Five Tips to Getting Around Hong Kong

Prepared to spend your holiday. Where do you go?? If you have a plan trip to Hong Kong you must really prepared before go there.

For the first time visitor, using Hong Kong’s transit system can be quite confusing. Despite how it may seem to tourists, the system is effective. Renting a car can be very expensive so stretch your budget and utilize the public transportation system.

Once you are used to the system, it all makes sense. But until then, you will want to head off to your destination with time to spare. Here are a few tips that will make the learning curve a bit less daunting.

Taxi Fare

In Hong Kong, taxi drivers must be able to make change for bills up to 100 Hong Kong dollars. If you have larger bills, get them changed before you start out or you may encounter a problem.

Tipping Protocol

Unlike in the western part of the world, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Make no mistake, they do appreciate it; however they are just as polite, friendly, and helpful if no tip is offered. One thing that is common is that a driver will round your fare up to the nearest dollar when they make change.

Color-Coded Taxis

Taxis in Hong Kong are color-coded and that can be very helpful for visitors. The rules they must follow are fairly convoluted until you get a handle on them. All taxis can take fares to Disneyland and the airport.

Red urban taxis serving Kowloon, Hong Kong Island have the most expensive fares. Only slightly less expensive are the green taxis that service parts of the New Territories. Blue Taxis serve southern Lantau Island exclusively.

Octopus Cards

If you will be using the public transit for a few weeks, you’ll want to purchase an Octopus card. These are reloadable smart card and most fares are a little less when you use the card. In addition to using the Octopus cards on the MTR, they can be used in some retail and fast food outlets.

Public Washrooms

Before heading out the door, make sure that you use the washroom since there is a lack of public facilities in the main line MTR stations. Should the need arise, you will be allowed to use the staff washroom if you request to.

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