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For many, Hong Kong is a kind of “light version” of China. It’s not quite as exotic, yet diverse and multicultural. A trip to Hong Kong is definitely worth it. Besides the impressive and majestic skyline, there’s much more to discover: kitschy life-size cartoon characters, gorgeous gardens and parks, countless shopping malls, and culinary delights. And even in the surrounding area, Hong Kong boasts small islands and day trips.

Hong Kong is an exciting travel destination. The city is bustling, colorful, exotic, and adventurous. One experience follows another. In the evening, head to the Waterfront to marvel at the skyline in all its vibrant colors. The next day, you can visit the city’s many temples, take a detour to the cool Soho district, or take a boat tour to nearby Macau (Las Vegas).

Here you can find our latest Hong Kong travel reports

Here you can find all Hong Kong travel tips

Getting there

Over 100 airlines offer flights from many major cities around the world to Hong Kong. From Germany, you can fly directly from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, or Munich (Cathay Pacific & Lufthansa). From Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich, you can also fly with Qatar Airways via Doha. You can get a round-trip flight for under €500, depending on the month you travel. From Southeast Asia, a detour is worthwhile. Air Asia starts at just under €50 each way.

Entry

Hong Kong is a special administration and is therefore “separated” from China. However, you don’t need a visa in advance; with a German passport, you’ll receive a visa-on-arrival upon entry and can stay for a full 90 days. The same applies to Macau. Your passport should be valid for at least another six months. You can find all the important information here: Federal Foreign Office.

Transportation

You don’t need a car in Hong Kong, as mobility is a top priority here. In Kowloon, the quickest and easiest way to get from A to B is by MRT. This also takes you to Hong Kong Island. Be sure to get the rechargeable Octopus card for 150 HK dollars. This way, you don’t have to keep buying tickets. The Star Ferry takes you to Hong Kong Island for a reasonable price (25 cents). For longer distances, we recommend the double-decker buses.

Costs

Hong Kong is generally a very expensive country. During our time there, we ate very monotonously, as even the simplest meals were quite expensive. It’s no wonder, then, that a latte can cost between €5 and €7. In Hong Kong, you pay with the Hong Kong dollar. 1 euro currently gives you just under $8.20. We still use the DKB Visa Card* when abroad. There were no fees at the ATMs there.

Accommodation

Oh man, Hong Kong is really expensive. Neither hotels nor hostels are particularly cheap. Take a look at Airbnb*; we at least got a small private room there for just under €20 a night (a tiny little room). Decent hotel rooms in the center, on the other hand, cost a fortune; you can expect to pay up to €70 per night or more.

Travel Time

The months of January and February, May and June, and October to December are the best times to visit Hong Kong. From May to November, and especially in September, Hong Kong is occasionally hit by typhoons. We were in Hong Kong in June, and it was warm and, above all, very humid. It rained almost every day, but mostly only in short showers. We rarely experienced bright blue skies and sunshine.

Internet

Comparing Germany with Hong Kong, the internet speed here in Hong Kong is considerably higher. On average, you can expect a download speed of 68.94 Mbps and an average upload speed of 57.22 Mbps. Therefore, we never had any problems working online and didn’t have to buy a SIM card. You can, however, purchase various “bundles” from a variety of providers locally. With the provider Three, for example, you get 1GB of data for just under €20 (valid for 30 days).

Vaccinations

Your health is paramount – no matter where you are. You should therefore do your research before your trip so you don’t experience any unpleasant surprises in the land of your dreams. There are no specific vaccination requirements for entry to Hong Kong. However, you should get your standard vaccinations such as tetanus, polio, or measles updated. If you’re planning on traveling to Southeast Asia for a longer period, you should also get them updated against hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis.

Safety

Health and safety are highly valued in Hong Kong. Whether day or night, Hong Kong is a safe city. Police officers can be seen regularly patrolling the various districts. They are well-trained and helpful. Of course, you should also use common sense here. Keep valuables, cash, and important travel documents in a safe place. You should also never lose sight of your luggage. You can find more information about this here.

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