How Things Work in Hong Kong
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is optional in Hong Kong as most restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong has world-class public transport — get an Octopus Card for the MTR, buses, ferries, trams, and even convenience store payments.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong has excellent hospitals and healthcare, but medical costs are very high for tourists without insurance.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong's National Security Law (NSL) since 2020 means criticism of the Chinese or Hong Kong government can result in prosecution, including for foreigners.
Updated 2025-06
Call 999 for police, fire, and ambulance — it is the single emergency number for all services in Hong Kong.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong is very casual — light breathable clothing suits the subtropical climate, with smart casual required only at upscale restaurants and hotel bars.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is widely and freely available, and there are no restrictions on public drinking in Hong Kong.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is expected at markets like Ladies' Market and Temple Street Night Market, but all malls, chain stores, and restaurants have fixed prices.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is freely permitted at tourist sites, but since 2019 you must avoid photographing police operations, protests, and demonstrations.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong operates 7 days a week — malls, restaurants, and shops are all open on Sundays and most public holidays.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong taxis are metered and honest, but accept cash or Octopus Card only — bring your destination written in Chinese characters.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water in Hong Kong is safe to drink as it is treated and regularly tested, though many locals prefer filtered water due to older building pipes.
Updated 2025-06
ATMs are everywhere in Hong Kong and foreign cards are widely accepted — HSBC, Hang Seng, and Standard Chartered all support international cards.
Updated 2025-06
Tourist SIM cards are easy to buy at the airport or 7-Eleven, and Hong Kong has its own free internet separate from mainland China's restrictions.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong uses Type G plugs (British 3-pin square) at 220V/50Hz — the same as the UK — so US and European visitors need an adapter.
Updated 2025-06
Tourist market vendors and electronics shops in Tsim Sha Tsui are notorious for overcharging and bait-and-switch scams — always verify before paying.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong is one of the world's safest cities with extremely low violent crime — tourists are physically safe at all hours.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong is cosmopolitan and internationally minded, but local Cantonese culture values efficiency, queuing, and communal dining etiquette.
Updated 2025-06
English is an official language in Hong Kong and is very widely spoken — language is rarely a barrier for English-speaking tourists.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong has excellent beaches including Repulse Bay and Shek O, with lifeguards and shark nets at all gazetted beaches.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong drives on the left (British legacy) but renting a car is completely impractical — public transport is far superior for tourists.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong is a world-class food city — from Michelin-starred dim sum to cheap wonton noodles — with a must-try local café culture.
Updated 2025-06
Hong Kong's temples are welcoming to tourists — no strict dress codes apply, but quiet, respectful behaviour is expected.
Updated 2025-06
The best time to visit Hong Kong is October to December — clear skies, mild temperatures of 20–25°C, and low humidity.
Updated 2025-06
Eat at cha chaan tengs and food courts, use the MTR instead of taxis, and explore Hong Kong's free hiking trails and harbourfront promenades.
Updated 2025-06