Hong Kong Prices

« While planning my trip to Hong Kong, I chatted with various people and read forums, reports, and so on. Everywhere I saw comments along the lines of "it's expensive in Hong Kong!" 💰

For me, as someone who has spent a year working in sales, the word "expensive" always triggers a Pavlovian response: expensive compared to what? 🤨 Perhaps to Southeast Asia? Well, that's possible. This was my first experience in Asia, so I think I have a right to feel this way. However, I will limit this to my "local" context. And given that my travel experience has only been in Europe, prices there 💵 were generally higher than what I expected.

So, in this post, I've decided to delve into this question deeper. Prices will be indicated in Hong Kong dollars. 💵💰 (1 Hong Kong dollar = 0.13 USD). I believe everyone can determine for themselves whether it's expensive or not.

🏨 Accommodation. The average cost for a hotel room is around 200-300 dollars per night. The cost of a capsule hotel, which I mentioned in one of my previous posts, hovers around 160 dollars per night. 💵 A decent hotel will typically cost around 400 dollars.

🚕 Transport. The cost depends on the number of stops you make during your ride on the metro 🚉. The average cost of a trip by metro is about 15 dollars. Bus fares 🚍 range from 3.5 to 65 dollars depending on the route. The cheapest form of transport is the tram 🚋, costing only 4-6 dollars.

🍔 Food. The cheapest option to eat, like almost everywhere else in the world, is McDonald's. The average cost of a burger 🍔 is around 30-40 dollars. There is also street food available, costing about 60 dollars. If you want to dine well in a restaurant, expect to spend around 150-200 dollars per person.

📱 Tech. In Hong Kong, tech items are significantly cheaper than in Europe and even in the U.S. Many people from different countries head to Apple centers to buy iPhones.

👗 Clothing. Clothing also proved cheaper than in many places. I bought a pair of Fred Perry sneakers for only 72 Hong Kong dollars. To my mind, that's a fantastic price.

These prices are indicative. 🤝

So friends, what do you think, are these prices too high? »

« Today was spent at "Ocean Park" 🎢. From the moment we entered to the last ride, there were hardly any crowds! 😂 You can check out my friend's story for all the details 😉.

So, here's the scoop. At the park, you can find 🦙a zoo, 🐠an aquarium, 🎡rides, 🎢shows, 🎭markets, and cafes. The train 🚂 and the funicular 🚡 will take you to the best parts of the park.

A ticket costs $61 (around 57€) for adults and $30 (around 28€) for kids. Fast track or skip-the-line tickets cost an additional $42 (around 39€). We didn't mind shelling out the extra cash 💸 because it was totally worth it!

You feel the adrenaline rushing in the 🎢American roller coaster while the wind blows your hair, the sun kisses your face, and you’re mesmerized by stunning seaside views 🌊. We just wanted to ride everything, and we did! 🎢 You can skip the line really easily! That means prime spots all the time! 😄 The best view and you’re the first to experience what everyone is lining up for! We had a blast! 🎠We laughed and screamed loudly, and wiped our tears 😭 after every ride.

The park boasts the world's only immersive underwater attraction, combining a thrilling roller coaster 🎢 and VR goggles 🎮. It was insane! My partner kept asking to ride it again and again, and we didn't get tired of it. 😂

If we're talking about the downsides of the park 🌳🌲🌴, here’s what to note:
❌High prices
❌Almost mandatory fast track purchases
❌Lines can be long
❌Crowded
❌Low-quality food
❌Limited space
❌Short operating hours - only 8 in total

What can I say? The park of entertainment has hooked us, and now we want more! ❤️ Please share which parks you know about! What have you been to? What can you recommend? »

« First impressions - Hong Kong - it's definitely not New York! 😂😂 I’ll write about it more later)) But it can also be pretty pricey, and just for one day it hits your wallet hard.

In Hong Kong, you'll see tall buildings and tiny spaces. Many people in cafés sit close together, practically glued to each other.

Eating out can be expensive, even at a local diner, where a soup with noodles can cost around $7. By the way, as a vegetarian, it was pretty challenging to find meals without meat unless you know specific places, and at times, they can be hard to locate.

