmade and served with yellow chives.
Dan Tat
A local take on the custard tart, featuring a flaky or shortcrust pastry filled with a smooth, bright yellow egg custard. These are best eaten warm from a local bakery for around $1.18–$2.36 / HK$9.22–HK$18 each.
Hong Kong Style Milk Tea
A creamy, potent beverage made from a blend of black teas and evaporated milk, often called 'silk stocking tea' due to the fine cloth filters used. It is a staple of local cafes and provides a strong caffeine kick.
Bolo Bao
Known as a 'Pineapple Bun' due to its crunchy, checkered topping rather than its ingredients, it contains no pineapple. It is best ordered with a thick slab of cold butter melting in the middle.
Money & Costs
While Hong Kong is an expensive city for accommodation, daily costs for transport and local food can be surprisingly affordable. Budget travelers should expect to spend ~$107 / HK$839/day, while mid-range experiences typically cost ~$212–$295 / HK$1,659–HK$2,304/day.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills; rounding up the change or leaving small bills is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants, but cash or Octopus cards are necessary for street markets and small local eateries.
ATMs
ATMs are ubiquitous and major banks like HSBC or Bank of China typically do not charge fees for foreign cards, though your home bank might.
Culture & Etiquette
Hong Kongers are generally fast-paced, practical, and respectful of social harmony. While the city is international, observing traditional Cantonese customs and remaining aware of local sensitivities is key to a smooth visit.
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Always use two hands when giving or receiving items like business cards, gifts, or money as a sign of respect.
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Never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense sticks at a funeral and is considered a bad omen.
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Tap two fingers on the table when someone pours tea for you to say thank you without interrupting the conversation.
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Do not bring any CBD products or pepper spray into the territory, as possession of these items carries extremely strict legal penalties.
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Carry a light jacket or sweater even in summer, as indoor air conditioning in malls and buses is often kept very cold, around 18–20°C (64–68°F).
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Avoid discussing sensitive local political topics in public spaces to ensure your stay remains trouble-free.
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Keep your Octopus card topped up, as many small shops and almost all transport providers do not accept large bills or credit cards for small transactions.
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Stand on the right side of escalators to allow people with a faster pace to pass on the left, as this is a strictly followed local unspoken rule.
Safety & Health
Hong Kong is very safe for tourists regarding violent crime, but travelers should exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Strict bans on self-defense weapons like pepper spray and all CBD products are rigorously enforced.
Tap Water
generally safe
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required, but routine shots like Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for those planning to eat extensively at local markets.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Pharmacy Weight Scam: Charging high prices for traditional medicine by using unexpected weight units like mace instead of catty.
- ⚠ Tailor Touting: High-pressure sales for custom suits that are either never delivered or of very poor quality.
- ⚠ Overcharging Taxis: Drivers claiming the meter is broken or taking long routes to inflate the fare.
- ⚠ Electronic Bait-and-Switch: Offering a low price for a gadget, then claiming it is out of stock to sell a different, overpriced model.
Healthcare is of a very high standard. Water supplied meets the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards, but quality at the tap can be affected by a building's internal plumbing. Non-eligible persons may be required to pay a substantial deposit for inpatient admission; confirm the current amount with the hospital on arrival.
Language
Chinese (predominantly Cantonese in daily speech) and English are the official languages. English is widely used in business, government, and tourist areas. While Cantonese is the primary language of daily life, most service staff and younger residents are proficient in English. Putonghua (Mandarin) is widely used but not an official language.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Nei hou | nay-hou |
| Thank you (service) | Mh-goi | mm-goy |
| Thank you (gift) | Do jeh | daw-chay |
| Excuse me / Please | Mh-goi | mm-goy |
| How much? | Gei do cin? | gay-dor-chin |
| Very delicious | Hou hou sihk | ho-ho-sick |
| Sorry | M4 hou2 ji3 si1 | mm-ho-yee-see |
| Goodbye | Baai baai | bye-bye |
Visa & Entry
Hong Kong maintains a separate immigration policy from Mainland China. Most Western nationalities can enter visa-free for tourism, though working or studying while visiting is strictly prohibited. About 170 countries/territories enjoy visa-free access for 7–180 days.
Max Stay
UK (British citizen passport): up to 6 months; USA: up to 90 days; other nationalities vary (7–180 days).
Passport Validity
At least 1 month beyond your planned departure (common rule for UK/US travellers); verify airline requirements.
Visa-free for
United Kingdom (up to 6 months), USA (up to 90 days), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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