Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Hong Kong depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for Hong KongEmergency Numbers
- General
- 999
Currency
- Name
- Hong Kong Dollar
- Code
- HKD
- Symbol
- HK$
ATMs everywhere — Hang Seng and HSBC machines accept foreign cards widely. Cards accepted almost universally. Octopus card (for transport and small purchases) is essential — buy on arrival.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
HKT (UTC+8) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
October–December is perfect — clear skies, low humidity (20–25°C), and Hong Kong's best hiking weather. March–April is also good before summer heat builds. July–September is hot, extremely humid, and typhoon season. January–February is mild but can be grey.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | Most restaurants add a 10% service charge — check the bill. Additional tipping for exceptional service is common. |
| Hotels | HK$10–20 for porters | — |
| Taxis | Round up to nearest dollar | Insist on the meter — Hong Kong taxis are metered by law |
| Dim sum / cha chaan teng | Small tip acceptable; some places don't expect it | — |
Dress Code
- Smart casual is Hong Kong's standard — residents dress well
- Casual for hiking, markets, and day sightseeing
- Some upmarket restaurants and clubs require smart dress
- Temples: modest dress appreciated but not strictly enforced
Social Etiquette
- Hong Kong is efficient — queue patiently for the MTR and escalators (stand right, walk left)
- Business cards are exchanged with both hands — read before pocketing
- Phone use on the MTR is common but keep volume low
- The Cantonese lion dance and festivals (Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat) are deeply cultural
- Hong Kong has a complex political identity — approach politics with tact
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- The 2020 National Security Law has significantly expanded what can be considered criminal activity — any activity seen as separatist, subversive, or in collusion with foreign forces is illegal
- Protest-related activities or possession of protest materials may attract legal scrutiny
- VPNs are not illegal but usage has become more cautious since 2020
- Drug possession carries serious penalties
- Photography of police or security operations in sensitive areas may attract attention — exercise caution
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Cantonese) | 你好 (Nei hou) | nay HO |
| Thank you (Cantonese) | 唔該 (M'goi — for service) / 多謝 (Do jeh — for gifts) | mm-GOY / doh-ZEH |
| Excuse me | 唔該 (M'goi) | mm-GOY — also means 'excuse me' |
| How much? | 幾多錢? (Gei do chin?) | geh doh CHIN |
| Cheers! | 乾杯! (Gon bui!) | gon BOO-ee |
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