Hong Kong’s skyline, street food, and fast-paced energy offer an unforgettable experience – but handling money in Hong Kong and understanding how currency works will make your trip even smoother. Whether you’re riding the Star Ferry, shopping in Mong Kok, or dining in rooftop restaurants, knowing how to pay is essential. This guide walks you through what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Dollar – HKD), tips for safe and smart payments, and the most important dos and don’ts. With this knowledge, you’ll travel through Hong Kong like a pro – fee-free and stress-free.
How to pay in Hong Kong – cash or card?
Hong Kong is a high-tech, multi-payment economy where both cash and digital payments thrive. Contactless, card, and mobile e-payments are very common. For small islands, some local entry fees, its good to have some cash handy. The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the official currency. Octopus cards are also popular for quick payments.
You can use cash for:
- Street Vendors and Markets: Food stalls, wet markets, and small shops often prefer cash.
- Public Transportation: Minibuses and some local ferries still take cash, though Octopus cards are common.
- Small Businesses: Traditional cafés (cha chaan teng) and independent shops may prefer cash for small bills.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Some budget accommodations require cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: While not mandatory, cash tips are given in some service situations.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: All hotels, from budget chains to luxury properties, accept major credit cards.
- Restaurants: Mid-range and upscale restaurants take cards, especially in urban districts.
- Retail Stores: Malls, chain stores, and supermarkets accept card payments.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Cards are standard for bookings.
- Online Bookings: Flights, hotels, and attractions can be paid by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the best and only practical currency to take to Hong Kong. Paying or withdrawing in local currency will give you the best value, and it’s accepted everywhere – from taxis to high-end shops.
USD, GBP, and Euros are not accepted for payments, even in tourist areas. If you try to pay in foreign currency, you’ll need to find an exchange counter, which may charge fees or offer poor rates.
Where to get currency in Hong Kong?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Hong Kong. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Hong Kong
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Hong Kong
If you’re withdrawing money in Hong Kong from an ATM, majority of foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Hong Kong. These include Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, JCB, CUP, American Express, Diners, Discover. However, some accept only Jetco and UnionPay cards so look for those stickers on the ATM.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Hong Kong?
Bringing a small amount of Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) before traveling is helpful for transport, small purchases, or tips. However, you’ll usually get better rates in Hong Kong, so exchanging a large amount before you travel isn’t necessary.
ATMs are everywhere – in airports, MTR stations, malls, and city centers – and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Check with your bank about foreign withdrawal fees.
Currency exchange is simple in Hong Kong. Use banks or licensed exchange counters in busy areas like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central for competitive rates. Avoid airport exchanges unless necessary, as their rates may be lower.
Where to withdraw money in Hong Kong
You can withdraw money in Hong Kong at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Hong Kong are those owned by popular banks such as:
- HSBC,
- Bank of China,
- Standard Chartered,
- Hang Seng Bank,
- Citibank and
- China Construction Bank (CCB).
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Some ATMs only accept Jetco or UnionPay cards.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Hong Kong.
Where to exchange currency in Hong Kong
Common places to exchange currency in Hong Kong are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: Private exchange offices are common in tourist areas like:
- Tsim Sha Tsui (Nathan Road, Chungking Mansions)
- Central (near IFC Mall, MTR exits)
- Causeway Bay
Well-known chains include Travelex, VTC Exchange, ING Exchange. They typically offer competitive rates with little to no commission. Operating hours vary but are usually from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are: HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered, Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday mornings.
Airport Services: Currency exchange is available at Hong Kong International Airport, but airport rates are generally less favorable than in the city.
You can find good currency exchanges in Hong Kong using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Hong Kong. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Hong Kong safe?
Carrying cash in Hong Kong is very safe, thanks to the city’s low crime rate and highly developed infrastructure. That said, it’s still wise to be cautious in crowded places such as markets or MTR stations, where pickpocketing can occasionally occur.
To carry cash safely in Hong Kong:
- Bring only what you need for the day and store extra cash securely at your accommodation.
- Use a zippered bag or front-pocket wallet to avoid accidental loss.
- Avoid flashing large amounts of cash, even in busy shopping areas like Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui.
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls for added security.
- Keep small bills for taxis, local food stalls, or smaller vendors – some still prefer cash.
- Credit cards and mobile payment apps (like Octopus or Alipay) are widely accepted.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Hong Kong
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
