Hong Kong travel tips you should know
Thank you to Eliza Brooks <eliza@linkbytes.net> for this guest blog. She is a recent graduate, marketing intern, passionate blogger and frequent traveler. This is her third post at Easy Hong Kong Private Tour blog! If you are interested in writing a guest blog for Easy Hong Kong Private Tour, please email us.
Hong Kong is an island city that is a mix of the old and new.
It has many things to offer visitors, including beautiful beaches, world-class shopping, amazing food, and great scenery. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, Hong Kong will not disappoint! To make your visit easier we have compiled 7 must-know travel tips for Hong Kong.
1.Book Your Accommodation In Advance
Hong Kong is a densely populated city, so it can be difficult to find accommodation especially during the normal high season. Booking your hotel in advance will give you the best chance of finding a great price.
It also means that if there are any changes to flights or other plans, it is easier to make adjustments without rushing and feeling panicked when you arrive at your destination.
In case of car breakdown, It is always better to call a professional towing service company. For emergencies, you can also carry Spare tire, jack, wrench, Best drop hitch…etc
Most of Frank’s clients are from which hotels? (from 2012)
For how to choose your hotels in Hong Kong, please browse Frank’s blog posts.
2.Get An Octopus Card
In Hong Kong, you will use your Octopus Card more than any other form of transport.
The card can be used as a public transit pass, and it is also accepted by stores in the city for payment.
You need to load money onto your card before using it but this simply requires going online or visiting an ATM at one of the many convenient locations in Hong Kong.
The card can be reloaded at any time so you don’t have to worry about running out of money on your trip, and it is also one way to keep track of how much spending cash you will need for the duration of your visit.
Hong Kong’s public transit system includes an extensive MTR network, which runs trains, buses, and ferries.
If you use an Octopus Card for your transport needs then there is no need to worry about paying cash fares at the stations or on-board public transit vehicles as long as the card has sufficient balance.
If you are taking a taxi in Hong Kong it’s important to make sure that your Octopus Card has enough balance to cover the cost of your ride. If you are unsure about how much is left on your card, just ask the taxi driver before getting in and they will be happy to help.
3.Shop Smartly
Hong Kong has something for everyone when it comes to shopping. Whether you are looking for luxury items, streetwear or souvenirs there is no shortage of places to find what you need.
Ladies can head over to the likes of Lane Crawford and SOGO while guys will enjoy visiting Joyce Place Shopping Arcade or Pacific Place.
Shopping is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong and there are many ways that you can save money while doing it. From buying streetwear at bargain prices to shopping online for luxury items, or taking advantage of sales events like Black Friday, you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs without spending too much.
In addition to saving on retail prices, you can also save money by eating in restaurants. To do this just choose restaurants with reasonable prices instead of opting for the expensive ones and always check if they have a lunch special or other offers that deal with food.
4.Try To Use Airport Express Train
If you are an international visitor arriving in Hong Kong it is worth considering taking the Airport Express train from the airport.
By <a href=”//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:LN9267&action=edit&redlink=1″ class=”new” title=”User:LN9267 (page does not exist)”>LN9267</a> – <span class=”int-own-work” lang=”en”>Own work</span>, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
If this isn’t possible and you need to take a taxi, then make sure that your Octopus Card has sufficient balance for your ride, or else you will be stuck paying cash fares at the station upon arrival.
The Airport Express train is a fast and reliable way to travel into the city, but you should be aware that it does not stop at all stations. If you have luggage with you then ensure that your bag can fit in the overhead lockers provided by MTR or else other passengers may helpfully offer some assistance.
By <a href=”//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:LN9267&action=edit&redlink=1″ class=”new” title=”User:LN9267 (page does not exist)”>LN9267</a> – <span class=”int-own-work” lang=”en”>Own work</span>, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
The Airport Express Train has designated departure times so please check the timetable before you travel, and make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled departure.
The Airport Express Train fare from Kowloon or Hong Kong International Airport to Central is HK$180 for adults (18-64) and $90 for children (0-17). If you are traveling with a child under 12 then you need to purchase a child ticket and also pay the same fare as an adult for their luggage.
