初到香港 First2HK

Arrive

Money: HKD, ATMs, wallets

Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar. ATMs, AlipayHK / WeChat Pay, and how much cash you actually need.

Notes dated 2026-09

The currency is the Hong Kong dollar. The US dollar is pegged near 7.8. Do not change a large amount at the airport.

Do you still need cash?

  • Red minibuses, wet markets, Temple Street, and some cafes still want cash.
  • Taxis must offer e-pay, but many drivers still prefer cash. Keep a couple of HK$100 notes.
  • Octopus already covers most transit and convenience stores.

ATMs

ATMs sit in MTR stations, 7-Eleven, and bank fronts. Use Visa/Plus or Mastercard/Cirrus. Tell your bank you are in Hong Kong. ATM rates usually beat airport kiosks.

Questions

Does Mainland Alipay work?

Some tourist spots and chains take Mainland wallets. Dai pai dong, minibuses, and many cha chaan tengs do not. Do not treat Mainland Alipay as Octopus. HKD cash + Octopus + a Visa/Mastercard is the stable set.

Octopus: which card tourists should buy Tourist Octopus HK$39, airport T-Union pack HK$170, on-loan adult card, iPhone Tourist Octopus, and why interchange discounts usually need Octopus—not a random bank card. Eat: learn how to order before chasing famous shops How to order in a Hong Kong cha chaan teng, no tipping, tap water is drinkable. Halal kitchens in Jordan and TST. Markets and 7-Eleven also count as a meal. Everyday: plugs, water, smoking, rubbish, crossing Hong Kong plugs are UK Type G, 220 V. Tap water is drinkable. Indoor smoking is mostly banned. Wait for the green man. Convenience stores solve a lot.