Save big in HongKong is noteworthy. Hongkong officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta in South China. With 7.5 million residents of various nationalities in a 1,104-square-kilometre (426 sq mi) territory, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Hong Kong is also a major global financial centre and one of the most developed cities in the world.
How to reach Hongkong?
There are several options to reach Hong Kong from the US:
- Fly Direct: Many airlines, including Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, and American Airlines, offer direct flights from major US cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to Hong Kong.
- Connect in Another City: You can also fly to Hong Kong via connecting flights through other cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei. This option may be more cost-effective, but it will take longer to reach your destination.
- Cruise: Some cruise lines offer itineraries that include Hong Kong as a port of call. This can be a great way to combine a visit to Hong Kong with other destinations in Asia.
- Private Jet: If you prefer a more luxurious and customized travel experience, you can consider chartering a private jet to Hong Kong.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to check visa requirements and travel advisories before making any travel plans to Hong Kong.
Save Big in HongKong
Despite being Asia’s financial capital, there are plenty of ways visitors can save money when visiting Hong Kong. With a strong economy and ultra-modern metropolis, this bustling series of islands are notorious for destroying visitors’ budgets. From excessively expensive accommodations to diverse tourist traps, there are plenty of things frugal travelers need to look out for. Fortunately, even though Hong Kong is a financial powerhouse this city is still well-worth visiting. Its epic skyline and illustrious culture are vibrant enough to seduce the most skeptical tourist.
Armed with the right information, Hong Kong can be visited without breaking the bank. By utilizing a few proven tips, visitors can avoid many of the financial pitfalls that entrap most tourists. Hong Kong is too enticing to miss, which is why they don’t hesitate to maintain high living costs. Even though it’s one of the most expensive destinations in Asia, Hong Kong welcomes around 60 million visitors a year. For this reason, proper planning needs to be made to avoid becoming another overcharged statistic.
How to save big in HongKong?
To help our readers avoid costly mistakes, we compiled a list of the best ways to save big or save money in Hong Kong. By utilizing a little planning and research, this amazing part of the world can be explored on a budget. With millions of visitors from around the world, the shroud of mystery has officially been removed from Hong Kong. Nowadays there are too many options online to remain ignorant, so get inspired by reviewing this insightful list!
Top Tips:
- Make use of public transport: Hong Kong has an excellent public transportation system including buses, trains, trams, and ferries. Using these modes of transportation is much cheaper than taking taxis or renting a car to save big in Hongkong.
- Prefer to shop at local markets: Hong Kong has many markets where you can find everything from food to clothing at lower prices than in traditional stores. Some popular markets include the Ladies Market and Temple Street Night Market where you can save big in Hongkong.
- Eat at local restaurants: Hong Kong is known for its amazing food, but eating at high-end restaurants can quickly add up. Instead, try local eateries, food stalls, and street vendors for delicious meals at a fraction of the cost and save big in Hongkong.
- Go for discount coupons and apps: Hong Kong has many discount coupons and apps that can help you save money on everything from food to attractions. Some popular ones include Groupon, Klook, and Eatigo.
- Stay in budget accommodations: Hong Kong has a range of budget-friendly accommodations including hostels, guesthouses, and capsule hotels. These options are much cheaper than traditional hotels and can help you save big on your trip.
- Avoid peak travel times: Hong Kong can be very crowded during peak travel times such as Chinese New Year and Golden Week. Avoiding these times can help you save money on flights, accommodations, and attractions.
- Get a travel card: If you plan to use public transportation in Hong Kong, consider getting an Octopus Card. This card can be used on buses, trains, ferries, and trams and can help you save money on fares.
- Take advantage of happy hours: Many bars and restaurants in Hong Kong offer happy hour specials on food and drinks. Take advantage of these specials to save money while still enjoying the city’s nightlife.
- Negotiate and bargain prices: In some markets and stores in Hong Kong, it is common to negotiate prices. Don’t be afraid to bargain a bit to get the best deal possible.
Best Ways to Save Money in Hong Kong
Tip #3: Pick Your Lodging Strategically – While it’s great to be located in Hong Kong island, this convenience comes at a price. Thanks to international migrations, land prices in Hong Kong are skyrocketing. This makes accommodation one of the most expensive factors when visiting, but fortunately there are ways around it.
Instead of staying in Hong Kong island, opt for setting up shop in Kowloon. Boasting a strategic location in-between the New Territories and Hong Kong island, Kowloon is the best option to save. In many ways it provides the best of both worlds, since users can easily access Hong Kong island through cheap public transportation. Aside from being removed from the action, Kowloon provides a more authentic glimpse of the local culture. It’s a world within itself, so look up guesthouses in Kowloon to save money before arriving!
Tip #2: Avoid Taxis Altogether – While this is a wise tip for any destination in the world, it’s especially relevant in Hong Kong. Thanks to a never-ending stream of tourists, taxi drivers have plenty of practice at ripping off visitors. From faulty meters to money swapping, the amount of taxi scams is absolutely staggering. For this reason, taxis should be avoided at all costs. Hong Kong has an exceptional public transportation system, so take advantage of their extensive bus routes and ding ding tram.