If you want to get the private tour with airport pick up or transfer to airport, you may consider the easy Lantau Island private tour options.
Lantau Island Big Buddha private car tour
Private car tour for Lantau Island Big Buddha with Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride. Tour programme includes…
- English / Mandarin / Cantonese speaking private tour guide service
- Transfer to Lantau Island by private 8-seater limousine with driver
- One-way Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride tickets (normal cabin)
- Private Lantau taxi ride
- Transfer back to the city by private 8-seater limousine with driver
Hong Kong Lantau Island full day private car tour
Full day private car tour for Hong Kong and Lantau Island, which covers the Peak and Big Buddha with lunch. Tour programme includes…
- English / Mandarin / Cantonese speaking private tour guide service
- Air-conditioned 8-seater car with driver
- One-way Ngong Ping Cable Car normal cabin ride
- One-way Lantau taxi ride
- Local dim sum lunch
5.Download The Hong Kong Taxi Cards App
One of the best ways to save money on taxis in Hong Kong is by downloading the Taxi Cards App. This app provides users with a variety of options when they need to book a taxi and saves them from paying cash fares at the station or needing to ask for help from other passengers when it comes time to pay.
The app also has links to a variety of discount offers and deals, so users can save money on their taxi fares as well as other travel-related expenses.
To use the app you just need to type in where you want to go and then choose how many people are traveling with you. You will be shown your price range according to distance traveled or time taken for the trip, and can then confirm your booking.
When it comes time to pay you will be able to either use cash or the app, but you’ll have to decide beforehand which one is best for you.
6.Don’t Keep All Your IDs At One Place
It is recommended that you don’t keep all your identification in one place but rather spread them out in different areas so they are harder to find. This includes keeping an ID card with a photograph and name on it as well as photocopies of this document to carry around and show when requested by the authorities.
When traveling internationally it is best to carry a photocopy of your passport with you as well and store the original copy in one place that is not easily accessible.
This will make it easier for you when traveling so long as no one finds out where your originals are stored.
In addition to an ID card, it’s also recommended that travelers keep their most important documents on their person at all times. This includes passports, photocopies of their passport, and other important documents like flight tickets or boarding passes.
7.Learn A Few Cantonese Phrases
If you are going to be traveling in Hong Kong, then it might be a good idea for you to learn some Cantonese phrases so that locals can communicate with you. This way they are more likely to help if needed and your trip will go much smoother overall.
One of the most important words that travelers should know is “thank you” (do1多ze6謝). This is a polite way of thanking people for any help they might provide you with. If someone helps, then show your gratitude by saying “thank you” and following it up with the words: “you are welcome”.
A lot of clients say “thank you” (do1多ze6謝) to Frank the tour guide after the good private tour service through writing review.
5 :”He was very professional and attentive to our needs…”
Marjorie Risinger (Toursbylocals) from the US |
3 Nov 2016 |
5 Review: Frank met us right on time in a very confusing terminal. He was very professional and attentive to our needs. When the crowds were too much he offered us alternatives, such as riding the Sampans instead of taking the tram down from the Peak. We felt that we had a good overview of Hong Kong and he helped us plan our next day when we were on our own. Thank you Frank. (Browse private tour page) |
Frank’s response: Thank you very much, Marjorie! During the Hong Kong & Lantau Island full day limousine private tour, your private guide and private car with driver can help you to dodge the crowd easily at the remote Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Then you tour the most famous sightseeing points of Hong Kong, Victoria Peak and Big Buddha, in just one day enjoyably. (Message Frank to plan YOUR private tour) |
Hong Kong is a stunning and exciting place to visit. However, it can be difficult for people who have never been there before or don’t speak the language well. Our blog post has highlighted 7 must-know travel tips that will help you navigate this amazing city with ease! Remember them all so next time you find yourself in Hong Kong, your stay will be filled with fun memories of exploring one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.
Of course you can book fully vaccinated Frank the tour guide’s easy Hong Kong private tour by private car to go sightseeing easily.
For further questions, please contact Frank the tour guide
This is a guest post of another blogger. If you are interested in writing a guest blog for Easy Hong Kong Private Tour, please email us.