Hong Kong is a busy and bustling city full of spectacular high rises, a growing economy, an integration of cultures, and well-developed tourist attractions. It is the world’s most popular tourist destination and Asia’s most popular and best shopping destination.
If Hong Kong is your next trip, just keep scrolling! I hope this simple travel blog helps you plan your trip! If you plan to travel out of the country, HONG KONG is always on our list. Who wouldn’t fall in love with the beauty of Hong Kong? It has good weather, great places to visit, exciting adventures, endless mouthwatering foods and specialties, nightlife for party lovers, and an exceptional experience that Hong Kong can give.
TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Let me start my guide with the list of documents we’ve had handy.
- Passport – Must not expire within the next 6 months upon arrival
- Documents – Proof of Identification (Company and Government ID will do)
- Printed Copy of Plane Ticket – (Includes the return ticket confirmation)
- Printed Hotel Booking – (This was checked upon exit from PH immigration. You are required to declare the hotel name or address of stay when filling out the immigration form.)
- Hong Kong Tourist Visa (if applicable)—This is very important to consider when planning any trip abroad. Luckily, tourists from over 160 countries (including the Philippines) do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong.
PRE-DEPARTURE IMMIGRATION AND PROCESS
We filled out a small form (embarkation document) near the Immigration entrance, where you will be asked to provide your basic personal and destination information. We completed the form and fell in line at the check-in counter, then were asked to pay our Philippine travel tax (Php1,620.00). A terminal fee of PHP550.00 was already included on the purchased ticket. Before you fall in line at the check-in counter, ensure you have already paid the Philippine travel tax of PHP1,620.00 or can prepay it upon making your reservation, like Cebu Pacific.
ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
We boarded the aircraft and landed at Hong Kong International Airport after almost 2 hours of flight. At the immigration counter, I was asked the same question: who you’re traveling with, where you are staying, the purpose of travel, and the budget. I presented my passport with another immigration form (a form that the airline provided while we were on the plane, which had almost the same information as the first form we submitted to immigration upon exit).
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MONEY CHANGER
You can exchange your currency for HKD at any authorized money exchange. Look for accredited money exchanges like Czarina and Sanry’s Money Changer for extra peace of mind. Currency exchange counters at Hong Kong Int’l Airport are open from early morning until late at night, and many locations within the city are open until late at night. ATMs are anywhere and mainly operate 24 hours. Exchange rates fluctuate daily depending on currency markets. I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.
Currency converter by Google: Google converter or XE converter
TRANSPORTATION
There are plenty of ways to get around Hong Kong; the best way is to use its extensive public transport network. The first thing you need to do before you step out at the airport is to buy an Octopus Card. Why? It is mainly for transportation, and you can use it for many store purchases. It is also reloadable through many vendo machines on the MTR stations and in 7-Eleven.
Travelers to Hong Kong will be arriving at Hong Kong International Airport. There are several ways to get from the airport to wherever you stay in Hong Kong.
BY AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS: An easy and affordable transport from the airport to your accommodation. It will drop you off at designated hotels in the city (Kowloon or Hong Kong Island at higher bus fares). I highly suggest purchasing your tickets in advance through KLOOK to save more. Then, it’ll cost you a cheaper and less hassle transaction.
BY AIRPORT EXPRESS: The fastest way to get downtown from the airport is by train, though it isn’t necessarily the most convenient and is more costly. Again, don’t forget to buy your OCTOPUS TICKET through KLOOK to get discounted bus/airport express rides.
BY PUBLIC BUS: Hong Kong International Airport is well-served by public bus routes. Buses provide a convenient but relatively inexpensive means of transport. This is the cheapest and one of the most convenient ways of getting into the city. To get to the bus terminal at the airport, make a right as soon as you go through customs and walk down. Take the lift or stairs to the first floor and exit the building. The bus terminal will be across the street on your right. If you are still unsure, ask for assistance from any ground staff at the airport. You can use the point-to-point search feature on the Citybus website to find out which bus to take. If you can take a bus to your destination, it’s the best way to get back to the airport.
BY TAXI/CAB: Going by taxi or cab is convenient and less hassle-free, but it is expensive. Refer to the suggested sites below to check Hong Kong taxi transport fares.
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: The best thing to do is plan everything. Booking through KLOOK is a big help in terms of time and budget! If you’d prefer to prearrange a private transfer to your hotel from the airport or vice versa, then it is highly recommended to book and buy in advance through KLOOK.
HONG KONG MTR MAP GUIDE
CLICK HERE TO VISIT AND EXPLORE MORE ABOUT MTR
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HELPFUL TIPS
The cheapest and most convenient option is to take the bus or minibus, but if you are in a hurry, you may take the Airport Express, which is more expensive.
- Plugs are British three-pin rectangular blades.
- Tap water is fine to drink.
- Jaywalking comes with fines
- Don’t forget to buy and use your OCTOPUS CARD!
- Have a hand map or map app
- Booked your hotel accommodation as early as you can
- Buy your tour tickets through KLOOK to get huge discounts!
WHERE TO GET THE BEST DEALS?
I purchased my ticket through Cebu Pacific. This airline always offers seat sales (when they announce upcoming promos, make sure to visit their website at midnight to secure promo fares), which is one reason why I always choose to fly with them. I am always looking for it, and I book without hesitation. If there’s a seat sale, grab the opportunity and travel! But rest assured that you have enough budget for it!
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VISA INFORMATION
Nationals from the following Asian countries enjoy visa-free travel to Hong Kong for a period not exceeding the period stated below.
Nationality of a foreign country (Territory) / Type of Travel Document Visa free period for visit not exceeding:
- Indonesia 30 Days
- Malaysia 90 Days
- Philippines 14 Days
- Singapore 90 Days
- Thailand 30 Days
For other nationalities not listed above, you can check visa and entry requirements here: Visa HQ or HK Immigration.
WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG?
There’s a lot of affordable accommodation in Hong Kong; either inns, hostels, or dorm-tel will do. The best accommodation is Kowloon Peninsula Hong Kong Island, or (TST) Tsim Sha Tsui, specifically since you can visit nearby attractions. You may find and book affordable accommodation through Agoda, Booking.com, or AIRBNB. Please book your hotel or hostel near MTR or nearby attractions for easy access. If you are a budget traveler like me, you can book a dorm-type/sharing room and save a lot. The good thing about this is you can make new friends and hang out with them during your free time.
Best Things To Do While In Hong Kong
There are so many spots to visit and foods to eat. Still looking for the best Hong Kong tourist attractions? Don’t know where to spend your day and night in town? Look no further. Below are my suggested attractions and hoping that it could help you.
Old Town Central Art Walk
Tsim Sha Tui
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This is helpful! Im from Cebu and we are also planning our trip to Hong Kong.
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Ive been here as well. This travel tip is very helpful. Good to know your blog
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Great primer! HK is very easy to navigate with one of the best public transport system around us.
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Yeah. You’re right especially trams! 😍
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I do feel the age old ferry system lends it a special feel.
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