Are you travelling to Hong Kong? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts

The diversity and dynamics of Hong Kong make it a ’must-see’ city! Hong Kong offers many unique experiences to visitors, such as The Peak, Star Ferry, Tramways, dynamic street markets, vast shopping areas, Disneyland, Ocean Park and much more. It also boasts an excellent public transportation network, it is so easy to get around Hong Kong by MTR (Subway), Buses, Ferries and Trams etc. The most attractive is the Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok areas.

Do Purchase an Octopus Card 

There's an Octopus card return desk right after you step off the Airport Express at HKG. The Octopus Card is the most useful & convenient type of Hong Kong travel pass.

The "Octopus" is a 'smart card' used on almost all forms of public transport (Bus, Minibus, Ferry, Peak Tram, Tram & MTR Trains). It can also be used to settle payments at stores, such as 7-Eleven and Starbucks, etc.

To use it, you just place your Octopus card over the reader and your payment is deducted. You can add value to the smart card at MTR stations and many retail outlets.

Don't expect places to open early

Retail shops generally open from 10am to 7pm daily, although those in popular shopping areas such as Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui will stay open until 9:30pm or even later, especially on weekends.

Most restaurants stay open until around 11pm, while bars and clubs don’t close until the early hours of the morning. In popular nightlife areas such as Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai they may never even close.

Do Experiment with Local Cuisine

The food in Hong Kong is known for being delicious and while you are there I recommend you become adventurous and try the local fare. The majority of local restaurants will have their menus in English, and worst case scenario, you’ll at least see images of the food, so don’t be afraid, ordering is easy. Be more daring than usual and it will pay off in stories for years to come.

Don’t Stay in the City

Hong Kong really does have everything, but no trip to Hong Kong is complete without a trip to the Big Buddha or to the south end of the island. 

Hong Kong has more depth to it than its persona as a concrete jungle. A trip is often made by escaping the city.  I visited the peaceful marina at Aberdeen, the boardwalk and the small market at Stanley, absolutely lovely and definitely worth a trip.

Do Go To The Harbour At Night

No doubting that Victoria Harbour is a dazzling cityscape in its own right, but hang around for A Symphony of Lights. It is a nightly multimedia show, which involves more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour.

Synchronised to music, coloured lights and laser beams perform an unforgettable show celebrating the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

The show is for free public enjoyment and no admission ticket is required.