Direct answer
Hong Kong is a dynamic, compact city offering easy entry for many nationalities, excellent transport, a mix of Cantonese culture and global amenities, and useful traveler services — but be aware of specific visa rules, local laws, and current safety/health guidance before you go.
Visa & entry requirements
- Many passport holders (including EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea) get visa-free stays from 7 to 180 days; check the Hong Kong Immigration Department site for your nationality and permitted length.
- Passport should be valid for the duration of stay (some carriers may require extra validity).
- You may need a visa for mainland China — Hong Kong entry does not grant mainland access.
- Prepare proof of onward travel and accommodation if asked. Immigration officers can request documentation.
- Declare controlled items (large amounts of cash, certain foods, endangered animal products).
Best time to visit
- Oct–Dec: Best weather — mild, dry, clear skies; peak tourist season.
- Mar–May: Pleasant spring weather; flowers and festivals; watch occasional rain.
- Jun–Aug: Hot, humid, and typhoon season; heavy rain and humidity but great for indoor activities and festivals.
- Jan–Feb: Cool, sometimes foggy; cheaper rates but can be chilly for some.
Safety tips
- Hong Kong is generally safe with low violent crime; pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas — keep an eye on belongings.
- Political demonstrations happen; avoid large gatherings and follow local news and police instructions.
- Respect public order laws; some protest-related reporting restrictions exist — be cautious with photography in sensitive situations.
- Follow local (and airline) rules on e-cigarettes and smoking — heavy fines for smoking in prohibited areas.
Local customs & etiquette
- Cantonese is the main local language; English is widely used in business, transport and signage.
- Greet with a handshake for formal meetings; remove shoes if invited into a private home (host will indicate).
- Tipping: not mandatory but expected for porters (HKD 10–20), taxi rounding up, and appreciated in restaurants (service charge often included).
- Table manners: share dishes family-style, use serving chopsticks if provided, avoid sticking chopsticks vertically into rice.
- Respect elders and personal space; pushy bargain tactics in street markets should be handled politely.
Currency & payments
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000; coins in common use.
- Credit/debit cards widely accepted; Octopus card (stored-value transit card) is extremely useful for MTR, buses, convenience stores and vending.
- Cash still used for small markets, dai pai dong (street food) and older establishments.
- ATMs widely available; notify your bank for travel and check fees.
Transportation
- MTR (subway) is fast, clean and the backbone of getting around; use Octopus card for convenience.
- Buses and trams (double-decker) cover areas MTR doesn't; taxis are metered — prefer blue/green/red city taxis depending on area.
- Airport Express: fastest link from HKIA to Central (15–24 min); buy in advance if convenient.
- Ferries: Star Ferry (Central–Tsim Sha Tsui) is scenic and cheap; ferries to outlying islands (Lantau, Cheung Chau, Lamma) for day trips.
- Walking often quickest in dense areas; prepare for many stairs and occasional steep climbs.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Connectivity: free Wi‑Fi available in many public spaces; buy a local SIM or eSIM for data (4G/5G widely available).
- Power: 220V, UK-style Type G plugs — bring an adapter.
- Food: excellent street food, dim sum and international cuisine; avoid unlicensed food vendors if concerned about hygiene.
- Health: most travelers need no special vaccinations; bring any prescription medicines with original labels and documentation; check current COVID/health requirements before travel.
- Shopping: sales tax-free, but be wary of counterfeit goods and aggressive touts in tourist areas.
- Language help: many signs bilingual; download translation apps for menus if needed.
- Day trips: Ngong Ping (Tian Tan Buddha), Victoria Peak, Dragon’s Back hike, outlying islands, Tai O fishing village.
- Cultural sites: dress modestly at temples; remove hats and speak quietly.
- Waste & recycling: public bins can be scarce — carry a small bag for trash until you find disposal.
Quick checklist before you go
- Check visa/entry rules for your nationality.
- Book accommodation near an MTR station if possible.
- Get an Octopus card or set up contactless payment; consider local SIM/eSIM.
- Pack for the season and bring a rain jacket in spring/summer.
- Register travel with your embassy if desired and have travel insurance.
Enjoy Hong Kong’s food, skyline, markets and efficient transport — stay aware of local laws and current events for a smooth trip.