Saily eSIM for Hong Kong
Skip roaming fees with Saily, our partner eSIM provider. Use code ATOBEACH for 10% off.
Plans start at $3.59 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.
Activates when you land 200+ destinations Code ATOBEACH at checkout
5,980 mi away
£1 HK$10.68
Today
6:28 pm
+8h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
24°
Heavy rain
Sat
22°
24°
Sun
22°
25°
Mon
22°
27°
Tue
22°
28°
Wed
24°
28°
Thu
25°
29°
Fri
25°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Hong Kong
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least one month after the date you plan to leave Hong Kong.
You can visit Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa.
If you are coming from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a certificate proving you have had a yellow fever vaccination to enter.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering Hong Kong.
It is illegal for visitors arriving at Hong Kong International Airport to carry items including knives, stun guns, objects with sharp points or edges, or martial arts equipment.
Good to know:
Do not attempt to bring e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, or related devices into Hong Kong, including in personal luggage.
It is illegal to bring any cannabis products, including CBD items such as oils, creams, capsules, or food products, into Hong Kong.
Safety in Hong Kong
Tips when travelling
Hong Kong is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Violent crime is low but pickpocketing can happen, so take extra care of your passport and money in crowded areas.
Personal attacks, including by drink spiking, can occur, so do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
You can get on-the-spot fines for littering, jay walking or spitting in public places.
It is illegal to import elephant ivory souvenirs, and you could get a fine or prison sentence for doing so.
All cannabis products, including CBD items like oils and creams, are illegal in Hong Kong and possession can lead to a severe prison sentence.
Bonus tips:
You can drive in Hong Kong with a valid UK driving licence for up to 12 months.
Car hire companies often have stricter requirements like a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age, so check with them before you travel.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
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%
Health 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.
No vaccinations required
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.
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
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.
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
50GB for 168 HKD (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Hong Kong
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G, Type D, Type M
No UK adapter needed
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Hong Kong
Country code
+852
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.
Languages in Hong Kong
UK Embassy
British Consulate-General Hong Kong
No. 1 Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Hong Kong
Beaches in Hong Kong
Frequently asked questions
British Citizens can usually enter Hong Kong without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 6 months. Make sure your passport is valid for at least one month beyond your stay. Check the latest entry requirements on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website before you travel.
Hong Kong is generally a very safe city with a low crime rate. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, so be vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Public demonstrations can occur, so it's wise to avoid large gatherings.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is during the autumn months (October to December) when the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Spring (March to May) is also a good time to visit, but it can be more humid. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with a risk of typhoons.
Hong Kong is a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Avoid pointing with your chopsticks or sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, as this is considered bad luck. Tipping is not customary in Hong Kong, although a 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills. Be respectful of elders, and avoid loud or aggressive behavior.
Hong Kong has an excellent public transportation system. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses, trams (especially on Hong Kong Island), and taxis are also readily available. The Octopus card is a stored-value card that can be used on most forms of public transport.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers who approach you offering unsolicited services or tours. 'Lucky draw' and 'herbal medicine' scams are common. Always use official taxis or ride-sharing apps. Always agree on a price before accepting a service.
Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise. Try dim sum, wonton noodles, roast goose, and egg tarts. Visit local tea houses (cha chaan tengs) for a taste of local cuisine. Be adventurous and sample street food, but ensure the vendor is reputable. The legal drinking age is 18.
There are no strict dress codes in Hong Kong, but dressing modestly is appreciated when visiting temples or religious sites. During the humid summer months, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. Business attire is generally smart casual.
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.