10 tips before you travel to Hong Kong!

Tip 1 - Get an Octopus Card

This prepaid card is available in every MTR station and is very practical because there is no need to spend time to buy a single journey ticket at ticket machines, and you can use it in public transportations, as well as shops, supermarkets, fast food, bookstores, cinemas and other places you can imagine.

Tip 2 - Don't take taxis

MTR station is so organized and practical, that there is no need to choose taxis or other way of transportation.

Tip 3 - Don't spit

In Hong Kong it is prohibit to spit in public, and you can be fined up to HK$5,000 for doing so.

Additional, in MTR stations it's also prohibit to eat and/or drink. That's why it is very clean.

Tip 4 - Bargain in street markets

Be patient because you'll need it! The trick is to ask for a certain item, the seller will offer a high price and you'll have 2 options:

1. Go away and the offer will/will not call you back to discuss the price;

2. Suggest a lower price (I usually say 1/5 of the original one) and than start to argue and it will rise until the price I think it's far in the market.

Tip 5 - Always bring a coat

Due to the humid heat, Hong Kong people tend to exaggerate in the AC's. So bring always a coat, even if you think you don't need it (unless you want to get constipated).

Tip 6 . Sky terrace at night

Hong Kong is known as the city of lights, so try to visit the sky terrace at night and you'll the view of the year!

Tip 7 - Don't underestimate the language barrier

Although English remains an official language in Hong Kong, be prepared to previously learn a few basic Cantonese phrases (not Mandarin!). If you still cannot learn it, ask to younger people rather than the older ones. Even so, if this strategy can't result, you can gesticulate and you'll see that language barrier was never a problem, Hong Kong people will always help you.

Tip 8 - Entry requirements

Hong Kong is an autonomous dependency of China and it has its own entry requirements. Search in your own country if it's necessary any entry visa.

Tip 9 - Eat street food

Have an open mind and try different food in places you couldn't imagine before. I did it in a doubtful street restaurant and I was really surprised with all the flavors in those plates!

Rule n.1: If you see local people eating in the restaurants, it's a sign that it's good.

Tip 10 - Free museum entry on Wednesdays

Don't forget to take some culture on a Wednesday. The museums included are Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum and the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum.