I believe you can’t wait to start your trip to Hong Kong!
To make the most of your time in one of the world’s most stunning cities, we’ve got 6 helpful tips covering everything from what to pack to getting around.
Of course, the most important thing is to take both safety and practicality into consideration.
Table of Contents
Learn about typhoon signals
Hong Kong experiences an average of about six typhoons every year, most of which are mild typhoons.
If you visit in the spring or summer, chances are you’ll encounter one of these. Thankfully, the city has an alert system to help keep everyone safe. The system grades the storm on a scale of 1 to 10.
Signal No. 1 (or “T1”) is the weakest classification; it refers to tropical cyclones that are further away from Hong Kong but may still have some impact. At the other end of the spectrum, the very rare Signal 10 (“T10”) indicates strong and damaging wind speeds of over 118 km/h sustained.
Once you reach the T8 level, some shops and services may be closed, but chain restaurants and the MTR (short for “Mass Rail,” Hong Kong’s extensive train system) continue to operate.
T9 or above, visitors should stay indoors. The Hong Kong Observatory app provides weather warnings for typhoons, rainfall and thunderstorms.
Once you reach the T8 level, some shops and services may be closed, but chain restaurants and the MTR (short for “Mass Rail,” Hong Kong’s extensive train system) continue to operate.
T9 or above, visitors should stay indoors. The Hong Kong Observatory app provides weather warnings for typhoons, rainfall and thunderstorms.
Bring something warm
Although summer (June to August) can be quite hot and humid, Hong Kong is a great place to visit at any time of year.
Still, while you may be tempted to bring mostly swimsuits and sarongs in the summer, you do need to be wary of air conditioning. Air conditioning in shopping malls, cinemas and public transport in Hong Kong can be set to quite high levels.
Don’t be surprised to see the number of people in Hong Kong who still wear suits and ties in the summer. They have to endure the deviation of going from temperatures of 30 or even 40 degrees Celsius outside to air-conditioning that only maintains a dozen degrees Celsius indoors.
So, don’t forget to bring a jacket! Don’t be afraid to ask your hotel to give you an extra set of bedding, otherwise you will suffer from a cold like me in the summer in Hong Kong.
Download APPs in advance
Download for free MyMapHK, a great walking/hiking app to help you explore Hong Kong’s stunning country parks.
The app gives you convenient access to the Lands Department’s official maps, which contain everything you need for a short walk in nature or an epic full-day hike.
Its tools allow you to search for routes, measure distances, share your current map view with others, and more. It’s also a useful aid for exploring the city itself – click on the “Old Hong Kong” setting to see what the city used to look like.
Another good tip from another traveler is to download the Free Water app.
It shows you the location of the nearest fresh water dispenser in the city. The app lists more than 1,500 water fountain locations to help reduce plastic use and the resulting pollution in Hong Kong.
So, remember to bring a refillable water bottle and download the app in advance!
Take things slow
Hong Kong’s traditional transportation options are a great way to get around the city more easily.
An example is the famous Star Ferry, which has been transporting passengers in Victoria Harbor for more than a century. The views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon from the ferry are incredible, and prices for the cross-harbour trip start at just HK$2.60.
There’s also the tram (called “Ding Ding” by locals), which is almost as old as the Star Ferry and is another great way to explore Hong Kong Island.
Be sure to head to the top deck for the best views; flat fares are just HK$3 when you pay with your Octopus card.
Prevent wastage
Get an Octopus card, the easiest way to pay for public transportation in Hong Kong.
But it doesn’t just offer easy access by train, tram, and ferry;
You can also use it to buy movie tickets, or use it at vending machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, and various restaurants and chain stores.
The cards can be purchased and topped up at 7-Eleven and Circle K stores, as well as MTR stations.
There is also a mobile Octopus option where you can download the Visitor Octopus app and then simply click and ride or top up directly from your credit or debit card without queuing. (The remaining balance on the card can be refunded when you leave.)
If you don’t have enough time on your trip, you don’t want to waste a second of it still deciding between different destinations.
I recommend you to read my other article, The Top 8 Things You Should Do in Hong Kong.
Learn the lingo
Being familiar with the local language of a place can really enhance your travel experience.
Cantonese is undoubtedly a difficult language to master—it includes six different tones—but it’s still a good idea to learn some basic phrases.
Try saying “nei hou” – meaning “hello” – to someone, or, to thank them, say “mm goy” or “doh jeh.” (The former is a more common “thank you” you would say to a store clerk or waiter; the latter is said to someone who gave you a gift.)
Watching a Hong Kong movie or two is a great way to hear some Cantonese voices while learning more about the culture. Start with a classic Bruce Lee martial arts movie, then head to Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong to find his statue!