Hotels are very pricey, and again, they’re tiny too, like 80 square feet for around $50 a night, and that’s for a shared room! 😱😱 Or maybe I'm just looking in the wrong spots.

Getting around by metro or bus is pretty clear and easy. A metro ticket costs a little over $4. I had no problems navigating, sometimes even asking people on the street, but honestly, they didn’t seem to know much either! 😂😂 There aren’t always lifts, so if you’re carrying luggage, you might have to ask for help - awkwardly going up and down stairs. 😅

You can find cheaper iPhones and various gadgets, especially right now before the New Year. Chinese New Year is approaching! 😄

Don’t fly into Hong Kong in February - it’s super cold! 😂😂 We were freezing; the hotel was chilly too. They offered a supplementary heater, but it didn’t really save us when you're on the 11th floor and the windows feel like ice. Beautiful views, though, but freezing! 😂😂

I’ll be back there soon for New Year, gathering emotions and information! 😏

How about you? What were your first impressions? 😊 »

« What a cozy and warm photo! 😍

Let's share our travel experiences in Hong Kong! 🤗 How much money did you spend in a day?

The most popular question: "how much money is needed to visit Hong Kong?"

Take for example a family of three people, planning to stay five days. 😄 Here’s a sample budget:

🏨 Hotel: On average, around 130 USD per night.
☕ Breakfast: On average, about 8 USD per person; it can be even less if you buy things at 7-Eleven.
🍜 Lunch: A typical meal in an ordinary Chinese restaurant costs around 15 USD per person.
🍽️ Dinner: Depending on where and what you’re eating, on average I think around 50 USD for the family.
🚗 Transport: It’s tricky to estimate – some may use the metro, others taxis; let’s say around 7 USD per person per day.

Total: approximately 250 USD a day for a family of three to get by comfortably.

Additional expenses:
🎢 Parks and attractions: Ticket prices average at around 60 USD per person.
🎁 Souvenirs: Budget about 200 USD for souvenirs. You can buy magnets, sweets, and Chinese medicine.
🍬 Sweets: Hong Kong has many delicious treats; let’s say around 100 USD for that.

In total: of course, here you can include an infinite number because every vacation is unique depending on personal preferences and desires! »

« Recommendation for a hotel in Hong Kong.

When I was choosing where to stay in Hong Kong, I apparently checked out the entire booking scene, and I ended up with a 20% discount on something really unique - whether it's a stunning rooftop or glamorous windows with a view, Hong Kong really has its charm. All options were somehow desirable and not too budget-friendly in their own way.

Among all that I looked through, there were hotels like the Ritz-Carlton (with the highest bar in the world, located on floors 103-119) to hotels where the unit was located right by the bed (and there was also some touching moments😊).

In the end, I chose a simple yet decent budget-friendly option - IBIS, 3*, familiar to me from my time in St. Petersburg. Unlike other IBIS hotels, the rooms had windows along the entire wall (though it's a bit compact). Here’s why I chose it (and was quite satisfied):

1) Price in relation to cleanliness and comfort. For me, it's very important to have a place that is ideally clean.

2) Ideal location if you're planning to head to Macao. The ferry terminal is visible right from the window! It only takes 5 minutes to get there. Absolutely convenient and straightforward.

We spent one night at IBIS, then left our luggage there and went to Macao, later returning to IBIS for two more nights (in a slightly higher category room).

3) A fantastic plus of IBIS is that it didn't require a pre-authorization on the card, and there was no need for a deposit; they just charged the payment immediately, and that was it. One less hassle 😄.

4) Easy and quick to get from the airport - take the airport express to the terminal (Hong Kong Island), then switch to the necessary metro line and go one station.

5) A few metro stops and the tram station (which we frequently used, while the metro was only from/to the airport).

6) The view from the window may not be the most stunning in all of Hong Kong, but it gave a pretty nice glimpse of the harbor and the sparkling skyline.

