Hong Kong
Keep in Mind...
- Not just a cityHong Kong is, in fact, a territory made of numerous islands and a peninsula. You'll spend most of your time on Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, andLantau Island.
- Get out of townWhile most people only picture Hong Kong as an urban destination, there are gorgeous seaside parks for you to explore. And with Hong Kong's sophisticated public transit system, you can get out of the city in no time.
- HKTB is your new BFFHKTB stands for the Hong Kong Tourism Board, an invaluable resource for before and after you've arrived. Stop by the HKTB centers in the airport or in the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry concourse for free information and helpful tips.
How To Save Money in Hong Kong
- Take the tramPublic transportation is already dirt cheap, but if you are counting your pennies, take the tram when on Hong Kong Island. It only costs $2 HKD (less than $0.30 USD).
- Book your room earlyWhile Hong Kong's attractions and transportation are very affordable, the hotel room rates can be exorbitant. Book early and don't be afraid to stay a little farther from downtown, as long as you're near an MRT station.
- Head to the food courtSit-down meals can cost you a pretty penny in tourist areas, but you can usually find inexpensive options in nearby food courts.
Hong Kong Culture & Customs
Since its reunification in 1997, Hong Kong maintains a complex relationship with mother China. The former British colony continues to operate under a capitalist economy (despite China's communist ways), to have its own currency (the Hong Kong Dollar), and to create new laws. And due to Hong Kong's multicultural population and heritage, the official languages here are Cantonese and English, not Mandarin. American travelers who have visited other Chinese cities like Beijing will notice a much stronger Western influence in the urban landscape, array of food choices, social practices (like greeting with a handshake), and more English speakers. These familiar aspects and the ease of getting around greatly reduce the culture shock that usually visitors experience upon entering China.
You should note that, while it is slightly stronger than the Chinese Renminbi (CNY), the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is still weaker than the United States Dollar (USD). One HKD is equivalent to about $0.12 USD.
Best Times to Visit Hong Kong
he best time to visit Hong Kong is between October and December. This period boasts comfortable temperatures and reasonable room rates. After New Years, tourism picks up significantly, despite the falling temps, and leads to higher hotel prices and more crowds. Another sweet spot for affordable travel is the short spring. And while summer remains a popular tourist time, the weather can be stiflingly hot and humid. To protect your wallet, avoid Chinese national holidays and large conventions, when hotel prices soar. Check out the Hong Kong Tourism Board's city calendar for updated information.
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October-December
*Best Time to VIsit
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Hong Kong will have just recovered from a long, hot summer and
maybe even a typhoon. But don't worry: The city's pace never slows down. And
from October to December, you'll enjoy daytime temps in the 70s with below-average
room rates. However, steer clear of the first week of October, when millions
of mainland Chinese tourists flood the city during this national holiday.
Key Events:
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January-March
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While cool temperatures will discourage some travelers, others
(particularly Chinese tourists) will flock to Hong Kong for the holidays.
Note that hotels will bump up the rates around the two New Year's
celebrations. Temps usually stay in the 60s and low 70s during the day.
Key Events:
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April-May
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For travelers wishing to avoid both winter's climate and
summer's humidity, spring is an exceptional time to visit. But note that your
pictures from Victoria Peak may
not come out perfectly as fog and rain can sweep over the harbor. At this
time, room rates are manageable, unless you hit the tourist wave that
accompanies the national holidays. The first week in May is one of these
no-go periods.
Key Events:
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June-September
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In the summer, Hong Kong is hot, muggy, and typhoon-prone. The
summer weather doesn't dissuade travelers and depress hotel rates like it
once did. So if you are looking for a bargain (or some dry weather), look
elsewhere.
Key Events:
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