1.     Revolut

Revolut is an online banking company which is similar to PayPal, but I consider it one of the best ways to travel. It allows you to have accounts with different types of currency, such as USD, Hong Kong Dollars, Thai Baht, and Singapore Dollars among many others. It offers one of the best exchange rates, especially during weekdays, and since you can pay by card in the country’s local currency from your account in that currency, it minimizes the fees, too. I have a physical Revolut card and used that for the majority of my travels.

2.    Student Octopus Card

If you’re in Hong Kong as a student, make sure to apply for the Student Octopus Card as soon as possible. It gives discounted fares for the subway, and prices can add up quickly even with the student card. Applying early means you’ll receive it earlier and can save a little more on transportation.

3.     Approach Locals

Don’t feel confined to sticking with other exchange students in classes! Try sitting with local students on the first day, a lot of them are shy to approach you but willing to be friends if you approach them first. Of course, some may not want to branch out, but don’t be discouraged! 

4.     Get a SIM card

A lot of things in Hong Kong require a Hong Kong phone number, so it’s useful to have one.

5.     Always Have Cash

While most places do accept cards, there are always some that don’t, especially at markets and on the outer islands. Make sure to bring extra cash when going to outer islands as there aren’t always ATMs on the islands.

6.     Taxi Color Meanings

Red taxis will go anywhere in Hong Kong, green taxis stay in the New Territories, and Blue taxis are only for Lantau Island. Red taxis are most likely the ones you’ll betaking, unless you go up to the New Territories to explore.

7.     Learn a Little Cantonese

I would say that “m goi” is one of the most useful phrases to know as it means please, excuse me, and thank you, making it one of the most useful and most common phrases. Other than that, I would suggest learning numbers 1 through 10, since for takeaway at many restaurants they only call the number in Cantonese, not English.

8.     Don’t Always Trust Google Maps

Google Maps isn’t always reliable for timing of busses, though trains come quite regularly so that’s less of a problem. There are also elevated covered walkways everywhere in Hong Kong, at least in the Kowloon area, and Google Maps doesn’t always tell you where or how to get up onto them.

9.     Make Use of the Elevated Covered Walkways

You’ll walk a lot in Hong Kong, even though it’s not a very big place. There are lots of elevated covered walkways which save the trouble of waiting to cross streets and can keep you out of the rain or sun.

10.  Buy Converters Before You Go

I suggest getting a converter at the airport in the U.S., as there were limited options in Hong Kong’s airport that I could find. I also could not find U.S. to Hong Kong adapters when looking around near the dorms or on Hong Kong Island, so I think getting them in advance is the safer bet.

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