Recently, I took a trip to Hong Kong and there were a few things I would have liked to know about before going:

  1. 1The MTR (Main trains) are fantastic, and fairly cheap. The Hong Kong dollar is about about $7 HKD to 1 USD and many of the rides that you’ll need are around $15HKD each. What you’ll need to do is to get an Octopus card (It’s a value store system) at the airport after you leave customs. (Along with a SIM card) Make sure to put at least $250 on the card so that you can leave the airport express train.

  2. You have to wave down the bus that you intend to get on.

  3. Most places accept Visa cards, this is good, but make sure to bring cash.

  4. The food in Hong Kong is fantastic, and comparatively cheap. (You can get out of Bread Street by Gordon Ramsey paying less than 100$ USD.)

  5. See the Tian Tan Buddha on top of Nong Ping. Also, if you have the money, get the clear bottom cable cars. They tend to have less of a line to get on.

  6. Go to the markets and haggle. Never use your CC and bring a diverse amount of bills. Most of the places will give you a price and another “special price.” Always make sure that you counter, and meet in the middle. If you’re looking to buy multiple items, settle on a low single unit price, then ask for a discount for multiple. See the Youtuber Colin Abroadcast for examples on some of the bargaining.

  7. Stay in Kowloon. There’s no need to be in Hong Kong City. The train runs all night and it’s very fast.

  8. Connecting through the airport: The airport is a pretty efficient airport for transferring you though. Getting through security shouldn’t be a problem. (There is a special area for transiting and you don’t have to go through customs if you’re flying from one country to another in the airport).

  9. See the Peak Tram/Victorias Peak. But check before hand on the best times to go. This can be a very busy place.