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.