What budget to travel Hong-Kong 香港? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Hong-Kong 香港?

International and luxury brands. Prices for international brands are comparable to those in other major international cities. Luxury goods, in particular, are often slightly cheaper than in Europe or the USA due to the absence of VAT in Hong Kong, but the difference is not huge.

Local stores and markets. Street markets offer rather attractive prices, but the quality is not always up to scratch. In local stores, for souvenirs, it all depends on the location and the range of the store, but it's not particularly cheap.

Taxes. No VAT in Hong Kong! One of the greatest advantages of shopping in Hong Kong is the absence of sales tax. This means that the prices displayed are the final prices.

Payment methods. Bank cards work everywhere, except in small shops and street markets, where payment is usually made in cash.

Smart tip. If shopping is what takes you to Hong Kong, check outoutlet stores such as Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau, a whole building of discount brand stores (old collections).

There are no rules. Some clubs are free, others charge an entrance fee (usually between HKD100 and HKD300) but include a drink, and still others offer discounts on entrance or drinks for customers who arrive before midnight.

Clubs in LKF are easier to get to. In others, it's not easy to get in without a "contact" and the queue can become interminable, especially between midnight and 2am. In this case, planning to enter before midnight or after 2 a.m. may be a good idea.

Price levels. A cocktail generally costs 120-200 HKD, a beer 80-100 HKD.

Tipping. Not common practice.

Taxes. 10% service charge is usually added.

Means of payment. Payment is generally made by credit card.

What budget to eat Hong-Kong 香港?

We prefer to pay by card or Octopus, but cash is still accepted everywhere. Contrary to the hotel scene, it's possible to eat (and eat well!) in Hong Kong for next to nothing. To do so, you need to look out for street food stalls or local canteens known as chaa chaan teng. Restaurants serving Western food are more expensive.

On the street or in a budget restaurant: between HKD 20 and 100 for a simple dish.

Mid-range restaurant: between HKD 200 and 400 for a dish and dessert.

Upscale restaurant: prices often start at 600 HKD for a menu per person.

Some guide prices: a coffee from 25 to 55 HKD; a tea with milk from 20 to 40 HKD; a beer from 50 to 100 HKD; a cocktail from 80 to 170 HKD; a bowl of congee (rice porridge) from 25 to 45 HKD; a dish of stir-fried rice or wonton noodles between 40 and 80 HKD; an egg tart from 10 to 20 HKD; a croissant from 20 to 40 HKD; a pizza from 130 to 250 HKD.

Reservations. Reservations are not common for local restaurants, but for the more upscale restaurants or those in the Soho district, it's best to book at least for Friday and Saturday evenings. For each restaurant recommended in this guide, we indicate how to make a reservation.

The budget for cafés and bars in Hong Kong can vary considerably depending on location and type of establishment. In cafés, expect to pay between 25 and 70 HKD for a coffee or tea, while bars generally offer cocktails from 80 HKD, with prices exceeding 150 HKD in upmarket establishments. Happy hours are an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounts, with drinks often half-price or "two-for-one" offers. As far as tipping is concerned, it's not compulsory to leave a tip. Most bars and cafés add a 10% service charge to the bill. For payment, most establishments accept credit cards or Octopus, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, just in case.

What is the budget for accommodation Hong-Kong 香港?

Hong Kong boasts a large number of hotels - around 90,000 rooms - in all categories. But as Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, hotel prices are correspondingly high, and travelers on a very moderate budget will have little choice, and with rather low standards.

Hostel/Hostel. If you're traveling on a budget, hostels and guesthouses in districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok or Jordan are the most affordable, with prices ranging from HKD 150 to HKD 300 per night for a dormitory bed, with slightly more expensive private room options. They often offer basic amenities, shared spaces and a more or less friendly atmosphere.

Homestay. These accommodations, often found via platforms like Airbnb and cost between HKD 400 and HKD 1,200 per night depending on location and services offered. They are practical for longer stays or for people looking for a more personal or exotic experience (on islands like Lamma and Lantau).

Mid-range hotels. Located in dynamic areas such as Wan Chai, Causeway Bay or Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun, they offer more comfort, with rates ranging from 600 to 1,500 HKD per night. These hotels often offer modern facilities, a good location and services such as breakfast and shuttles. Rooms are often small and the views rarely memorable.

Luxury hotels. For a high-end stay, Hong Kong is home to some of the world's finest palaces. In 2024, the Rosewood and The Upper House were among the top 5 hotels in the world! The 5-star hotels are located in Central, Admiralty or TST and offer breathtaking views of Victoria Bay, Michelin-starred restaurants and top-of-the-range services, with prices starting at HKD 2,000 per night and going well beyond that depending on the room or services included.

Hotel tax. As of January^1, 2025, Hong Kong reinstated the hotel tax at 3%.

Good deals. On expat Facebook groups(French in Hong Kong or Expat Hong Kong), people who are going on vacation (often at Christmas or in the summer) regularly sublet their apartment. This can be a solution that combines comfort with a reasonable price.

Another good idea is to book several weeks in advance, especially in low season (May to September), to benefit from attractive discounts. You can also use comparators like Booking, Agoda or Trip to find special offers.