Currency & Payment

The currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), shown as HK$ and divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued by several banks, so you will see different designs for the same value — all are legal tender. Coins come in small denominations. The currency is separate from the mainland Chinese yuan and is pegged to the US dollar, keeping the rate fairly stable.

Money changers are everywhere, especially in tourist districts like Tsim Sha Tsui, and rates are competitive. Compare a couple of shops and check whether commission is charged before you hand over cash. Airport exchange rates are usually poorer, so change only a small amount there. ATMs often give a good rate, and cards are widely accepted for larger purchases.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and department stores, and American Express is common in larger venues. Small stalls, wet markets and some cheap eateries prefer cash or Octopus, so keep some notes handy. Contactless payment is normal. Tell your bank you are travelling to avoid blocked cards.

ATMs are plentiful at banks, malls, MTR stations and convenience stores, and most accept foreign cards on the Cirrus or Plus networks with English menus. Withdraw from bank-branded machines when possible and stay aware at the machine. Your home bank may charge a foreign withdrawal fee, so larger, less frequent withdrawals can be cheaper.

Mobile payment is very widespread. The Octopus card (and its app) is the everyday standard for transport, convenience stores and many shops. Apple Pay and Google Pay work in most card terminals, and AlipayHK and WeChat Pay are common, especially with mainland-linked merchants. Visitors can top up an Octopus in cash or link it to a phone.

Tipping is modest and not obligatory in Hong Kong. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge, so extra tipping is optional — rounding up or leaving small change is common. Taxi drivers usually just get the fare rounded up. A small tip for hotel porters or helpful staff is appreciated but never required.

Hong Kong can be pricey, especially hotels and Western dining, but everyday eating is affordable. A meal at a local cha chaan teng or noodle shop is cheap, while restaurants in tourist areas cost more. Public transport is inexpensive with an Octopus card. Budget carefully for accommodation, which is often the biggest expense.

Hong Kong is a free port with no general sales tax or VAT, so there is no tourist tax-refund scheme like in many countries — prices you see are what you pay. This is one reason it is popular for shopping. The only significant duties are on a few goods such as tobacco, alcohol and some vehicles, which do not affect typical visitor purchases.