Hong Kong: 7 things travelers should know before visiting

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Hong Kong’s status as one of the world’s great cities is well-earned.

With its unparalleled food scene, legendary nightlife and jaw-dropping skyline, the city lures visitors with endless things to do.

From vibrant street markets and beautiful parks to towering skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a true delight to visit, helping make the state one of the most populous places in the world.

But before you head to Hong Kong, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this post, we cover everything you need to know about traveling to Hong Kong, including:

• What are the costs for travelers?
• Things you need to know about culture and etiquette
• What are the main attractions?
• How safe is it?
• Local food and drinks
• How good is the wifi?
• How long can you stay?

ready? Here are the top 7 things you should know before visiting Hong Kong

Did you know… Hong Kong is not technically a country. It was a British colony for decades and under their rule a strong capitalist economy developed. However, in 1997, British rule was transferred to China, making Hong Kong a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Now, it is governed by the principle of “one country, two systems”, which means that although they are now technically part of Communist China, they can retain most of their political and economic autonomy.

1) The capacity of Hong Kong

The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar or HKD. The current exchange rate is $1 HKD = $0.13 USD and $1 USD = $7.81 HKD.

Here are the average costs for travelers in USD.

Accommodation

• Average hotel price: A night in a 3-star hotel costs around $210 or a 4-star hotel around $275.

• 5-star luxury hotels: Luxury 4-star hotels average $450 per night, and there are plenty of options, especially if you want to splurge. For example, the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong has standard rooms starting at $635, while Premier Executive Suites with panoramic views start at $2,500 per night.

• If you’re on a budget: Hong Kong has many hostels to choose from, and travelers can expect to pay around $20 per night for a bed in a dorm, or between $35-65 for a private room.

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Food

The food in Hong Kong is incredible, and there is plenty to try, including plenty of affordable options.

• A A 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant It costs around $65 for two.

• b Cheap food At a cheap restaurant or street food vendor, expect to pay around $8.

• A Beer Cost is 6-7 dollars and a Cappuccino It’s around $5.

Transportation

• Public transport The best way to get around Hong Kong is on the MTR. Tourists can buy travel passes that cost around $8.50 a day and cover unlimited travel on the city’s metro, tram and light rail. If you don’t buy the Tourist Pass, single-trip tickets are based on distance and cost between $0.90 and $3.

• Taxi fare starts He traveled for $3.20 and an extra $2 a mile. Uber It is available and the price is comparable to taxis.

• Tourists can choose the image to travel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Star BoatIt costs between $0.50 and $0.83 depending on when you go and which deck.

2) Culture and ethics in Hong Kong

Hong Kong culture and traditions are very different from those found in the West. Take the time to read up on proper etiquette before you go on vacation.

Check this list before your trip! Here are some of the top dos and don’ts in Hong Kong.

• Do not smoke in public – Smoking is prohibited in indoor and outdoor public places, including parks, beaches, and public transportation.

• raise your hand: When you’re eating and want something from your host, raise your hand and give them a wave to get their attention.

• Don’t take the MTA during rush hour: Avoid the train between 7 am-9:30 am and 5 pm-7 pm as they are packed with commuters going to and from work.

• Use your chopsticks correctly: Never use your chopsticks to point at someone or something and never place them upright in a bowl of rice, as it is considered inappropriate. Also, don’t use your own chopsticks to take food from shared plates, use the ones that came with the meal.

• don’t panic – Restaurants are always busy and try to maximize space, so it’s common to be seated with other diners when you leave a restaurant.

• Respect your elders: Show respect to those who are older than you – make sure to greet them appropriately, follow their lead and make room for them on a crowded train.

3) Top attractions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is full of amazing places to explore. Here are some of the top things to see and do during your visit:

• Victoria Peak – No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island. Visitors can reach the top by riding the 8-minute long Peak Tram. The views from the top are incredible.

• Temple Street Night Market – Best visit between 7 pm – 10 pm; Visitors should arrive hungry to this amazing market. You’ll find fantastic street food as well as cheap clothes and souvenirs.

• Hong Kong History Museum – A museum dedicated to telling the story of Hong Kong with many important exhibits. The Hong Kong History Museum is a wonderful way to learn more about the state’s long and interesting past.

4) How safe is it for tourists?

Like many Asian cities, Hong Kong is very safe for travelers. However, there are still some things travelers should keep in mind to stay safe during their visit:

• Beware of thieves. Pickpocketing and fraud are the most common crimes tourists encounter, but they are rare. Be careful in crowded areas, tourist spots, and on public transportation.

• Eliminate objections: There are occasional political protests throughout Hong Kong – if you happen to come across one while visiting, it’s not recommended to join.

• Learn how to call for help: Call 999 if you or someone you care for needs emergency help.

• Get travel insurance: Travel insurance can help cover the costs of health emergencies as well as any travel mishaps that occur during your trip to Hong Kong. For the top 5 options, read more here.

5) Local food and drinks

One of the best parts of traveling is experiencing the local cuisine, and Hong Kong is a great place to try new foods. Don’t let yourself go without trying at least one of the following:

Food

• Fish balls – A popular snack where fish meat is formed into balls and fried

• Pineapple Roll – A soft, sweet bun with crunchy sugar, crackling when cooked and shaped like a pineapple.

• Cha Su Baw – Soft white buns filled with barbecued pork and soup before steaming out

• chicken leg – More delicious than it sounds, chicken legs are deep fried and baked in black bean sauce

Drinks

• milk tea A sweet, creamy drink made with Ceylon black tea and condensed milk, hot or cold

• Red Bean Ice – A refreshing summer drink made with sweet red beans, evaporated milk, vanilla ice cream and crushed ice.

• beer – The most popular beers in Hong Kong are San Miguel and Tsingtao.

6) How is the wifi?

The average Internet speed in Hong Kong for April 2023 was 52.61 Mbps download and 11.87 Mbps upload using Okla’s Internet Speed ​​Test service.

7) How long can I stay?

US citizens can travel to Hong Kong without a visa as long as they leave within 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least one month after the intended date and contain at least one blank page.

Traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com