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

The currency is the Hong Kong Dollar. It is very easy to pay with a bank card or to withdraw cash.

For several years, Hong Kong has been in the top 10 of the most expensive cities in the world: you should therefore plan a large budget. But it is always possible to reduce your expenses and enjoy your trip, for example by sleeping in a low-category pension.

What budget for activities and outings à Hong-Kong 香港?

Amusement parks. Approximately HK$500. Ocean Park is free on your birthday if you are a Hong Kong resident.

Palace Museum. Approx. HK$90. Prices drop if you book for a specific day and time.

Victoria Peak. A HK$75 ticket allows you to climb to the Sky Terrace (top floor of the Peak Tower) to enjoy the iconic view over the bay. Smart move: go to the top floor of the Peak Galleria, right next door, to enjoy the same view for free.

Free activities. Temples, parks, hikes and street markets are all free. Some museums are free on Wednesdays. The Symphony of Lights show, which illuminates the Hong Kong skyline every evening at 8 p.m., is also free. See it from the TST promenade. Finally, every weekend at PMQ, there are designer markets and various activities: free.

Hong Kong is an unsuspected paradise for sports enthusiasts of all kinds, and many outdoor activities are free of charge.

Hiking. With over 200 islands and 40% of its surface area classified as nature parks, Hong Kong offers an incredible playground for hiking.

Beaches. Enjoy the many beaches, some of which are truly heavenly (Sai Kung) and others - also very beautiful - have the advantage of being easily accessible by public transport from the city center.

Jogging and trail running. In Tsim Sha Tsui or on Hong Kong Island, the landscaped waterfront offers a superb setting for a jog at the start or end of the day. On islands like Lantau or in the New Territories, there are numerous trails for trail running.

Swimming. In-building, hotel or public swimming pools (Kennedy Town and Kowloon Park are recommended).

Cycling. Although cycling is not recommended on Hong Kong Island, there are cycle paths in the New Territories and on islands such as Cheung Chau, which offer a different way of discovering the city.

Water sports. Surf at Big Wave Bay or kayak and paddle at Sai Kung, but also wakeboarding and water-skiing, and there's even a kitesurfing school.

Diving. Hong Kong's seabed isn't paradise, but it's possible to dive and take the various certification courses.

Paragliding. For those looking for a touch of adrenalin.

Yoga and other sports. Many sports studios offer discounts or even a free class for the first try. Smart plan. The ClassPass app gives you access to a wide range of classes (Pilates, yoga, boxing, massage, climbing, etc.) without obligation, and they often have a "one month free" promotional offer.

Urban leisure. Escape games, laser games, bowling and paintball, amusement parks and water parks, skating rinks and karaoke... this is the realm of entertainment!

Relaxation and well-being. Hong Kong is a paradise of spas, massage parlors and beauty salons for facial and body treatments. There's something for every budget (and every taste). It's customary to tip the masseuse 10, 15 or 20%, depending on the degree of satisfaction. Smart deals. Many beauty salons offering body or facial treatments have a very attractive offer for the first session. For example, you can treat yourself to a treatment for HK$90 instead of HK$600. Spas in 5-star hotels often offer promotional deals for access to their thermal baths or treatments on weekdays. The Klook app also offers a wide range of creative activities, massages, sports, etc. at special prices.

Cooking classes. This is an original activity, quite common in Hong Kong, where you can learn in 2-3 hours how to prepare pastries, dim sum and other local dishes.

Chinese calligraphy. Some workshops offer introductory courses in Chinese calligraphy, a traditional and original artistic activity.

Artistic activities. Pottery and ceramics, candle-making, perfume-making, carpet-making and neon lighting: manual workshops are all the rage.

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 à 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 à 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.

Travel budget à Hong-Kong 香港 and cost of living

Cost of living. The cost of living is relatively high, especially for accommodation and food in upscale or European-style establishments. For your information, Hong Kong is one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world. The median salary is around HK$18,000 to HK$19,000 per month. This means that 50% of the population earns less than this and 50% earns more. Salary disparities are huge in Hong Kong, so an unskilled job can earn as little as HK$10,000 a month, while in specialized sectors like tech or finance - where most expats work - salaries can easily exceed HK$40,000.

Budget/day. An average budget per day for a traveler in Hong Kong can vary from HK$500 to HK$1,000, depending on your travel style. This amount includes accommodation, food, transport and some paid visits. Low budget (backpacker): HK$300 to HK$500 per day. Medium budget: HK$700 to HK$1,200 per day. Big budget: HK$1,500 per day and above. For a mid-range hotel, expect to spend around HK$600 to HK$1,200 per night. Hostels and budget hotels are available from HK$200 to HK$500 per night. A meal in a local restaurant ( cha chaan teng style) will cost you between HK$40 and HK$90. If you opt for mid-range or high-end restaurants, prices easily exceed HK$300 per person. For transport, the metro is a very affordable way to get around, with fares ranging from HK$4 to HK$28 depending on distance, as are buses and ferries. Cab fares start at HK$29 and can quickly climb depending on distance. For sightseeing, temples, parks and hiking sites are free of charge. Museums generally charge a fee.

Flights to/from Hong Kong. Expect to pay between €500 and €1,200 for a direct return flight from Paris to Hong Kong. Booking several months in advance and avoiding busy periods such as Golden Week or Chinese New Year can save you a lot of money.

Good deals. The best way to save money is to book flights and hotels well in advance. You should also avoid busy periods such as Golden Week in October or Chinese New Year in January-February. To eat on a budget, explore local markets such as Temple Street in Mong Kok or local canteen-style restaurants. You'll find tasty local specialities for just a few euros. You can also take advantage of free activities such as the Symphony of Lights light show on the waterfront, which takes place every evening at 8pm. See it from the TST promenade.

Tipping. Tipping is not compulsory in Hong Kong, and the practice is not very common. If you wish to leave a tip in a restaurant or to a cab driver, rounding the amount is sufficient. For small services such as hotel porters, a tip of HK$10-20 is appreciated but not required.

Taxes. There is no VAT in Hong Kong, which makes shopping a little more affordable than in other cities. Note also that in restaurants and hotels, service charge (10%) is not always included in the advertised price and is added at checkout.

Haggling. This is an accepted practice in the street markets on the Kowloon side (do it respectfully, you might get 10-20% off), but not in the stores.