Hong Kong travel questions
What should foreigners know before visiting Hong Kong?
Last checked: September 2026
Check your entry requirements
Before booking your trip, check the current entry requirements for your passport, nationality, purpose of travel and intended length of stay. Use official Hong Kong immigration information or your government’s current travel-advice website.
Do not rely only on an old blog article, social-media post or booking website because immigration requirements can change.
Prepare your important information
Before travelling, keep these details available:
- Your valid passport.
- Your flight information.
- Your hotel or accommodation address.
- Your return or onward-travel information, if required.
- Your travel insurance information.
- Emergency contact details.
- A digital and offline copy of important documents.
How do I get from Hong Kong Airport to the city?
Visitors commonly compare the Airport Express, airport buses and taxis. The best option depends on your destination, budget, arrival time and amount of luggage.
Before leaving the airport, check the exact destination address and identify the nearest MTR station or hotel entrance. Some hotels require additional walking after public transport.
What currency is used in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar. It is useful to carry a small amount of cash for small shops, markets and businesses that may not accept every type of international card.
Check whether your bank charges foreign-exchange or international transaction fees. When using a card machine, review the amount before confirming the payment.
Should I use an Octopus card?
Octopus can be convenient for transport and for purchases at participating businesses. Check the current visitor options, purchase locations, top-up methods and refund rules before your trip.
You should also check whether your phone, bank card or digital-wallet arrangement is compatible with the payment method you intend to use.
Is English used in Hong Kong?
English is widely used in tourism, transport, hotels and many business settings. However, the level of English service can vary by location.
Keep your hotel name and address available in both English and Chinese if possible. A screenshot of the address can be useful when asking for directions.
How should I choose a hotel area?
Consider your itinerary before choosing a hotel. Tsim Sha Tsui may suit visitors who want shopping, restaurants and harbour access. Central may suit visitors who prefer Hong Kong Island and business districts. Causeway Bay may suit visitors interested in shopping and restaurants.
Compare the hotel’s distance from public transport, room size, luggage space, cancellation policy, deposit policy and total price.
What should I check before paying for a hotel?
- Whether taxes and service charges are included.
- Whether the booking can be cancelled.
- Whether a deposit or security hold is required.
- Whether breakfast is included.
- Whether the room has the beds and facilities you need.
- Whether the hotel accepts your passport for check-in.
- Whether the booking platform provides a clear confirmation.
What food should first-time visitors try?
Popular starting points include dim sum, egg tarts, wonton noodles, roast meats, milk tea, congee, pineapple buns and cha chaan teng dishes.
If you have a serious food allergy, explain it clearly to the restaurant. Do not rely only on a menu photograph or an informal translation.
Do Hong Kong restaurants expect tips?
Check the bill to see whether a service charge is already included. Tipping practices can vary by restaurant and service type, so confirm the final amount before paying.
What etiquette should foreigners remember?
- Queue patiently at stations, shops and restaurants.
- Keep public transport entrances and exits clear.
- Use a quiet voice on public transport.
- Ask before photographing people or staff.
- Follow signs at temples, museums and heritage sites.
- Check restaurant seating and ordering procedures.
Useful official information
Check the Hong Kong Tourism Board traveller essentials before your trip.
For transport information, check the MTR visitor information .