For travelers and visitors would opt for credit cards to do the thing. Hong Kong has ATM locations that are growing abundantly in major cities. Credit cards like JCB, Visa, Diners Club, American Express and MasterCard are gaining popularity in China. And can be easily used anywhere from hotels to department stores however, it cannot be used to pay for your transportation fares. So have your travelers’ checks and cash handy. Be careful with counterfeit notes make sure to examine large denomination notes if given as a change from street vendors.

Currency

NameHong Kong Dollar
SymbolHK$

Notes are issued in denominations – HK$ 1,000.00 is colored yellow/gold, HK$ 500 colored brown, HK$ 100 is colored red, HK$ 50 is colored green, HK$ 20 is blue and HK$ 10 is colored purple and rose. The purple colored plastic note of HK$ 10.00 was re – introduced by the government last 2003 together with a new Dutch design when the government realized that the people was hoarding the suspended green colored HK$ 10 notes and using it for New Year’s laisee packets. Except for the HK$ 10 notes, all other HK$ notes are issued by these three banks: Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China and HSBC.

There are also the copper coins that are worth HK$ 0.50, HK$ 0.10 and HK$ 0.20, the silver – colored coins are worth HK$ 5, HK$ 2 and HK$ 1 and of course the HK$ 10 nickel and bronze coin.

Changing your money

Avoid the exchange counters located in Hong Kong airport; they have the worst rates in the whole region. But those rates that are offered at hotels are much better. Also, those licensed money changers like Chequepoint are profuse in tourist zones like Shun Tak Centre and Tsim Sha Tsui and also at the location where ferries would depart for Macau. These money changers are convenient since they are open even at late hours as well as on Sundays and holidays and also they take no commission by itself. Their rates are posted on their boards. Prior to the actual exchange, you are given a form by the moneychangers in order for you to affix your signature that you receive the exact amount due. Those moneychangers located on the Chungking Mansions at the ground floor that is on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui offers good exchange rates.

Money Tips

Nothing can beat a cold cash for handiness however, it is still recommended to explore and travel having just enough of it on your pocket. Usually, bank offers the most excellent rates especially Hang Seng Bank, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank but it would charge HK$ 50 for a service charge per transaction for non – account holders. And the exchange rates will pick up if you exchange your more than a few hundred US dollars. Usually, the most accepted credit cards in the region are the following: MasterCard, Diners Club, Visa, JCB, American Express (AmEx). But some shops offer a 5% discount if you pay it on cash.

Sample Price Guide

Average Room Prices

Average Meal Prices

Tipping

Hong Kong is not really a tip – conscious region. However, you can add a few extras like those with taxi drivers, you can round up the fare; with hotel staffs, you may tip HK$ 10 at the least; if you make use of porter services at the airport, more or less tip them HK$ 2 a piece of suitcase.

Hong Kong’s major restaurants and hotels have already added a 10% service fee to your bill. So before you tip, check on any hidden extras. Some hotels would charge about HK$3 – HK$5 for local calls when at some hotels offers free calling all throughout the whole territory. Also, always check on your restaurant bills since they almost always get the bill wrong.