HK Travel Tips (plus Macau)

Here are my 10-point tips for first time travelers esp. Pinoys in Hong kong with additional tips for Macau

1. Do not be surprised if 7 eleven stores do not automatically pack your items in a plastic bag. Plastic bag costs 0.50 cents (roughly 3 pesos). Ask it when necessary.

2. Octopus card is very convenient unless you want to purchase every single train/ferry ticket. Or you are willing enough to drop exact coins in every bus/tram trip. Ask your friends who have one.

3. Cigarettes are expensive. A pack costs HKD50 (around 270 pesos). Bring your own. I heard that the allowable cigarette pack to bring in Hong kong is 3.

4. When riding a bus, do not forget to push the “stop button” if the next bus stop is your stop. Drivers who have not seen any passenger in a bus stop will proceed right away to the next stop unless you signal them in advance to stop by pressing the button.

5. HK Disneyland checklist: Umbrella (than hat), bring your own umbrella, items inside are expensive. Fan while queuing up a line, heat is everywhere. Bottled water or a jug for convenience, water refilling stations can be found near washrooms.

6. When you return downtown to the tram station from the Peak, ride bus 15C bound to ferry station in Central. It has an open upper deck. The best way to enjoy the city view.

7. If you are in Hong kong and plan to go to Macau, save your peso (or dollar). Macau has higher exchange rate than in Hong kong. The two countries share the same currency anyway. I heard Worldwide House building in Central MTR (where many Filipinos flock) also give reasonable rate.

8. Macau has no train system. If you want a real adventure, ride a bus. HK’s octopus card cannot be used, so save a lot of coins for your bus rides – its 3.2 dollars/ride, exact fare only, no change.

9. Places for free Wi-Fi in Hong kong: Central MTR Station, The Peak, IFC Mall (HK Island), Harbour Mall (Kowloon Island), and of course at the airport. Also, in Macau tower.

10. Three important M’s when traveling in a new territory: Map, Mattress and Money. But don’t forget your passport (and visas).