East Asia
Hong Kong
Dense, safe and efficient, with superb transit, dim sum and big hikes minutes from skyscrapers. Expensive rooms, cramped space and security laws that curb political speech are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travel · varies by region
- Visa147 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyHKDUS$1 ≈ HK$7.85Details
- Price level71%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType G220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · Tourist police +852 2508 1234 · All emergencies 999
- Tap waterFilter or boilMeets WHO standards at the mains, but old building pipes vary, so locals boil it.
- LGBTQ+LegalTolerant but low-key, with gay bars in Central and Sheung Wan.
- Internet362 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 89 Mbps
- DrivingOn the leftVisitors can drive for up to 12 months with a valid home licence or IDP.
Where to go in Hong Kong
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong KongCity | 5/5 | $3,190–5,100 | Mar, Oct–Dec | 12/100 |
When to visit Hong Kong
Oct–Dec is sunny, dry and mild; Mar–Apr is warm but humid and foggy. May–Sep is hot, wet typhoon season; Jan–Feb can be cool.
Good to know
Entry
- Hong Kong runs its own immigration; a mainland China visa or visa-free stay doesn't cover it, and vice versa.
- Keep the paper landing slip handed out on arrival; it is the proof of entry instead of a passport stamp.
- Bringing e-cigarettes or heated tobacco into Hong Kong is illegal, even for personal use.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking is banned indoors and in parks, beaches, transit stops and queues; fixed fines apply.
- Seditious speech or publications, including online posts, can lead to arrest under 2024 law.
- No eating or drinking on MTR trains or in paid areas; fines apply.
Etiquette
- Stand right on escalators and let people pass on the left.
- Share tables at busy dim sum places and cha chaan teng without fuss.
- Avoid political chants, slogans or symbols in public.
Tipping
Restaurants add a 10% service charge; leave coins in taxis and tip hotel porters a little.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Immigration Department
- Hong Kong Observatory
- MTR Corporation
- Speedtest Global Index: Hong Kong
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.