Hong Kong Travel Notes
A place on my travel map. More of my story is still to come.
- Languages
- Cantonese · English
- Currency
- Hong Kong Dollar · HKD
- Cash
- Useful For Small Eateries And Markets.
- Cards
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- Tap To Pay
- Common. Octopus Is Separate.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- SIM Or eSIM · Check Coverage
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Check The Service Charge
What To Wear
What To Pack
Humidity, sudden rain, and strong indoor air conditioning call for light clothes, a compact umbrella, and one extra layer. Wear supportive shoes for station stairs and steep city streets.
Money And Payments
Cash And Cards
Hotels, malls, department stores, and larger restaurants usually accept cards. Keep Hong Kong dollars for smaller eateries and market purchases. Octopus is a separate stored value payment option; it is not the same thing as your bank card.
Travel Cards
A multi currency bank card does not replace Octopus. Check how you will buy or top up the transit card; do not assume every top up machine accepts your foreign bank card.
Tipping Culture
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge. An extra tip is optional, rather than another automatic 10%. Example: a HK$300 meal with HK$30 service already added does not need another automatic HK$30. Extra cash is optional.
Getting Around
MTR, Ferries And Octopus
Use the MTR, buses, trams, and ferries to match your route. Octopus is useful for transport and many small purchases; it is a stored value card, not an unlimited transport pass. Since April 2026, taxis must offer electronic payment options. Check which ones are displayed; this does not mean every taxi accepts your bank card.
Traveling Between Stops
Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the outlying islands need different connections. Macau and mainland China are separate immigration destinations; a ferry ticket alone is not entry permission.
Staying Connected
Using T Mobile In Hong Kong
Hong Kong is listed for international roaming on eligible T Mobile plans. Data allowances, speeds, and call charges depend on your plan. Check before you travel.
Mobile Data For This Trip
Save your hotel’s name in Chinese as well as English. Check that an eSIM covers Hong Kong specifically; a mainland China plan and a Hong Kong plan can have different coverage and restrictions.
Where To Stay
Choosing Your Area
Choose an MTR connected base on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon for city sightseeing. An outlying island stay means working around ferry times. Check actual room size before booking.
Before You Arrive
Before You Fly
Hong Kong has its own entry rules, separate from mainland China. Check your passport’s permission for every territory on the itinerary, especially if adding Shenzhen or Macau.
Sources And My Visit
Practical information was researched and checked on 22 October 2026. My reviews describe my own visits. Area comparisons are planning advice, not hotels I claim to have inspected. Entry advice must match your passport, residency, route, and travel date.