In essence:
2 - nights spent exploring hotels,
4 - first feelings in Hong Kong,
5 - the view from the room we stayed in after Macao,
6, 7 - views from the corridor to the mountains and heights,
8 - view from IBIS street,
9 - path from the ferry terminal towards the hotel,
10 - just basic Hong Kong streets in the same area 😊. »

« Temperature is 18 degrees. It's chilly. Tomorrow it will be 11. We decided to go buy some warm clothes....

So, the only large outlet near the airport is definitely a rip-off! Prices are several times higher than in outlets across Europe. For example, a Max Mara coat costs $3000 (grandma's style), a Coach wallet for $250 (and that's with a 50% discount!!!). What a disgrace, like some cheap stuff from a flea market.

New Balance and Adidas - none of the main models are available. »

« Prices in Hong Kong 😱
A post that reflects a true love for the city 💰
The most expensive real estate in Hong Kong 🏠 Every square meter is pure gold. A cozy apartment will cost around $1,200 in rent (you can find options for around $500-800). Local salaries average $1,900 a month. On the other hand, food here is delicious and not too expensive. Street food is amazing, hearty, and a meal for two will cost about $40-50. Eggs are quite pricey, around $3 for a dozen, and yogurt can range from $4 to $12, depending on the brand. Cigarettes are about $5 per pack. Alcohol is similarly priced to other places. Taxis are considered affordable, with drivers behaving like pros. Here, you’ll find the lowest prices for Apple products 😳 I thought they would be cheaper than in California, but actually, you can't find iPhones here that are less than $800. But wait! There’s an Apple store 30 km away, and the prices for iPhones and Macs are $2,500-4,000 cheaper than in other places! Hong Kong is associated with luxury, diamonds, and high-end living. There is indeed a fabulous shopping scene here! It’s clear that living in Hong Kong comes with its unique perks, and you’ll find plenty of European expatriates who earn around €10,000-30,000 monthly 🔥 Hong Kong is the Mecca where the price per square meter is higher than anywhere else globally, with dollar millionaires in abundance. But that's a different story... Like this post if you want to see more! ;) »

« I really wanted to enjoy the views of Hong Kong from above. For all its skyscrapers and nature, I explored the following observation spots:

1. The famous IFC Tower.
On the 55th floor, you can find the Museum of Money History and the library of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. You can only visit this museum to enjoy its spectacular observation windows and capture beautiful views of Hong Kong. Entrance is free, but you need to register in advance at the reception. Don’t forget your passport!

2. Central Plaza.
Similar to other skyscrapers, there's an observation deck on the 46th floor where you can stroll around the entire perimeter and enjoy views of the lush surroundings. Free entry. No documents needed.

3. Bank of China Tower.
On the 43rd floor, there's an observation deck open for everyone. To access it, you need to go to reception, show your passport (ID card) and get a visitor's pass (not accessible for tourists).

4. Peak Vitoria.
Head to the rooftop of the "Peak Gallery" building, where there's a free and spacious area with a fantastic view of the Victoria Harbour.

5. Hiking in Hong Kong.
From Victoria Peak, breathtaking views of the city, beaches, and the sea can be seen.

I decided to start with one of the highest restaurants in the world, OZONE. Located on the 118th floor of the famous ICC (International Commerce Centre) in Hong Kong. Prices are, of course, steep. A coffee costs around 12 USD, and a pint of beer is about 20 USD. The view from these iconic places is worth every cent. »

« Today I finally went horse riding! And it was such an interesting experience 😊😊😊 I can say that it’s not just about the thrill, the beauty and strength of the horses, but also the amazing technique of the jockeys, surrounded by 40,000 people, and the ideal setup – it’s a whole science on how to place a bet! Is anyone among you familiar with this? ❄️❄️❄️

We just couldn’t figure it out; the system is quite complex. But we enjoyed ourselves even without it. If you’re in Hong Kong, you absolutely must experience this, the atmosphere is just breathtaking, like a festival! 😃 And the entry fee is only $10. »

« Hong Kong is monitored by cameras everywhere! It’s true! There are clear rules - you can smoke here, but just a meter away it's prohibited. The price of a pack of cigarettes is around $7-$10. The fine for smoking in a prohibited area can be as high as $650. »

