Hong Kong Island Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Tourist SIM cards are widely available at HKIA, convenience stores, and provider outlets.

Getting a SIM

Key companies: CSL, SmarTone, 3HK, China Mobile HK.
Easy activation.
Ample data for connectivity.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, restaurants, plus common spaces.

Connectivity Options

Wi-Fi.HK network for free public spots.
Mobile data on tourist SIMs.
Consider Airalo for eSIMs or Solis Wi-Fi for portable devices.

Postal Services

Hong Kong Post operates numerous post offices across Hong Kong special administrative region Island.

Sending Mail

Reliable domestic and foreign post.
Easy to send postcards.
Efficient service.

Language & Translation

Cantonese and The english language are the main languages. Mandarin is also common.

Communication Aids

Most signs are bilingual (English/Chinese).
Numerous residents speak English.
Translation apps (e.g., Google Translate with offline packs).

Basic Cantonese Phrases

Essential Greetings

Hello: Néih hóu (你好)
Thank you (for service/goods): M̀hgōi (唔該)
Thank you (for a gift/favor): Dohjeh (多謝)
Please/Excuse me/Sorry: M̀hgōi (唔該)

Dining & Shopping

How much?: Géidō chín? (幾多錢?)
Yes: Haih (係)
No: M̀h haih (唔係)
No meat (for food): Jau yuk (走肉)

Local Communication

Keep a small, printed card with your hotel address in Cantonese. This helps taxi cab drivers and locals assist with directions.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand the typical operating times for a range of services.

Shops

Generally 10:00-22:00. Many have later hours in tourist and shopping areas.

Restaurants

Vary widely. Local eateries open early (07:00), fine dining from 12:00 for lunch.

Banks & Post

Banks: 09:00-17:00 weekdays, 09:00-13:00 Saturdays. Post Offices: similar hours.

Banking & ATMs

ATMs are widely available 24/7 across Hong Kong special administrative region Island.

Financial Access

MTR stations, convenience stores, local banks.
Accepts international debit/credit cards.
Easy access to cash.

Public Holidays

Hong Kong observes many public holidays. Some services may be affected.

Holiday Planning

Lunar New Year sees some business closures.
Christmas and New Year have altered schedules.
Check the official calendar before your trip.

Seasonal & Limited Schedules

No Major Closures

No significant seasonal closures occur on Hong Kong special administrative region Island.
Smaller businesses might have reduced hours during major holiday periods.
Especially applies to family-run establishments.

Planning & Operations

Most tourist services operate normally.
Check individual business websites.
Plan ahead for popular attractions.

Check Holiday Calendar

Check the official public holiday calendar before you travel to account for service changes.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural awareness improves your experience in Hong Kong special administrative region.

Greetings

A slight nod or small bow is polite. Handshakes are common in business.

Interaction Tips

Making direct eye contact generally fine.
Politeness appreciated.
Learn basic Cantonese phrases.

Dress Code

Dress is generally casual and contemporary.

Clothing Guide

Temples: Cover shoulders and knees.
Upscale dining: Smart casual or formal.
General public: Comfortable modern wear.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not customary. Observe chopstick etiquette.

Table Manners

Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice.
Don't point with chopsticks.
Tap fingers twice when tea poured (gesture of thanks).

Photography

Generally permissible in public areas. Ask for permission for individuals.

Camera Courtesy

Ask before photographing individuals.
Respect 'no photography' signs.
Be mindful of privacy.

Cultural Sensitivities

Avoid These

Do not point with your feet.
Do not touch people on the head.
Excessive showing affection in public is usually frowned upon.

Sensitive Topics

Be mindful of discussions around politics.
Avoid loud conversations in public.
Respect elders.

Inclusivity

Gender

Hong Kong is generally progressive and tolerant.
Urban areas especially open.
Pdas are generally discreet.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

LGBTQ+ individuals generally face few issues in public.
Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
Overall welcoming environment.

Cultural Respect

Be polite and patient. Utilizing fundamental Cantonese words such as 'm̀hgōi' and 'dohjeh' shows appreciation.

Accessibility Information

Hong Kong strives to improve accessibility for all travelers.

Mobility Infrastructure

The MTR system is generally very accessible with lifts, ramps, and wide gates.

Facilities

Lifts, ramps, wide gates at MTR stations.
Public structures and malls accessible.
Older areas may be challenging (steps, narrow passages).

Accessible Transit

MTR, most public buses (low-floor), and taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.

Getting Around

MTR and low-floor buses.
Taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
Arranging for routes is advisable.

Inclusive Attractions

Numerous well-liked sites welcome travelers with mobility challenges.

Sites to Visit

The Peak Tram (with assistance).
Hong Kong Park, Zoological & Arboretums.
Tai Kwun and many shopping malls.

Sensory Support

MTR stations have tactile guide paths and audible signals.

Assistance

Tactile guide paths in MTR.
Audible signals.
Bilingual public announcements.

Resources & Organizations

General Info

Check individual attraction websites.
Consult transport providers for details.
Online guides for accessible travel.

Local Support

Hong Kong special administrative region Blind Union for resources.
HK Federation of Handicapped Youth.
Ask local NGOs for specific support.

Access Planning

Check websites of separate attractions and transit operators for specific accessibility details.

Hong Kong Island Travel Tips