£1 HK$10.50
Today
11:57 am
+8h from you
Weather in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
30°
Fog
Wed
20
30
Thu
22
26
Fri
22
27
Sat
22
26
Sun
23
27
SPF level in Hong Kong
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Hong Kong
Tipping in Hong Kong
Tipping is not as widespread in Hong Kong as it is in some Western countries, but it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service. Some restaurants may include a 10% service charge.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
HKD 10-20 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
HKD 20-50 per night, depending on service.
Tour Guide
HKD 50-100 per person, depending on the tour and service.
Safety in Hong Kong
Tips for British travellers
Hong Kong is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas so take extra care of your passport, credit cards and money.
Do not leave drinks unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers to avoid the risk of drink spiking.
You can be fined on the spot for littering, jay walking or spitting in public.
It is illegal to import or re-export elephant ivory products, and you could face a fine or prison sentence.
Possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties of a long jail sentence and heavy fines.
Bonus tips:
When hiking in country parks, stay on marked trails and do not carry valuables.
If you plan to hire a car, check the company's requirements as they often need more experience, a higher age, and an international driving permit.
Driving in Hong Kong
UK driving licenses are valid for 12 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Hong Kong
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G, Type D, Type M
UK adapter needed?
No
The standard voltage in Hong Kong is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Plug types G, D, and M are used. UK travelers will not need an adapter as Type G plugs are compatible, but Types D and M will require one.
Cards & payments
High in major establishments, but smaller shops may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Hong Kong
High
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are widely available throughout Hong Kong, especially in urban areas and shopping districts. Most ATMs accept international cards. Chip and PIN is generally required.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your provider for roaming charges in Hong Kong. Purchasing a local SIM card may be more cost-effective.
Local SIM data package
50GB for 168 HKD (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
CSL, SmarTone, 3 Hong Kong
WiFi & internet
Very High
Average speed
100 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in Hong Kong, especially in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls. Many public areas also offer free WiFi. The Hong Kong government provides free WiFi hotspots throughout the city.
Health & vaccinations in Hong Kong
As a British tourist, you will need travel insurance to cover healthcare costs in Hong Kong. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in Hong Kong.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
It is advisable to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
Medical facilities in Hong Kong are generally excellent, but can be expensive. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if preferred. Be mindful of food hygiene and avoid street food from unreliable vendors. Air pollution can be a concern; check daily pollution levels and take precautions if necessary.
Calling Hong Kong
Country code
+852
00 852 followed by the Hong Kong number.
To call the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong from the UK, you would dial 00 852 2901 3000.
To call Hong Kong from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 852 (Hong Kong's country code), followed by the local Hong Kong number. Hong Kong numbers are generally 8 digits long.
UK Embassy in Hong Kong
British Consulate-General Hong Kong
No. 1 Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong
Airport in Hong Kong
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.