10+ Things to Know Before Visiting Hong Kong | Hong Kong Travel FAQs

The visa requirements for Hong Kong depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are some general guidelines:

Visa-free entry: Nationals of many countries are granted visa-free entry to Hong Kong for a limited period ranging from a few days to several months. For example, citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many EU countries can typically visit Hong Kong for tourism or business purposes without a visa for stays ranging from 7 to 180 days. The exact duration of stay permitted may vary, so it's advisable to check the specific requirements based on your nationality.

Visa-on-arrival: Some nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival in Hong Kong. This means that you can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or border checkpoint in Hong Kong. The duration of stay allowed may vary, typically ranging from 7 to 30 days. Again, it's important to check the specific requirements based on your nationality.

Visa-required entry: Nationals of certain countries are required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Hong Kong, regardless of the purpose and duration of their visit. This typically applies to citizens of countries with which Hong Kong does not have visa-free arrangements. If you fall into this category, you will need to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling to Hong Kong.

To have more questions about visas to travel to Hong Kong, please feel free to contact us.

Hong Kong offers a range of attractions worth exploring, including Victoria Peak (太平山顶), Hong Kong Disneyland (迪士尼), Ocean Park (海洋公园), Tian Tan Buddha (天坛大佛), Hong Kong Museum of History (香港历史博物馆), Avenue of Stars (星光大道), and the bustling markets like Temple Street Night Market (庙街夜市) and Ladies' Market (女人街).

The ideal number of days to spend in Hong Kong depends on your personal preferences, interests, and the activities you plan to undertake. However, a popular recommendation is to spend at least 2 days in Hong Kong to get a good overview of the city's attractions and experience its vibrant culture. This duration allows you to visit major landmarks, explore different neighborhoods, indulge in local cuisine, and possibly take a day trip to nearby islands or attractions.

Exploration in Hong Kong: 2 to 3 days

With 2 to 3 days, you can visit iconic places like Victoria Peak, explore the bustling streets of Central and Causeway Bay, experience the vibrant markets, enjoy the city's diverse dining scene, and even dedicate a day to visit Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park. 2 Days in Hong Kong: Classic Tour of Hong Kong Island & Lantau Island >>

Travel out of Hong Kong: 1 or 2 days more:

Of course, if you have more time available, you can extend your stay to further immerse yourself in the city's offerings, visit additional attractions, or take side trips to nearby destinations like Macau or Shenzhen. Ultimately, the duration of your stay in Hong Kong should be based on your interests and the experiences you wish to have while in the city. 4 Days Hong Kong Macau Highlights Tour for Diverse Experience >>

Several day trips from Hong Kong are worth considering, such as visiting Lantau Island to see the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, exploring the fishing village of Tai O, taking a boat ride to the outlying islands like Cheung Chau or Lamma Island, or visiting Macau, known for its casinos and Portuguese heritage.

The best time to visit Hong Kong is during the autumn months (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the humidity is lower. Spring (March to May) is also a good time with mild temperatures. However, Hong Kong can be visited year-round, and each season has its own charm.

Yes, Hong Kong is generally considered to be an expensive city. The cost of living, accommodation, dining, and entertainment can be relatively high compared to many other destinations. However, it is still possible to find options to suit different budgets by planning and making budget-conscious choices.

In Hong Kong, the best way to travel and navigate the city is through its efficient and extensive public transportation system. Here are the key modes of transportation in Hong Kong:

MTR (Mass Transit Railway): The MTR is a rapid transit system that covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, and connects to the airport. It is fast, reliable, and convenient for traveling between different districts and major attractions.

Trams: The iconic double-decker trams operate on Hong Kong Island, running along the northern coastline. They provide a leisurely and nostalgic way to explore popular areas like Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay.

Ferries: Hong Kong is made up of numerous islands, and ferries are an important mode of transport to reach places like Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, and Lamma Island. The Star Ferry also offers a picturesque ride across Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Hong Kong, and they come in various colors indicating different types and services. Red taxis operate throughout most of Hong Kong, while green taxis serve the New Territories, and blue taxis operate exclusively on Lantau Island. Taxis can be convenient, especially when traveling in groups or with heavy luggage.

