WonderWanderland

Traveling to Hong Kong as a tourist, or to any new country, for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. This is especially true when you’re travelling with family. I usually travel with my husband, preschooler son, and my 60-plus-year-old mom. From preparing travel documents to managing your budget and knowing what to do upon arrival, a little planning goes a long way.

Our family flew to Hong Kong twice this year. The first was from the Philippines, and the second was from Hanoi. During both times, we were prepared so the whole process of flying, arrival, and entry was seamless, smooth, and filled with anticipation for the tour. Therefore, I’m putting together this Hong Kong travel guide for first-time tourists to share some practical tips from our firsthand travel experience. I hope this will make your trip stress-free and help you make the most of your Hong Kong adventure.

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Hong Kong Travel Requirements & Restrictions

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
• Visa: Most nationalities (including Filipinos) can enter visa-free for 14 days. Make sure to check what applies to you based on your country/nationality. A visa will be required if you exceed the applicable limit. If you plan a side-trip to Macau during your stay, your Macau exit will reset your visa-free stay to a new 14 days.
• Return/Onward Ticket: Immigration often checks this. This is one of the most basic requirements. The return or onward ticket should be dated before the end of the 14-day visa-free period.

• Proof of Accommodation: You will be asked where you will be staying. Book your hotel in advance and be ready to show your email confirmation.
• Other immigration requirements for tourists: Make sure to do your research and prepare any additional supporting documents needed, as it applies to you. This could be based on your specific situation, profession, and financial capacity to travel.
• Travel Insurance: Not a requirement, but highly recommended, especially for families with kids and family members older than 60.
  • Hong Kong generally charges HK$1,230 per attendance for Accident and Emergency services
  • Hospital admission ranges from HK$4,000 to HK$6,000 per day for non-eligible persons (foreigners).

I learned this lesson the hard way. My mother, who is older than 60, had an emergency case due to an infection. I forgot to finalize her travel insurance, so in the end, I paid the HK$1230 emergency case fee. We’re just thankful she did not need to be admitted. So yes, for peace of mind and financial protection, this is advisable for all traveling members.

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Hong Kong Currency & Money Matters

• Currency: Hong Kong currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Check the current conversion rate here.
• Payment: When traveling to Hong Kong, cash is still widely used, but Octopus Card and contactless payments (AlipayHK, WeChat Pay, debit/credit cards) are very convenient. Based on my experience, no need to bring USD; it’s better to withdraw directly from an ATM in Hong Kong.
• ATMs: These are easy to find. There are plenty of ATMs at the airport, MTR stations, malls, and other easy-access locations. Just check for international withdrawal fees and make sure your card has the Mastercard or Visa logos. I also have GCash and GoTyme cards (Philippines). They worked in many places and sometimes had lower or even zero fees.

Multiple Banks Issue the Notes

Unlike most countries, where only the central bank issues money, Hong Kong has three different banks authorized to issue banknotes: HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, and Bank of China. That’s why bills of the same denomination can look different.

Things to Do Upon Arrival when Traveling to Hong Kong

• Cash: Withdraw cash upon arrival at HK airport. There are several ATMs near 7/11 after baggage claim. The area usually has long queues of people waiting outside the ATM center.
• Octopus Card: There are several ways to get your Octopus card.
  • Rent your Octopus card from the MTR Customer Service Centres and Airport Express Counters. The initial Octopus card load for adults is HK$150 plus a HK$50 deposit per card. For children and those aged 64 years or older, the fee is HK$50 plus the deposit. You can return the cards on your scheduled departure before passing through immigration. You will be refunded the HK$50 deposit plus the remaining balance, minus the handling fee of HK$11, per card.
  • If you want to keep your card as a souvenir, you can buy it from convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K. You can refund the balance, and the card is yours to keep.
  • Another option is to purchase it from Klook. There are options for rental and tourist Octopus cards. You can also get bundles with 4G Sim card or with a Hong Kong Express ticket.

• Internet Data: Set up your data at the airport. This will help with maps and navigation. You can rent a pocket WiFi, buy a SIM card (requires registration), or get an e-SIM. I personally prefer an e-SIM—it’s very affordable and convenient.

Hong Kong Food Options and Budget Meal

Hong Kong offers a plethora of delicious food, from delicate dim sum, glossy roasted meats, springy noodles, and iconic snacks like flaky egg tarts and sweet-savory pineapple buns. Their food is a fusion of traditional Cantonese, colonial British, and street food.

That said, everyday dining can add up—especially for families. Our most budget-friendly meals hovered between HK$30 and HK$40 per person. Reminiscent of Filipino karenderias, think generous helpings of rice, stewed pork, fried fish, or soy-braised tofu, just with generous portions. We found these gems in Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, and around Central.

So we ate intentionally: savoring iconic dishes as cultural experiences, then balancing them with nourishing, affordable meals every other day. In the end, it wasn’t about compromise—it was about curiosity, rhythm, and respecting both your palate and your budget.

Hong Kong Public Transit System: Hours, Cost, and How to Pay

• Transportation: The initial Octopus load of HK$150 usually lasts 3–4 days, depending on your itinerary. You can reload through the MTR customer service centers, MTR ticket machines, or convenience stores like 7/11 and Circle K. You can also purchase a tourist Octopus card via Klook. An Octopus card can be used for various types of transportation, and also for purchases.

The MTR or Mass Transit Railway

• The MTR connects all of Hong Kong with its 10 main lines and over 170 stations. Fares are a bit pricey, ranging from HK$5 to HK$53, but you can reach your destination faster. It runs from 6 AM to 1 AM the next day. Used as the city’s primary transportation, it is convenient, comfortable, and almost always on schedule. This is great if you only have limited time and need to visit several spots in a day. Tap in, tap out.

Klook.com

Hong Kong Bus System

• The buses are mostly double-decker and cover specific routes. They use a segmented, distance-based fare system where you pay a flat rate from your boarding point to the terminal station.  The fares range from HK$4.5 to HK$47 and run from 5:30 AM to midnight. There were also some buses scheduled until early morning- we got on one when our flight arrived after midnight. It has a moderate speed with some opportunities for sightseeing during the daytime. Tap in only.

Hong Kong Tramways or “Dingding”

• If you want to sight-see for a bit and also experience an iconic Hong Kong ride for only HK$3.30 per trip, ride the double-deck “dingding” tram. It is understandably slow with frequent stops; however, it is considered the greenest mode of transportation in the city. It operates from 6 AM to midnight on Hong Kong Island only. It is very affordable, and you can get off at any stop. Tap out only.

Read: Hong Kong Disneyland: Helpful Things to Know before Your Trip

Enjoy your trip!

With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate Hong Kong with ease and confidence, whether you’re traveling with kids, adults older than 60 years old, or the whole family. A little preparation goes a long way in making your trip stress-free and more enjoyable. Stay tuned for the next part of this Hong Kong travel series, where I’ll share more about getting around the city with your family. Safe travels and enjoy your Hong Kong adventure!

Want to know more? Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

The original article was published September 7, 2025, and updated April 5, 2026.