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Hong Kong Island Travel Resources

Hong Kong Island Travel Resources

Hong Kong Island Hong Kong Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

A structured approach manages your trip. Plan early for a smooth journey.

Planning Timeline

Follow this chronological guide to organize your Hong Kong Island trip.

1

Months Before: Initial Steps

Passport Check

Confirm passport meets entry standards.

Visa Application

Research and apply for visas if needed.

Book Flights

Secure international flights for optimal rates.

2

Month Before: Intermediate Planning

Book Stays

Finalize accommodation choices.

Plan Activities

Outline your itinerary, book popular tours.

Secure Insurance

Arrange comprehensive Travel insurance.

3

Week Before: Final Checks

Pack & Charge

Pack essentials, charge all electronics.

Verify Bookings

Confirm all reservations and bookings.

Home & Currency

Prepare home, exchange small currency amount.

Advance Bookings

Secure these items early to avoid disappointment.

Reservations

  • International flights and accommodation.
  • Popular attractions like The Peak Tram, Ocean Park.
  • Fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • Guided tours or specialized experiences.

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarity with local conditions makes for a pleasant journey.

Research Areas

  • Visa and entry requirements (check Immd.gov.hk).
  • Local customs and etiquette.
  • Typical meteorological patterns for your travel dates.
  • Emergency contact information.

Home Preparation

Steps to take at home for peace of mind while away.

Home Security

  • Lock windows and doors.
  • Set home alarms.
  • Notify trusted friends/family.
  • Check all entrances.

Household Management

  • Stop mail/newspaper delivery.
  • Arrange plant care.
  • Neighbor to collect deliveries.
  • Clear refrigerator of perishables.

Financial & Pet Care

  • Pay upcoming bills.
  • Arrange pet sitting, if applicable.
  • Notify bank of travel dates.
  • Keep important numbers handy.

Travel Insurance

Arrange comprehensive Travel insurance before your trip. Coverage guards against unforeseen circumstances.

Arrival Checklist

These initial steps ensure a smooth and efficient entry into Hong Kong Island.

Immediate Actions

  • 1
    Clear Immigration

    Complete immigration and customs procedures efficiently.

  • 2
    Luggage Collection

    Retrieve your luggage from the baggage claim area.

  • 3
    Octopus & SIM

    Purchase an Octopus Bank card and local SIM at the airport.

Orientation & Transport

  • 4
    Airport Transport

    Locate Airport Express or public bus to accommodation.

  • 5
    Check-in

    Proceed to check into your accommodation.

  • 6
    Local Map

    Acquire a local map (physical or digital).

Currency & Initial Buys

Currency Exchange

Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs.

Use city ATMs/counters for better rates later.

Local SIM Card

Purchase a local SIM for connectivity.

Available at the airport for easy setup.

Immediate Purchases

Buy water, snacks, and immediate necessities.

Convenience stores widely available.

Airport Transfer Tip

The Airport Express often includes a free shuttle to major hotels. Choose this or a public bus/taxi based on budget and convenience for transfers to accommodation.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure smoothly. Avoid last-minute rushes and unexpected issues.

Souvenirs & Gifts

  • Purchase souvenirs well before departure day.
  • Consider airline baggage limits for purchases.
  • Many shops offer unique local items.
  • Plan for gift packing.

Shipping Services

  • Inquire about shipping for larger purchases.
  • Major shops provide shipping options.
  • Be aware of shipping costs and timelines.
  • Confirm forbidden items for shipping.

VAT and Timing

Hong Kong special administrative region is a duty-free port; no VAT or sales tax applies. Prices displayed are final.

Departure Timing

  • Airport Check-in:2-3 hours for international flights
  • In-town Check-in:Use Airport Express service
  • Luggage Drop-off:Hours before flight via in-town check-in
  • Travel Time:Factor in journey to HKIA

Return Trip Prep

  • Confirm flight details.
  • Check-in online when possible.
  • Pack efficiently, documents accessible.
  • Dispose of prohibited items.

Document Copies

Make photocopies or take photos of your passport, visa, and important documents.

Store these digitally (cloud storage) and physically separate from the originals. This supports if originals become lost.

Hong Kong Island Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts