Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are crucial for Hong Kong: ensure you’re up-to-date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consider Hepatitis A, as it’s recommended for most travelers due to food and water risks. Hepatitis B is advised if you might have contact with blood or need medical treatment.
Japanese Encephalitis is generally unnecessary unless you’re planning an extended rural stay. Rabies is rarely recommended unless you’ll be in contact with animals.
Always check with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your itinerary.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Hong Kong, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Hong KongCulture & Customs
Respect personal space and avoid physical touch, like hugging, unless you’re familiar with the person. When offering or receiving items, use both hands as a sign of respect. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics. Tipping is not common, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. For women, dress modestly in temples. LGBTQ+ travelers are generally safe, but open displays of affection might draw attention. Avoid loud behavior in public spaces. Always greet with a polite nod, and be sure to address older people with respect.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Hong Kong.
- Dim Sum: A classic brunch experience, dim sum is a variety of bite-sized dishes served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. It’s more than just food; it’s a social event where locals gather to chat over tea and a variety of dumplings, buns, and rolls.
- Char Siu: This is Hong Kong’s version of barbecued pork, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasted to perfection. It’s a staple in Cantonese cuisine and often found in noodle soups or on top of rice.
- Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea: A blend of black tea and evaporated or condensed milk, creating a smooth and rich beverage. It’s a legacy of British colonial influence and a must-try for its unique taste.
- Egg Tarts: These flaky pastries filled with egg custard are a nod to Hong Kong’s colonial past and a beloved local snack. They’re perfect for a quick treat while exploring the city.
- Congee: A rice porridge that’s both comforting and versatile, often served with ingredients like pork, fish, or century eggs. It’s a traditional breakfast dish but enjoyed at any time of the day.
Tap water in Hong Kong is technically safe to drink as it meets WHO standards, and many locals do consume it. However, the pipes in older buildings might affect water quality, so tourists often prefer using bottled or filtered water to be on the safe side. If you’re staying in newer accommodations, you might be fine with tap water, but a portable filter can be a great backup.
The main language in Hong Kong is
Cantonese. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Cantonese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Hong Kong includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Hong Kong,
English is widely spoken, reflecting the city’s colonial history and its status as an international hub. It is one of the official languages alongside Cantonese. Most signs, public transportation announcements, and official documents are bilingual, making navigation easier for English-speaking visitors.
In urban areas, particularly in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok, many locals, especially younger generations and those in the service industry, have a good command of English. Restaurants, hotels, and shops in tourist areas typically have staff who can communicate effectively in English.
However, proficiency can vary, especially in more remote areas or among older residents. While many people can understand basic English, fluency may be limited. Overall, English speakers will generally find it manageable to communicate, but knowing a few basic Cantonese phrases can enhance the experience and interactions with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Hong Kong is HKD (HK$).
ATMs: Hong Kong is packed with ATMs, especially around MTR stations and malls. They usually accept international cards, but check for any fees your bank might charge. Stick to HSBC, Standard Chartered, or Hang Seng for reliable service.
Cash vs. Card: While cards are widely accepted, cash is still king in markets, small eateries, and some transportation. Carrying a bit of cash is wise, but no need to overdo it. HKD is what you need, not dollars or euros.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are fine in most places, but always have a backup payment option. Visa and MasterCard are more commonly accepted than others.
Currency Exchange: Forget airport exchange rates. Exchange offices in Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai are where you want to go for better rates. Avoid exchanging at hotels or banks unless you like spending more than you need to.
In Hong Kong, tipping isn’t obligatory but is appreciated. Most restaurants include a 10% service charge, so additional tipping isn’t necessary, but leaving a little extra for exceptional service is common. For taxi drivers or bellhops, rounding up the fare or giving small change is usually sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.