Hong Kong for First Timers

I was anxious before our trip to Hong Kong since we haven't been out of the country and we don't know what to expect. I already have our itinerary prepared months ago and I would go into it everyday to make sure everything would come out as planned, fortunately, it did but we could've save more from our trip had I been more thorough with my research. Anyway, these are some tips and things you must know if you are planning to visit Hong Kong for the first time to make your trip easy peasy:

TIP #1

BUY A 4G SIM CARD

Yes, wifi in Hong Kong is everywhere, buses, malls, hotels, and restaurants have them but you need your own internet for when you're lost (or so you won't get lost). Use it with Waze or Google Maps and you'll surely get to your destination safe and sound. I did purchase a sim card and it's really worth it.

TIP#2

BUY AN OCTOPUS CARD

I purchased a One-way Airport Express with 72-hr unlimited MTR pass. Although it was convenient, I could have save more if I use an Octopus Card instead, plus I will have the option to take the bus. An Octopus Card is a reloadable card that you can use for cashless payment in MTRs, buses, convenience stores, and some restaurants.

TIP #3

TAKE THE AIRPORT PUBLIC BUS TO GET TO THE CITY

Taking the airport public bus is the cheapest way to get to the city plus you get to to tour around Lantau Island and Hong Kong for 60 minutes. It only costs around $33 compared to $100 when taking the Airport Express.

TIP #4

STAY IN A HOSTEL AROUND TSIM SHA TSUI

Staying around TST has more Pros than Cons. Apart from being near shopping malls, convenience stores, restaurants, and some tourist spots, you can book cheap rooms in one of the hostels in Chung King Mansions or the less-crowded Mirador Mansion along Nathan Road. Although hostels in these buildings have rooms that have just enough space for the bed, you'll still get a clean and comfortable place to sleep in.

TIP #5

BRING A WATER BOTTLE

Hostels usually have a water dispenser in their reception area where you can refill your water bottle. You will not only save hundreds of bucks by bringing your own water bottle, you will also save time because you don't need to do a stop over in convenience stores anymore.

TIP #6

GET THE BEST EXCHANGE RATE IN CHUNG KING MANSION

Another reason to stay in TST is because you can get the best FOREX rates here. Just make sure to compare first because there are still a few who offers high selling rates. I've bought a few dollars from Santi's in Makati Avenue just to be safe but had the rest of my pocket money exchanged in Chung King Mansions.