SIM / eSIM & Wi‑Fi
- Prepaid SIMs at the airport, convenience stores and carrier shops; travel eSIMs can be installed before you fly.
- Compare data volume, validity days and whether hotspot tethering is allowed.
- Wi‑Fi.HK is a free public Wi‑Fi programme — coverage varies; avoid sensitive banking on open networks.
- Some MTR/mall hotspots exist; still keep mobile data for reliability.
Money & ATMs
- Currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), pegged to the US dollar.
- Cards work in malls and most restaurants; market stalls may want cash or Octopus.
- At ATMs, choose to be charged in HKD and decline DCC when offered.
- Octopus covers small purchases; leftover-value refunds follow official fees/rules.
Plugs & power
Power is ~220V with UK-style three-pin plugs (BS 1363). Bring a suitable adaptor; check your USB chargers support the voltage.
Tipping & service
Many sit-down restaurants already add ~10% service charge — extra tipping is optional. Street stalls usually need none. Taxi rounding is optional, not required.
Safety
- Generally safe for visitors; still watch pickpockets in markets and keep bags forward.
- Mind trams and traffic direction when crossing.
- Emergency number: 999.
- Follow Hong Kong Observatory warnings in typhoons/rainstorms; at Signal No. 8 much outdoor activity stops.
Useful apps
- MTR / Citymapper / Google Maps for routing
- OpenRice for restaurant reviews and some bookings
- Hong Kong Observatory for weather and tropical cyclones
- Octopus app if you use mobile Octopus (device-dependent)
Customs & entry — official links
Visa/entry: Immigration Department (ImmD). Controlled items and passenger baggage: Hong Kong Customs. Tourism facts: Discover Hong Kong.