Quick Guide

Typhoons are no laughing matter in Hong Kong; the rainy season, which runs from May to September, tends to see plenty of downpours, plus high heat and humidity. October through December tend to be comparably cool and dry, while January and February can get chilly at night.

Visas

Hong Kong allows travelers from the United States to stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Be sure to bring a passport with at least six months validity and at least one blank page.

Money

Hong Kong dollars are the accepted currency here and ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. International credit cards are widely accepted, although it’s wise to carry cash if you’re hitting the markets in Kowloon.

Travel Health

Check with the Hong Kong Tourism Commission for the latest health and safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Fly into Hong Kong International Airport.

Getting Around

Hong Kong’s efficient Airport Express trains make getting onto Hong Kong Island a breeze. Once there, the MTR, or subway system, is a safe, affordable way to get just about anywhere. For a more scenic journey, try one of the city’s double-decker buses or city trams, known to locals as “ding dings.” A ride on the Star Ferry is both a practical way of crossing Victoria Harbour and a great photo op. Taxis and Ubers are also available and reasonably priced.

Local Lingo

Mandarin may be widely understood and taught in schools, but Cantonese is still very much spoken here. English will generally get you where you need to go, particularly in expat-heavy Central. Still, it’s helpful to have the written address of your destination handy if taking taxis.

Must-Have Apps

Hong Kong Taxi Cards; MTR Mobile; OpenRice

Insider Tip

Hong Kong might be a concrete jungle, but it’s also a very literal jungle. For one of the most densely populated metropolises in the world, it offers easy access to lush forests and lots of scenic hikes. Pack comfy shoes and hit the trails for a break from all the fast-paced action.

Typhoons are no laughing matter in Hong Kong; the rainy season, which runs from May to September, tends to see plenty of downpours, plus high heat and humidity. October through December tend to be comparably cool and dry, while January and February can get chilly at night.

Visas

Hong Kong allows travelers from the United States to stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Be sure to bring a passport with at least six months validity and at least one blank page.

Money

Hong Kong dollars are the accepted currency here and ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. International credit cards are widely accepted, although it’s wise to carry cash if you’re hitting the markets in Kowloon.

Travel Health

Check with the Hong Kong Tourism Commission for the latest health and safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Fly into Hong Kong International Airport.

Getting Around

Hong Kong’s efficient Airport Express trains make getting onto Hong Kong Island a breeze. Once there, the MTR, or subway system, is a safe, affordable way to get just about anywhere. For a more scenic journey, try one of the city’s double-decker buses or city trams, known to locals as “ding dings.” A ride on the Star Ferry is both a practical way of crossing Victoria Harbour and a great photo op. Taxis and Ubers are also available and reasonably priced.

Local Lingo

Mandarin may be widely understood and taught in schools, but Cantonese is still very much spoken here. English will generally get you where you need to go, particularly in expat-heavy Central. Still, it’s helpful to have the written address of your destination handy if taking taxis.

Must-Have Apps

Hong Kong Taxi Cards; MTR Mobile; OpenRice

Insider Tip

Hong Kong might be a concrete jungle, but it’s also a very literal jungle. For one of the most densely populated metropolises in the world, it offers easy access to lush forests and lots of scenic hikes. Pack comfy shoes and hit the trails for a break from all the fast-paced action.