things to know for your first trip to hong kong
In order to understand Hong Kong, you need to know some of its history. United Kingdom had a 99 year lease with Hong Kong, then in 1997 the port was handed back to China. Hong Kong’s charm is still found in the connection of Chinese and British cultures. Hong Kong is perhaps well known for its world-famous cuisine and dynamic street markets and though it is a hub for expats, Hong Kong remains true to its Cantonese heritage.
Having spent my childhood life in Hong Kong, I feel it is right for me to promote this beautiful and distinct city. To really understand this Cantonese culture, you have to explore more than just the heart of the city and explore the outlying islands, New Territories, and the surrounding fishing villages. To help you get the most out of your trip to Hong Kong I have gathered a few tips for an insiders guide to the city
Some basic tips
Hong Kong is a bilingual city with two official languages, English and Chinese (Cantonese). Majority of the people will speak English and all street signs are bilingual.
Public transportation is very well maintained, clean and efficient.
The local currency is Hong Kong dollar. Most places accept Visa and Mastercards, there are banks and ATM machines pretty much everywhere.
You walk on the left and stand to the right. Because of its tight spaces anywhere there is a walkway, especially on escalators you must stand to the right and let people pass you.
It is okay to wave your hand at a waiter/ waitress for the bill or even call out and say ‘Mm goi’ (excuse me).
Majority of Hong Kong is like the tropics, with so many places to explore, hike, waterfalls, beaches, national parks and mountains.
Hong Kong island is only 1 of more than 250 islands that make up Hong Kong, which many of them uninhabited, escaping the main city’s hustle and bustle is much easier than you would imagine.
Carry a cardigan/ light jacket at all times. Hong Kong is very humid, almost all year round. So most indoor places are heavily air-conditioned. Including the metro system, all indoor spaces are freezing.
Carry cash - In many ways Hong Kong is an advanced city, but a surprising number of cafes or transit options don’t take credit cards. Most taxis will require cash payment.
Tips for families
Car seats are not required in taxis.
Narrow, uneven pavement makes using a stroller difficult in some areas and having to lift in an MTR station or up the hills can be difficult. Baby wearing will be easier for those traveling with babies or small toddlers.
Take the star ferry from Hong Kong to Kowloon than the MTR - depending on how far you have to walk to the ferry terminals, it can be faster and more fun for the kids!
Take a walk from Central to Admiralty, through the park where the kids get to see turtles and koi fish.
Watch the free symphony of lights show that runs every night at 8pm, The IFCS terraces on Podium 3 and 4 is a good open area for families.
Eat character dim sum at Yum Cha’s central location - kids will love all the cute animal shaped dim sum options.
Helpful Cantonese phrases
Zou san - Good morning
Mm goi - is a versatile word meaning “please”, “excuse me” or “thank you”, depending on the context. You can ask someone a question by starting with a “mm goi”, say “mm goi” when you leave the cab or “mm goi” to when you ask where to drive you to.
Mo man tai - No problem! It is a good response to “mm goi”(thank you) which would respond with “you’re welcome”
Mai dan - the bill please! when you are ready to pay, simply wave at a waiter and say “mai dan, mm goi”
Qi sor hai bin dou? - where is the restroom?
Gey do chin? - How much is this?
getting around
First, buy an Octopus card, it will come in handy when getting around as it can be used on all public transit, some cabs, convenience stores, and even at some coffee shops.
Public transit is super efficient, clean, and affordable. Uber and taxis are both available and the prices are also quite affordable compared to other cities.
The Star Ferry is a fun and very cheap ride to get across the Victoria Harbour. The tram is also another option to experience a historic way of transiting and only costs about 30 hong kong cents per journey (kids love these rides).
weather
Many people seem to believe Hong Kong is hot all year round, however it has 4 seasons. It gets fairly cold during the winter months, below 10 degrees celsius, and the summers are very hot with temperatures ranging around the mid 30 degrees celsius. The ideal travel season is late autumn to early spring, from October - March when the weather is relatively more pleasant and less humid.
Eat like a local
When it comes to eating you will not be disappointed with the array of choices from cheap and happy meals to Michelin-starred restaurants. Did you know Hong Kong has one of the world’s highest density of restaurants in the world?
Also when someone serves you tea, it is common to tap two fingers (pointer and middle finger) on the table as a thank you (local tea etiquette). It is kind gesture when you are chatting and don’t want to interrupt the conversation, of when your mouth is full - just tap.
When your teapot needs refilling at dim sum, turn the lid upside down or place it on top of the handle (the waiters know and will refill it for you). And do not stick chopsticks vertically into your bowl of rice, as it is associated with funerals.
things to do
Book a foot massage - Foot reflexology is a common practice in Hong Kong. They believe that the foot has ‘reflex’ points that represents your organs and glands. Massaging those points should improve the corresponding body parts, improve your overall wellness, and restore balance. Foot massage parlors can be found pretty easily and for inexpensive amounts.
Go on a hike - To many Hong Kong might seem like a concrete jungle but it really is not. There are so many accessible hiking trails all over the island, Kowloon and the New territories. Probably one of the most popular to tourists would be The Peak trail. For a more local experience, I would recommend taking a ferry/boat ride to one of the islands and exploring the trails there.
Explore the many outlying islands - There is so much more to Hong Kong than ‘Central’. During my childhood we visited Lamma island often and it is very child friendly, there are bikes that you can rent out to go around the island, beaches, outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Eat at Tsui Wah - one of the most popular places during the after hours is Tsui Wah. Founded in 1967, this famous local dining brand has branches all over the city. It provides classic Cantonese comfort foods like wonton noodles, fried rice, buns, milk tea, toast drenched in condensed milk. If you are jet lagged with your family and happen to be roaming around late at night, this would be a great spot to experience local food and culture.
Head to the rooftops - Hong Kong is a forest of high-density skyscrapers and LED lights, and is famous for it’s skyline. There are many rooftop bars or even restaurants you can enjoy the skyline from such as Harbourside Grill, Popinjays, Sugar, Skye and many more.
Hong Kong truly is a mixed culture and there is so much to do for everyone, you will never be out of things to do. Has Hong Kong been on your bucket list? Now might be the perfect time to visit!
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