Mini-buses: Mini-buses are small vans that operate on fixed routes and can be hailed along the street. They are faster than regular buses but have limited seating capacity.

Walking: Hong Kong is a compact city with many pedestrian-friendly areas. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore neighborhoods, especially in areas like Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay.

It's recommended to use an Octopus Card, a rechargeable smart card, for seamless payment across most modes of public transport. The card can also be used for payments at convenience stores, restaurants, and more.

Learn more about Hong Kong Transportation & Getting around Hong Kong >>

The official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Currency exchange services are widely available throughout the city, including at banks, exchange counters, and hotels. Many ATMs accept international cards, making it convenient to withdraw cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.

Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers. Some must-try dishes include dim sum (bite-sized steamed or fried dumplings), roast goose, wonton noodles, egg tarts, pineapple buns, and milk tea. Street food options like curry fish balls, stinky tofu, and egg waffles are also popular choices.

Hong Kong is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Some popular shopping areas include Causeway Bay (中环), Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀), Mong Kok (旺角), Central, and Admiralty. Markets like Temple Street Night Market (庙街), Ladies' Market (女人街), and Stanley Market (赤柱市场) offer a wide range of goods, including clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and local street food.

Yes, a day trip to Macau can be enough to explore some of its main attractions and get a taste of the city's unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. Macau is a relatively small region, and many of its popular tourist spots can be visited within a day.

Some key attractions to consider during a day trip to Macauinclude:

1). Historic Center of Macau: This UNESCO World Heritage site features well-preserved colonial architecture, including iconic landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square.

2). Macau Tower: The Macau Tower offers panoramic views of the city and thrilling activities such as bungee jumping and a Skywalk.

3). The Venetian Macao: One of the world's largest casinos and integrated resorts, The Venetian Macao offers a taste of Las Vegas-style entertainment, shopping, and dining.

4). Taipa Village: Explore the charming streets of Taipa Village, known for its Portuguese influences, traditional shops, and delicious Macanese cuisine.

5). A-Ma Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of seafarers is a significant cultural and historical site in Macau.

6). Macau Museum: Gain insights into Macau's history and culture through the exhibits at the Macau Museum.

While a day trip can provide a glimpse of Macau's highlights, keep in mind that the city has more to offer, including additional historical sites, temples, casinos, and Macanese cuisine. If you have more time available, consider extending your stay to fully explore and appreciate the unique aspects of Macau.

Macau Day Trip from Hong Kong: Visit Macau Highlights in One Day Round Tour >>

The best way to travel from Hong Kong to Macau is usually by ferry. There are several ferry operators that provide frequent services between the two destinations. Here are the key options:

TurboJet: TurboJet is one of the major ferry operators and offers regular services between Hong Kong and Macau. They operate from multiple terminals including Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, and Hong Kong International Airport.

Cotai Water Jet: Cotai Water Jet is another popular ferry operator that provides services between Hong Kong and Macau. They mainly operate from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan and the Hong Kong International Airport, with some services also available from the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

SkyPier: If you are traveling from Hong Kong International Airport, you can take a ferry directly to Macau from the SkyPier, which is located within the airport. This option offers convenience for those arriving by air.

The ferry journey from Hong Kong to Macau takes approximately one hour, and the ferries are comfortable and equipped with facilities like seating areas, onboard entertainment, and refreshments.

4 Days Hong Kong Macau Highlights Tour for Diverse Experience >>

This depends on your nationality. Visitors from many countries, including most Western countries, do not need a visa to visit Macau for a certain period, typically ranging from 7 to 180 days. However, it's advisable to check the visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

To have more questions about visas to travel to Macau, please feel free to contact us.

Yes, Macau is rich in cultural and historical sites. Some notable ones include the Ruins of St. Paul's, A-Ma Temple, the Historic Centre of Macau (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Macau Museum.

Learn more about Things to Do in Macau >>

Macau of is known for China its vibrant casino industry. Some popular casinos include The Venetian Macao, MGM Macau, Wynn Macau, and Galaxy Macau. Tourists are welcome to visit these casinos and enjoy the entertainment, gaming facilities, and dining options they offer.