Group trips to Hong Kong

Find out the entry requirements for Hong Kong, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Hong Kong – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Hong Kong is in the Hong Kong Standard Time (HKT) zone, which is UTC+8. Hong Kong does not observe daylight saving time. So, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 8pm in Hong Kong. For the USA, if it is 12pm on the East Coast, it will be 1am the next day in Hong Kong. Keep this in mind when planning calls or meetings.

The currency used in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). As of the latest exchange rates:

• 1 GBP is approximately 9.6 HKD
• 1 USD is about 7.8 HKD
• 1 EUR is around 8.4 HKD

You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange counters at the airport, or in popular areas like Central or Tsim Sha Tsui. Always compare rates to get the best deal.

In Hong Kong, you have a variety of payment options. Cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used, especially Visa and Mastercard. Mobile payment options like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Apple Pay are popular too. For convenience, consider getting an Octopus card, which is a prepaid card you can use for public transport, shopping, and dining. Make sure your bank cards have international access, and be aware there might be foreign transaction fees depending on your bank.

Tipping in Hong Kong is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. Most restaurants will add a 10 percent service charge to your bill, so check if this is included before leaving an additional tip. If you receive excellent service, you might want to leave some extra change or round up the bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common. In hotels, you can tip porters around 10 to 20 HKD for handling your bags. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion based on the service you receive.

In Hong Kong, Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas, with most hotels, cafes, and shopping centers offering free access. However, for reliable internet on the go, consider buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include:

• CSL
• SmarTone
• China Mobile

These options give you good coverage and data speeds. Make sure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a SIM card, and you can easily buy one at the airport or in convenience stores around the city.

In Hong Kong, the official languages are Chinese and English. Many locals speak Cantonese, a Chinese dialect, and you'll find English widely used, especially in business and tourism. Here are some useful Cantonese phrases you might hear or use:

• Hello: Néih hóu
• Thank you: M̀hgōi (for service) or Dōjeh (for gifts)
• Yes: Hai
• No: M̀h hai

In Hong Kong, the plugs are type G, which are the same as those used in the UK. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you are coming from a country that uses a different plug type, we recommend you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any hassle.

The main religion in Hong Kong is a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with a significant number of people also practicing Christianity. Religious freedom is respected, so you'll find a variety of religious practices and places of worship.

Important religious holidays include:

• Buddha's Birthday
• Chinese New Year

These are celebrated with vibrant festivals and events across the city. Keep in mind that Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city, so you'll see a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles coexisting.

For your trip to Hong Kong, it's smart to be prepared with a well-organized backpack. Here's a handy list of essentials:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts
  • Comfortable pants or shorts
  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
  • Umbrella or raincoat (it can be rainy)
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals or flip-flops for casual outings
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Portable charger
  • Power adapter (Hong Kong uses type G plugs, 220V, 50Hz)
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Travel-sized toiletries
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Common travel medication like pain relievers or motion sickness pills

Hong Kong's climate can be humid, so breathable fabrics are great. Stay comfy and enjoy exploring!

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons, so the weather varies throughout the year:

• Spring (March to May): Mild and humid with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 26°C. Light rain is common.
• Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures between 26°C and 31°C. Expect heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons.
• Autumn (September to November): Pleasant and dry, with temperatures from 19°C to 28°C. This is the best time to visit.
• Winter (December to February): Cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. It can feel chilly due to the humidity.

For the most comfortable experience, consider visiting in autumn, when the weather is most pleasant.