Hong Kong Money and Banks
Here are some Hong Kong money and bank tips.
Currency: Hong Kong dollar ($HK)
Denominations: $HK 1 = 100 cents
Notes come in $HK10 $HK20, $HK50, $HK100, $HK500 and $HK1,000
Coins come in $HK10, $HK5, $HK2, $HK1, 50 cents, 20 cents and 10 cents.
Exchange rate: $US1 is about $HK7.80
Banks in Hong Kong authorised to issue currency
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China.
Changing Money in Hong Kong
There are currency exchange counters at Hong Kong airport. You may change some if you plan to use public transport from the airport. However, for better exchange rates, change your money at exchange counters in the city.
Payment
- Most shops and restaurants accept NETs payment. ATMs are also found in many shopping malls.
- Credit cards: most accepted are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and Diners Club the most common. Most mid to top-range hotels and malls accept credit cards.
- Carry mixture of cash and travellers' cheques if you travel to the west side of Hong Kong or the countryside.
Tipping
Hong Kong is generally not big on tipping. If you take a taxi, you can just round up the fare. Or if you are using the porters at the airport, HK$2 per suitcase is fine. Most restaurants and hotels also charge a 10% service charge to the bill.
