Hong Kong Travel Information

Hong Kong is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. From its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets to its tranquil temples and scenic hiking trails, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic metropolis. Whether you're a history buff, a culture lover, or just looking for a good time, this list of top things to do in Hong Kong has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world.

1. Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour

The Star Ferry is an iconic boat ride that offers great views of the city's skyline. The short trip across Victoria Harbour is a must-do for visitors, and it's a great way to see the city's famous landmarks from the water.

2. Visit Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and offers panoramic views of the city and Victoria Harbour. Visitors can take the famous Peak Tram to the top, or hike the Peak Circle Walk.

3. Walk Along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers a great view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. Visitors can walk along the promenade at night to see the Symphony of Lights, a daily light and sound show.

4. Explore the Temple Street Night Market

The Temple Street Night Market is one of Hong Kong's most famous night markets and offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy street food and watch traditional Chinese performances.

5. Visit the Big Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a large bronze statue located on Lantau Island. Visitors can take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the statue and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

6. Visit the Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum of History offers a comprehensive look at the history of the city from its earliest days to the present. Visitors can learn about the city's culture, art, and architecture through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

7. Hike the Dragon's Back

The Dragon's Back hike is one of Hong Kong's most famous trails and offers great views of the city and the South China Sea. The trail is relatively easy and can be done in a half-day.

8. Visit the Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is a popular attraction for families and offers a variety of rides, shows, and parades. It's a good way to spend a day, especially if you are traveling with kids.

9. Visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple

The Wong Tai Sin Temple is a popular attraction for visitors and is known for its traditional Chinese architecture and gardens. Visitors can also have their fortunes told by a fortune teller or see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

10. Visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art

The Hong Kong Museum of Art is a great place to learn about the art and culture of China and Hong Kong. The museum has a diverse collection that includes Chinese ceramics, painting, and calligraphy, as well as contemporary art.

Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, cool winters. The city receives a lot of rain, especially during the summer months. The typhoon season is from May to November, with the most active months being July and August.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hong Kong depends on your preferences. For those who want to experience the city's vibrant culture and festivals, the autumn months (September to December) are ideal. The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are many festivals and events taking place during this time. If you're interested in outdoor activities and want to avoid the crowds, spring (March to May) is a good time to visit. The weather is mild and the city is less crowded than in the summer months. Keep in mind that the typhoon season is in the summer and it's best to be prepared with an umbrella or raincoat.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Hong Kong offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, budget-friendly hotels, and serviced apartments. Many hotels are located in the city center and offer easy access to public transportation and popular tourist destinations. Visitors can also find hotels in the New Territories and on the outlying islands, which offer a more peaceful and secluded experience.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments, villas, and houses, are becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong. These properties offer more privacy and space than hotels and can be a good option for families or groups traveling together. Visitors can find vacation rentals in most destinations in Hong Kong, from the bustling city center to the quiet outlying islands.

Hostels

Hong Kong has a good selection of hostels which are a budget-friendly accommodation option for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are a great option for solo travelers, and offer shared dormitory rooms, private rooms and sometimes even family rooms. They also offer facilities like common lounges, kitchens and laundry.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are traditional Chinese-style accommodation that offer budget-friendly accommodation and a chance to experience traditional Chinese culture. These are small and family-run, and often provide a more personal and authentic experience. They are mostly found in the older parts of the city and the New Territories.

Serviced apartments

Serviced apartments in Hong Kong are a good option for travelers who want more space and privacy than a hotel room. They are fully furnished and equipped with kitchen facilities, and often include amenities such as housekeeping and concierge service. They can be found in most areas of the city and are popular among business travelers and families.

Public Transportation

Hong Kong has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trams. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the city's main train system, and it is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to get around Hong Kong. Buses and trams are also a convenient and affordable option, and they serve many areas of the city that are not accessible by train. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Grab are also widely available in Hong Kong.

Ferries

Ferries are a popular way to travel between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, as well as to the outlying islands. The Star Ferry is a famous boat ride that offers great views of the city's skyline.

Cars and Motorbikes

Cars and motorbikes are widely available for rent, although it's not recommended to drive in Hong Kong due to the heavy traffic and the limited parking spaces. Also, driving in Hong Kong requires an International Driving Permit, and some companies may require you to have a certain amount of driving experience.

Bikes

Bicycles can also be rented in Hong Kong, and cycling is a great way to explore the city's parks and scenic waterfronts. There are also bike-sharing schemes like Gobee Bike and MoBike which are widely available in Hong Kong.

Walking

Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially in the older neighborhoods where cars and buses are not allowed. Many areas of the city have well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, making it easy to get around on foot.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.