With the May Day Golden Week approaching, many tourists are expected to visit Hong Kong. If it's your first time traveling to the city, here are a few important things to note before your trip!
1. Know the Border Crossing Times – Not All Checkpoints Are Open 24/7
When traveling to Hong Kong, especially for first-time visitors, it's important to know the operating hours of various border checkpoints.
Only the Hong Kong International Airport Port, Huanggang Port, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port operate 24 hours daily. However, neither port is connected to the railway, and travelers must rely on cross-boundary buses.
Lo Wu Checkpoint, which connects to the East Rail Line, operates until midnight, while Futian Checkpoint closes at 10:30 PM.
If traveling late at night via Huanggang Port, you can take the All-Day Cross-Boundary Bus. The Wan Chai All-Day Bus departs from the HKCEC B2 exit, heading south via Lok Ma Chau, Macao Ferry Terminal, and Wan Chai MTR Station. Northbound routes stop at Hennessy Road CTS Bus Stop and Lok Ma Chau.
2. Transportation in Hong Kong
Public transport options in Hong Kong include buses, the MTR, trams, and ferries. Most accept mobile payments via cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay, and buses/MTRs can take you to most major attractions.
However, not all minibusses accept digital payments, so carrying an Octopus card or coins for the fare is advised. No change is given on minibusses.
If you plan to take a taxi, preparing some Hong Kong dollars in advance is best. If you suspect overcharging or route deviation, record the following for complaint:
- Driver's name
- Vehicle license plate
- Driver ID number
- Date, time, and location of the incident
You can file a complaint by:
- Calling 1823 (Gov hotline)
- Contacting the Transport Complaints Unit: (Hotline: 2889 9999, Fax: 2577 1858, Email: info@tcu.gov.hk)
- Reporting to the Police via 999
3. Mobile Roaming Tips
Visitors can either activate roaming services, buy data SIM cards at convenience stores, or rent portable Wi-Fi devices upon arrival.
4. Payment Methods in Hong Kong
The Octopus card is widely accepted across public transport, restaurants, and convenience stores. While Apple Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay QR are accepted at major chains like 7-Eleven, small shops may only accept cash.
It's advisable to bring some HKD cash with you.
5. Other Must-Know Travel Tips
🚇 East Rail Line First-Class Carriage Requires Extra Fare
The East Rail Line is the only MTR route with a first-class carriage. Passengers using this carriage must pay double fares, tap their Octopus card, or select "first-class" when using mobile payment. Failing to do so can result in a HK$1,000 fine.
🚉 Exiting the Same MTR Station or Staying Over 150 Minutes May Incur Charges
To prevent misuse of stations for delivery or loitering, MTR enforces charges for:
- Exiting same station within 20 min: Pay minimum fare
- Exiting same station after 20–150 min: HK$10 (adults), HK$5 (child/senior/student)
- Exceeding 150 min: Pay maximum single journey fare up to HK$64
🚷 Jaywalking Fine: HK$2,000
Since March 24, Hong Kong police have launched a territory-wide crackdown on jaywalking and traffic offenses. Jaywalking can result in a HK$2,000 fine upon conviction, so pedestrian crossings should always be used, and traffic signals should be followed.
🚭 Smoking in Public Places: HK$1,500 Fine
Smoking is prohibited in statutory no-smoking areas, including indoor restaurants, cinemas, theaters, arcades, and public transport. Violators face a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.
🏨 Hotels No Longer Provide Single-Use Plastic Items
As part of Hong Kong's plastic reduction initiative, hotels no longer provide disposable plastic items like toothbrushes, combs, or bottled water. Visitors should bring their own or check with the hotel in advance.
Are you planning a trip to Hong Kong this May Day?
Feel free to share your travel tips in the comment section!
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