« What truly deserves attention in Hong Kong is the TRAM. For over a hundred years, they have served the locals as the cheapest mode of public transport. These narrow double-decker trams (!!!) are called "ding ding," and they look really cool. Of course, trams are not the fastest means of transport; quite the opposite, actually. But the tram route runs through all of Hong Kong, covering many local attractions and passing through the central part. The ticket price is only 2.30 HKD (~0.30 USD), making a tram ride the most affordable sightseeing experience. And considering how much it sways, it adds a little "extreme" to the tour! 😊 »

« The Octopus card is a smart card designed for public transport, allowing you to pay for the subway, buses, and even light rail, plus you can use it to make purchases at many retail stores. You can buy the Octopus card at the subway for 150 HKD, which includes an initial balance of 100 HKD. When you no longer need the card, you can return it and receive the balance and a refund of the deposit. Traveling with the card is cheaper, and you always pay for the distance you've traveled. We also noticed that from 7:15 AM to 8:20 AM, the subway offers a 25% discount, making it a good incentive to get to work early! 😊 »

« In Hong Kong, it seems like you can only live in high places. The view from up there is quite nice. I checked in a magazine, there are decent apartments around $1 million. »

« We went up to the highest point in Hong Kong - Victoria Peak. The line to buy a ticket for the funicular was extremely long. It costs 83 HKD, which is about 11 USD. »

« And once again, the Ferris wheel near Central Pier in Hong Kong, but this time at night. By the way, if you're thinking about spending 13 USD for this experience, don’t do it at night! Everything is glimmering with lights, the windows don't open - such a letdown! :( But at least the air conditioning inside works well - I appreciated that! :))))) »

« One of the novelties among banknotes is the unusual denomination of 150 dollars, issued by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in March 2015, celebrating the bank's 150th anniversary. »

« The official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Coins and banknotes up to 10 HKD are issued by the Hong Kong government. All other banknotes are issued by three banks: HSBC, Bank of China, and Standard Chartered Bank. Since 1983, the Hong Kong dollar has been pegged to the US dollar. Currently, the following coins are in circulation: 10, 20, 50 cents, and 1, 2, 5, 10 HKD; banknotes include 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 HKD. »

« A room of 2 by 3 meters, with walls resembling a hospital ward, costs $36 per night. It's not cheap to live here, even for a prepared adventurer. The streets are filled with right-hand drive Porsches and BMWs, and salaries vary from $1,300 for grocery store clerks to infinity for office workers and accountants. There are many Indian refugees who have obtained status and now receive food vouchers, living on the fringes and in the alleys of parks. The city towers over 200 meters high, bustling with business life in Asia alongside Shanghai, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. A mesmerizing place. »

« The Hong Kong tram is one of the oldest forms of public transport in the city. The tram line was opened back in 1904. Many tourists use the tram not only for getting around but also as a sort of attraction. The trams in Hong Kong are double-decker and have preserved the look of the 1940s and 1950s. There are no air conditioners on the trams, so the cabin windows are open, and the seats are wooden. The fare is HK$ 2 (approximately $0.26). »

« Ira recommended the site ctrip.com, where you can often find good rooms at great deals. We found a room there with two beds for just 120 Hong Kong dollars (about $16). Usually, for that price, you only get a single room or a bed in a hostel.

But while that price was displayed online, we quickly learned that the on-the-spot price could be much higher. We wanted to try and negotiate for the website's rate, but at another hotel, they told us there were no available rooms.

Just then, a kind Chinese man passed by, and Katya asked him to check for available rooms. He turned out to be incredibly generous, not only confirming that a room was available but also offering to pay with his card! We gave him cash in return.

He spent another 15 minutes helping us check in and even called the owners to sort things out. We were really grateful for his assistance! It turned out that we even got a room for three people. There was one big bed and one small.