Tip #1: Get Connected – Before leaving the airport, there are two things every traveler should get. The first is a SIM card, since it opens doors to local calls and Wi-Fi. On top of being too cheap to ignore, phone cards are lifesavers when exploring a new city. Avoid outrageous roaming charges from your local phone carrier by adopting a local plan.
The second and most important tool for any traveler in Hong Kong is the infamous Octopus card. When this innovative company launched in 1997, it was the second public transport payment system in the world. Today it’s the most widely used card in Hong Kong, since it provides discounts on everything from transportation to McDonalds. For only HKD 150, users get HDK 100 in stored value and HKD 50 in a refundable deposit. The savings this card provides is a godsend, so sign up for one as soon as you land.
Places to see in Hongkong
Hong Kong is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty of places to see and things to do. Here are some of the top attractions to visit as you save big in Hongkong.
- Victoria Peak: Take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for stunning views of the city skyline.
- The Big Buddha: Visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, which is the world’s largest outdoor bronze Buddha statue.
- Hong Kong Disneyland: Enjoy a fun-filled day at Hong Kong Disneyland, which features rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
- The Avenue of Stars: Walk along the Avenue of Stars to see statues of famous Hong Kong movie stars and enjoy views of Victoria Harbour.
- The Temple Street Night Market: Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and electronics at the Temple Street Night Market, which is a bustling and colorful market that comes alive at night.
- Wong Tai Sin Temple: Visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple, which is a popular Taoist temple that features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and enjoy the stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.
- Ocean Park: Explore Ocean Park, which is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and amusement park all in one.
- Man Mo Temple: Visit the Man Mo Temple, which is a historic Taoist temple that dates back to the 1800s.
- Hong Kong Museum of History: Visiting the Museum you can know about the history and culture of Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Museum of History, which features interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
Things to do in Hongkong
Hong Kong is famous for many things to do, and save big in HongKong
- Skyscrapers: Hong Kong’s skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, with numerous tall buildings and stunning views of Victoria Harbour.
- Food: Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of street food, dim sum, and seafood dishes.
- Shopping: Hong Kong is known for its luxury shopping malls, street markets, and high-end boutiques.
- Culture: Hong Kong has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from both the East and West. It is home to many historic temples, museums, and art galleries.
- Nightlife: Hong Kong has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- Disneyland: Hong Kong Disneyland is a popular destination for families and features many rides, shows, and attractions.
- Financial center: Hong Kong is a major global financial center and is home to many international businesses and banks.
- Festivals: Hong Kong hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Transport: Hong Kong has an efficient and extensive public transport system, including its iconic double-decker trams and modern subway system.
- Outdoor activities: Hong Kong is surrounded by mountains and countryside, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
Pubs and Bars in Hongkong
Hong Kong has a vibrant nightlife scene with many pubs and bars to choose from. Here are some of the best pubs and bars in Hong Kong. Also you can save big in Hongkong when you visit these bars at happy hours.
- The Globe: Located in the heart of Central, The Globe is a British-style pub with a wide selection of beers on tap and pub food.
- The Old Man: This award-winning cocktail bar in Sheung Wan is known for its creative cocktails and cozy atmosphere.
- The Pontiac: A popular spot in Sheung Wan, The Pontiac is a dive bar with a fun and lively atmosphere, great music, and creative cocktails.
- The Woods: This trendy bar in Central is known for its innovative cocktails made with fresh ingredients and herbs.
- Quinary: Located in Central, Quinary is a stylish cocktail bar with a focus on molecular mixology and creative drinks.
- Dragon-i: A popular nightclub in Central, Dragon-i is known for its high-end atmosphere, celebrity sightings, and music.
- Trafalgar: This laid-back pub in Wan Chai is popular with locals and expats, offering a wide selection of beers, pool tables, and live music.
- Ozone: Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton, Ozone is the world’s highest bar and offers stunning views of the city skyline.
- Artesian: This elegant cocktail bar at The Langham hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui is known for its creative cocktails and luxurious atmosphere.
- Foxglove: A stylish speakeasy-style bar in Central, Foxglove is known for its classic cocktails, live jazz music, and vintage decor.
Casinos in Hongkong
There are no legal casinos in Hong Kong, as gambling is heavily regulated and restricted in the region. However, nearby Macau is known as the “Las Vegas of Asia” and is home to many large and luxurious casinos. Macau is a special administrative region of China, located about an hour away from Hong Kong by ferry, and it is the only place in China where gambling is legal. Some of the popular casinos in Macau include The Venetian Macao, Wynn Macau, MGM Macau, and Grand Lisboa and you can save big in Hongkong if you use the discounts available at these casinos.
Also online gambling is illegal in Hong Kong, and the government strictly enforces this prohibition. Therefore, there are no legal online casinos operating within Hong Kong’s borders. However, Hong Kong residents can access offshore online casinos and gamble on their platforms. It is important to note that offshore online gambling platforms may not be regulated or secure, and players should exercise caution when choosing to participate in these activities. There are coupon codes available at these online casinos to save big in Hongkong.