And how do I know this?
Because I had lived there for four months and learnt all possible ways to save some bucks!
Thankfully, it was a work trip which allowed me to stay in one of the most expensive cities (according to CNN it ranks fifth and is the only other Asian country, the first being Singapore) for close to four months, travelled across the country and even relished the food there.
And this is what you should know:
1. The All-Purpose Octopus Card
Download Octopus App and buy Octopus Card once you land in Hong Kong. It is literally an all-purpose card which helps you save a lot of mullah. Barring some vendors who deal in cash transactions, the Octopus card works in 7/11s, public transportation like buses, MTRs, trams and also in other departmental outlets.
2. Street Food in Hong Kong
There is a lot of belly-filling, mind-fueling, street food available, so if you are a foodie, avoid heading to restaurants that are suggested by Google. Instead, head to the night markets and a place called Central Street.
3. Do not miss the Symphony of Lights because it’s FREE.
P.S. – You can bargain in these markets BUT PLEASE DO NOT HAGGLE LIKE WE TEND TO DO IN INDIA (they might not be receptive and you might end up being humiliated!)
4. Shopping in Hong Kong
Although staying in Hong Kong is uber expensive, shopping is not. Head to these markets if you want to shop till you drop.
a. Ladies Market
b. Temple Street Market
c. Jade Market
d. Stanley Market
e. Jardine’s Crescent Market
f. Cat Street
g. Fa Yuen Street Market
5. The Omnipresent MTR
Before travelling to HK, get a map or note down the stops of MTR and exchange stations – that will save you a lot of time from wandering around in metro stations, wondering where to head!
6. Hong Kong Public Transport
Trams, buses, metro - HK has an easy and accessible public transportation system so AVAIL IT!
7. Don't Miss The One-Day Macua Trip
If you are visiting HK, then take a round-trip to Macau too since it’s just a day’s affair. Get a 30-day visa from HK and head to Macau in a ferry. Cover all the significant locations and return by the night ferry.
8. Secluded Streets of Hong Kong
Like any other place, you will find nooks and corners that seem secluded should be avoided. You don’t want to get mugged.
9. You CANNOT MISS THE BEST NIGHTLIFE AT PARTY STREET
Lan Kwai Fong (LKF). Buzzing with tourists, locals and expats, this is one place where Indians can dance to Bhangra beats too!
10. Christmas Town at Kowloon
If you are travelling during Christmas or New Year’s you must visit the West Kowloon Cultural District where a Christmas Town will be set up.
11. FOR THE VEGETARIANS
Do not head to McDonalds and order “Double Cheeseburger”. In all possibilities it’s beef, because that’s what I received. I assumed that it would be veg double cheeseburger but turned out I was wrong! Instead, order VEGAN.
12. For Those Who Prefer Halal
Almost 95% of the eateries serving meat are not halal. In case you prefer halal these are the joints that you should head to:
Halal Chinese Food – Hong Kong Island
a. Islamic Centre Canteen - 5/F, Masjid Ammar And Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Yat Sin St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
b. LockCha Tea House - Ground Floor, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, Hong Kong.
c. Wai Kee - Shop 5, Bowrington Rd, Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Rd Market, 21 Bowrington Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
d. Warung Malang - 2/F, Dragon Rise, 9-11 Pennington St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
Halal Chinese Food in Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok.
a. Ma’s Restaurant - G/F, 21-25 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
b. Hung’s Chinese Restaurant - G/F, Shop 14, Chungking Mansion, No.36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
c. Islam Food - G/F, No. 1 Lung Kong Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
G/F, No. 33-35 Tak Ku Ling Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Other Halal Food in Tsim Sha Tsui
a. Istanbul Kebab - Shop 1A, G/F, Tsim Sha Tsui Mansion 36-50 Lock Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
b. Casablanca Restaurant & Café - Floor 6, Ashley Center, 23-25 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Halal Food – Hong Kong International Airport
a. Old Town White Coffee - Food Court near Gate 40-80, Departures Level 6, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport Restricted Area.
13. Ladies Who Love A Little Glitz on Their Nails
For the ladies who love to show their nails off, this is the place for you. For someone like me who had bites her nails off leaving the skin bare (I know its disgusting to many but those who actually are in the habit of biting would know the urge!), I had someone work her magic on my woebegone nails and gave them a ‘facelift’.
14. Best Time to Travel
One should be aware of the best times to travel to this stunning country. It is from December to April. Beyond April the temperature starts soaring and stepping outside might lightly scorch your skin. You must avoid June to October because these months are known as typhoon months there. They receive tropical cyclones. In fact, notices are sent across all workspaces of possible cyclones and warning signals are also issued in three levels – Amber, Red and Black.
15. One Travel Secret That Only Locals Know
If you have few more days to spare, you can also visit Shenzhen, China whose border is just 45 kms from Hong Kong. You can either proceed with Visa-on-Arrival or apply for the visa beforehand. But this visa is valid for ONLY 5 days. These visa-on-arrival are usually easy and hassle-free. Board the East Rail Line of the MTR and travel to either Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations. Within these stations, you'll find the Luohu and Huanggang port visa offices, respectively. Both offices operate from 9 am to 4:30 pm and accept visa applications during these hours.
As someone who loves South East Asia with its diverse cuisines, cultures and characteristics, Hong Kong has a completely different vibe than Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos but remains relatable to Taiwan (another country I have thoroughly enjoyed). There are many Indian travellers who might have inhibitions in exploring this country with high-end technological advancements, but the country that boasts of skyscrapers and flyovers, also offers great scenic outdoors which many might not be aware of. A lot to offer on the plate Hong Kong is one country which should be on your travel-list.
Ergo, stop speculating, start living!
This article was previously published on my travel site - wanderalone.
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