The room itself was quite tiny, and the two of us barely fit in it. That's just how it is in Hong Kong. But overall, we liked the room—it even had a fridge and a window, which is a luxury for that price! Now we could relax and head out to explore the nightlife of Hong Kong. »

« Sunny Koste city was quite nice))) skyscrapers, sunshine, and polite Chinese people))) I saw a sign on the museum door handle that said, “This handle is disinfected 8 times a day”))) Personally, I think Hong Kong is unjustifiably expensive. Attractions start at around $13 (from 100 Hong Kong dollars). Even the Ferris wheel... That seems a bit excessive to me. Food is expensive too, although maybe we just didn’t look hard enough)) In one day in Hong Kong, we spent as much as we would in Bali for 3-4 days… That’s how it is)) but for transit, Hong Kong is incredibly convenient)))) »

« I really liked this thing, the river rafting experience, especially in the rain! They warned us that we would get wet, but I didn't care and wasn’t about to spend $40 on a disposable rain poncho, so I ended up looking like a drenched chicken after the adventure :) Later, I found out the source of the "rain" – it turns out anyone can spray those floating down the river from a machine! That was a blast! »

« It was 100 Hong Kong dollars. We celebrated like we had won a million. The journey to Hong Kong took us a day and a half. We spent the night in a cold airport. We didn’t eat anything for an entire day. All we dreamed about when we arrived in Hong Kong was to eat something as soon as possible. We entered the first store and stocked up on food, only to find out at the checkout that our card wasn’t working. We rushed off to find ATMs, wasting half an hour on that. With each passing minute, our hunger grew stronger. We found a few ATMs, checked our cards, and were disappointed to discover that they were all blocked. To add to our troubles, our phones had died. That’s how we ended up incredibly hungry, without money or connection in a foreign country. We sat for half an hour, watching our hunger take over. Finally, I remembered my old card, where a few thousand had been gathering dust. We didn't really expect it to work, but decided to give it a try. And oh, the joy... We managed to withdraw $100!!!! I had never been so happy about money!!!! »

« For those of you traveling on a budget, check out Mirador Mansions on Nathan Road in Kowloon. It's another bustling hive, alongside the famous Chungking Mansions, with dozens of hostels proudly calling themselves HOTELS. Among these little hotels, you can find decent rooms with air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and a shower for around $32-46 USD. On regular days, some local apartment owners might be open to bargaining, allowing you to lower the price by about $2.5-6.5 USD. However, during holidays or festival days, prices go up, so it's better to book your room in advance. If you find yourself stuck without a room, try Keny on the 6th floor. This lovely lady has never left me without accommodation. Even if she has no vacancies, she'll find a room for you! Good rooms are mostly located on the higher floors (starting from the 8th), and they’re primarily owned by Indians. Just be careful with the elevators as each one only stops on certain floors! »

« Hong Kong is an ant colony of a city. By the way, around the Peak, there's a long road leading to the police station. Strolling along that path, we saved $48 per adult and $24 per child. Plus, the view there is better than from the paid observation deck... »

« Imagine this. Our hotel doesn't have proper outlets, but hey, they do offer an adapter for $20. 😅 »

« Hong Kong's Khrushchyovkas) old skyscrapers))) Just to say for those flying through Hong Kong airport, prices listed in local cafes and duty-free zones are in Hong Kong dollars )) so don't be too surprised when water costs 24$, as the Hong Kong dollar has a similar symbol to our familiar dollar. »

« In the Kowloon area, there's a street filled with fortune tellers and magicians. The average price for a session is around 80 HKD. Only one of them agreed to take a picture with me, even though there were dozens around. And there's no shortage of people eager to know their fate! I didn't join in. :) »

« Everything is designed for people. Everything, absolutely everything. No matter where you look, it's all adapted for our convenience. Even the toilets flush themselves... People smoke only near the trash cans that are designated for that purpose, as no one would dare smoke next to an ordinary trash bin. Because there’s a warning on it about a $20 fine. It's all about cleanliness here. »

« I took the ferry from the island part of Hong Kong to the mainland. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate. A downpour started, and visibility dropped to almost nothing. The skyscrapers were obscured, with only faintly visible advertising screens. This crossing costs only 3 HKD, which is about 0.38 USD. I was shocked! There are tourist ferries too, but they cost about ten times more. Plus, they take about 10 minutes longer and are on more modern vessels. »

« The fine for smoking in public places in Hong Kong is HK$5,000, which is approximately €500. »