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Hong Kong Travel Tips

Local SIM Cards and Mobile Providers

Major mobile providers in Hong Kong include CSL, SmarTone, 3 Hong Kong special administrative region, and China Mobile Hong Kong special administrative region. Obtain local SIM cards easily upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, in convenience stores, and at official provider shops throughout the city.

Options

  • Prepaid SIM cards for tourists
  • ESIM options are increasingly available
  • Reliable 4G/5G data coverage

Internet Access and Wi-Fi Availability

Hong Kong offers widespread free Wi-Fi access. Look for "Wi-Fi.HK" hotspots in public places like MTR stations, government venues, public libraries, major shopping malls, cafes, and many restaurants.

Access Points

  • "Wi-Fi.HK" hotspots across the city
  • Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi
  • Local SIM cards for mobile data

Postal Services

Hongkong Post runs a reliable postal service. Post offices are located throughout the city, offering mailing services for letters and parcels, and stamp purchases.

Services Available

  • Mailing letters and parcels
  • Purchasing stamps
  • Post offices city-wide

Language Barriers and Translation

Hong Kong's official languages are Chinese (Cantonese is predominant, Mandarin also spoken) and The english language. English is widely spoken in business, tourism, government, and by many younger residents. Most signs and announcements are bilingual.

Resources

Important Cantonese Phrases

Common Greetings

  • Hello: Nei Ho (你好) - Nee-ho
  • Thank you (for services/excuse me): M goi (唔該) - Mm-goy
  • Thank you (for a gift/favor): Doh jeh (多謝) - Doh-jeh
  • Excuse me/Sorry: M goi (唔該) - Mm-goy

Useful during Travel

  • How much? Gei doh chin? (幾多錢?) - Gay-doh-chin
  • Yes: Hai (係) - Hai
  • No: M hai (唔係) - Mm-hai
  • Delicious: Hou sik (好食) - Ho-sik

Portable Power

Carry a Portable power bank. This keeps your phone a fee for navigation, translation, and communication, especially where charging points are rare.

Business Hours and Schedules

Hong Kong's dynamic schedule includes specific operating hours and holiday closures.

Retail Shops

Generally open from 10:00/11:FROM 12 to 20:00/22:00. Primary retail districts and malls have later hours.

Restaurants

Typically open from 10:00/11:00 to 22:00/23:00, some local eateries open earlier (07:00).

Banks & Offices

Banks: Weekdays 09:00-17:00, Sat 09:00-13:00. Government offices: Weekdays 09:00-17:00/18:00.

Banking Hours and ATM Locations

ATMs are widely available 24/7 in banks, MTR stations, shopping malls, and corner shops. They accept international cards (Plus, Cirrus, etc.).

Planning Your Finances

  • Plan currency exchange during weekday business hours
  • Bank opening hours: 09:00-17:00 (weekdays), 09:00-13:00 (Saturdays)
  • ATMs accommodate foreign credit cards

Religious and Public Holidays

Hong Kong observes a mix of Chinese plus Occidental public holidays, including Chinese New Year, Easter, Labour Day, Buddha's Birthday, Foundation Day, and Christmas.

Impact on Services

  • Banks, government offices, some businesses close
  • Public transport operates on holiday schedules
  • Tourist attractions remain open but expect increased numbers of people

Seasonal Closures and Schedules

Major Attractions

  • Major tourist attractions rarely have seasonal closures
  • Always check official websites for holiday opening hours
  • Smaller shops might close for a few days during Chinese New Year

Planning Tools

  • Consult the Hong Kong government's official holiday calendar
  • Check specific business websites for operational details
  • Plan banking needs during weekday business hours

Holiday Awareness

Check the Hong Kong government's official holiday calendar when organizing your trip to anticipate closures and crowds.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Adhering to local customs shows respect and enriches your travel experience.

Greeting Customs

A simple "hello" or "nei ho" is sufficient. A slight nod of the head is a common respectful gesture. Handshakes are customary in business surroundings and when meeting new people.

Polite Interactions

  • Handshakes are standard in formal settings
  • A polite greeting is appreciated
  • A slight head nod indicates respect

Appropriate Attire

Hong Kong special administrative region is generally casual and modern in its dress code. However, modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is respectful while visiting temples or religious sites.

Dress Guidelines

  • Casual dress for most settings
  • Modest attire for religious sites (shoulders/knees covered)
  • Smart casual to formal for upscale restaurants

Dining and Tipping Practices

A 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills, and no extra tip is expected. Tipping is not customary in casual eateries or for taxi drivers.

Mealtime Customs

  • No extra gratuity for service charge included
  • Sharing plates among diners is common
  • Double-finger tap on table for tea thanks

Photography Permissions and Restrictions

Generally, photography is permissible in public areas. Always seek permission to photograph individuals, especially in area markets or residential areas.

Photography Ethics

  • Request permission for individuals
  • Look for "no photography" signs in areas with restricted access
  • Respect privacy at local markets

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Socially Sensitive Areas

  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics with strangers
  • Do not point with your feet
  • Be mindful of noise levels in public spaces

Dining Etiquette

  • Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice
  • Avoid food waste
  • Avoid excessive pointing

Gender Considerations and LGBTQ+ Information

Societal Norms

  • Relatively progressive compared to some Asian destinations
  • Public displays of affection rarer than in some Western cities
  • Public acceptance is growing

Safety and Respect

  • LGBTQ+ individuals generally experience safety and respect in urban areas
  • Anti-discrimination laws are not fully comprehensive
  • A general sense of individual boundaries remains

Accessibility Information

Hong Kong strives to be an accessible city for all travelers.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

The MTR system is highly accessible, with elevators, ramps, and wide gates at most stations. Newer public coach fares are low-level and wheelchair accessible.

Facilities

  • MTR with elevators, ramps, wide gates
  • Low-floor, wheelchair accessible public buses
  • Bookable wheelchair wheelchair-friendly cabs

Accessible Attractions and Transportation

Many major attractions have incorporated accessibility features, like ramps and elevators. Hong Kong special administrative region International The airport provides excellent accessibility facilities.

Accessible Locations

  • Most MTR stations are accessible
  • Hong Kong International Airport facilities
  • The Peak Tower and Ngong Ping 360 are accessible

Services for Visual or Hearing Impairments

The MTR provides tactile guide paths, audible signals, and visual displays at stations and on trains. Public information is often bilingual (The english language and Chinese) and includes visual aids.

Support Features

  • Tactile guide paths in MTR
  • Audible signals and graphic displays on MTR
  • Assistance dogs generally accepted in public places

Resources and Organizations

The Hong Kong special administrative region Tourism Board (HKTB) website frequently offers detailed accessibility information for attractions and facilities. Local disability organizations also offer specific advice.

Information Sources

  • HKTB website for accessibility details
  • Local disability groups for guidance
  • Plan routes and select accommodations with needs in mind

Planning Accessible Travel

Pavements can be packed and uneven in older districts. The vast network of elevated walkways in Downtown and other commercial areas is usually reachable. Book accessible taxis in advance if needed.