Hong Kong travel tips – I don’t have that many Hong Kong travel blog tips. But I compiled the list of what to prepare for Hong Kong trip. So, if it’s your first time, make sure to read from top to bottom, so you can blend in with the locals.
Before I start, I want to know if you already have your Hong Kong itinerary?
Because if not, then you should check these 21 things guaranteed to make your family happy – whether it’s your first time or not.
If you’re here for the first time, I’d like to invite you to follow me on my socials –Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok so you’re updated on our recent food, hotel, and travel reviews!
Hong Kong travel tips you need to remember
There’s a post a while ago asking about what to prepare for Hong Kong trip. When I saw it, I knew I had to step up and be a helping hand, especially for first timers. I don’t want you experiencing the cold shoulder treatments by the “staffs,” so get ready to jot down notes!
1. No CR in most restaurant
What I notice when dining at some restaurants is that most don’t have their own comfort rooms. And imagine the pain you had to go through when the nature suddenly calls – OUCH! You have to know how to get to the nearest washroom there is.
Good news! The public restroom that we went to during that time we dined at Bolton Cafe, was very well maintained! And it even had electric bidet. That’s so cool!
2. Buy octopus card
When I was researching for Hong Kong places to visit during our recent trip, I saw some posts saying that most establishments don’t accept cash. So if you’re planning to go to Hong Kong, make sure to buy an octopus card because it could come in handy at times you don’t know how to pay.
3. Bring cash
Contradictory to the previous one, you still need to bring cash for some instances. Night markets still accept cash, so in case you want to go shopping and food tripping at Temple Market, you should bring some money to pay.
4. Tea service when eating at dimsum places
Since Hong Kong is famous for its dimsum, it’s a must you try one out before you go home! I believe that the experience is an eye-opener. That’s where you’ll see how efficient they are – quick and doesn’t waste any of your time.
And when dining at one, you’ll be served with a teapot with free tea refills.
But, don’t be shocked by the bill when you’re paying. There’s a tea service fee – a small fee at that – about HKD 2 (0.26 USD or 15.29 PHP) you have to pay.
5. No tissue
Another thing I noticed while dining at restaurants is that they don’t have tissues provided for you. So better be prepared especially when you’re traveling with kids to Hong Kong. Apart from dry tissue, I also bring wet tissue as needed.
6. No bidet
When you’re used to Japan’s toilet system, you’d want a bidet ready for when you need to empty your stomach. Sadly, this isn’t how the Hong Kong people view the toilet world. You won’t usually find a bidet just anywhere – not even in hotels!
So, if you want easy access to water to wash, better to bring water bottle with you.
Or why not, bring a portable bidet?
7. Bring water tumbler
Since us humans need water to live, we always bring a water tumbler when traveling. Thankfully, there are water stations in parks for FREE refills, so you save some bucks instead of buying a bottled water everytime.
By doing so, you’re not only saving money but also helping to save Mother Earth by reducing trash!
8. No cutleries? Check the table drawer
You’d be dining at a Hong Kong restaurant, when suddenly, you thought you had to use your hands to eat.
STOP!
There are cutleries found in the table drawer. In there, you’ll also find tissues (at times) so better to check first, before calling out the staff – and you might just get scolded for not checking around.
9. Stand on your right in the escalator
This one’s one of the most important thing to remember when in Hong Kong.
STAND on your RIGHT if you don’t want to be scolded again by the locals. We have to understand that there are some rules we need to get used to especially when occupying a space not ours.
We don’t want them banning tourists from entering, do we?
Hong Kong what not to bring
If there’s a list of things to bring in Hong Kong, of course, there are also some things you can’t bring. Check the list below so as not to mistakenly bring them, that could affect your travel.
- Hurtful devices
- Chemicals
- Dangerous drugs
- Meat and egg
- Plants
The best Hong Kong travel time
There’s no best month to visit Hong Kong, because it all boils down to your preferences and needs. But as a person who lives in a hot country, what I can say is that we prefer traveling during the cold months.
- Winter – December to February
- Spring – March to May
- Summer – June to August
- Autumn – September to November
We’ve been to Hong Kong in October and February, and I must say that we loved the cool weather in February. In October 2023, we also felt it nice that you can wear thin clothes and a light jacket (for at times that it gets a bit chilly).
But we’ll never suggest that the best time to visit Hong Kong is in summer time – since that’s one of the reasons were traveling to another country. However, if you must, and if that’s the only available time, then go ahead, who are we to stop you?
If you’re here for the first time, I’d like to invite you to follow me on my socials –Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok so you’re updated on our recent food, hotel, and travel reviews!
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