Hong Kong Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Hong Kong

• Get an Octopus card at any MTR station — taps MTR, buses, trams, ferries and 7-Eleven.

• Standing on the LEFT on escalators is the local rule (opposite of Tokyo/Singapore).

• Tipping is not customary; a 10% service charge is already added at restaurants.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 999.

• One of Asia's safest large cities — violent crime against tourists is rare.

• Pickpocketing in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui markets; watch bags in crowds.

• Emergency 999 (police/fire/ambulance) with English operators.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: visa free, typically up to 90 days. Most Western passports enter visa-free for 90–180 days (US 90, UK 180, EU 90, Japan/Korea 90). Hong Kong operates its own immigration under 'one country, two systems' — separate from mainland China. Passport must be valid 1+ month after departure.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Hong Kong. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.