Need
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.
Notes dated 2026-09
Power
UK Type G, 220 V 50 Hz. Mainland two-pin plugs will not fit. Adaptors at 7-Eleven, supermarkets, Sham Shui Po. Some hotels add USB at the bed.
The street
- Wait for the green man. Jaywalking can be fined. Do not copy scooters on the pavement.
- Indoor workplaces, restaurants, and MTR cars are no-smoking. Use marked smoking areas. Do not throw butts on the street.
- Use bins. Pavements are narrow — do not stop in the middle to use your phone.
Stores
- 7-Eleven, Circle K: water, adaptors, onigiri, Octopus top-up. Many are 24 hours.
- Watsons, Mannings: pharmacy items, plasters, sunscreen. Ask the pharmacist.
- Octopus taps in convenience stores and many drugstores.
Other
- Let people off the lift first. Do not block MTR doors.
- Most shops do not expect a tip.
- Do not block the pavement for photos. Do not stand on tram rails in a market.
Questions
Can I really drink the tap?
Government mains water is potable. Hotels still putting out bottles is habit, not a warning. Do not drink from an unknown street pipe.