The official currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), and while it’s a modern, cashless-friendly city, carrying a mix of cash and cards is still the smartest way to go. Here’s everything travelers need to know about handling money in Hong Kong in 2025.
💵 Currency Basics
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- Symbol: HK$
- Exchange rate: Roughly HK$7.8 = 1 USD (pegged to the US dollar)
- Banknotes: $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000
- Coins: 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2, $5, $10
“Don’t bring USD, GBP, or Euros expecting to use them directly—foreign currency isn’t accepted in shops or restaurants.”
🏧 Getting Cash in Hong Kong
ATMs are everywhere—in MTR stations, malls, banks, and convenience stores. Most accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, etc.) and offer English-language options.
- ATM withdrawal limits: Typically HK$4,000–HK$6,000 per transaction
- Fees: Your home bank may charge foreign transaction or ATM fees
- Tip: Use ATMs at major banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, or Bank of China for better reliability
💳 Card vs. Cash: What’s Best?
Hong Kong is a hybrid economy—you’ll need both.
Use cash for:
- Street food stalls and wet markets
- Small local restaurants (cha chaan teng)
- Taxis (some accept cards, but not all)
- Public minibuses and some ferries
- Tips and small purchases
Use cards for:
- Hotels and chain restaurants
- Shopping malls and supermarkets
- Online bookings and tours
- Airport Express and MTR (via Octopus card)
“Contactless payments are common, but don’t assume every shop takes card—especially in older neighborhoods.”
🪙 Octopus Card: Your Best Friend
The Octopus Card is a must-have for travelers:
- Works on MTR, buses, ferries, trams, and even some taxis
- Accepted at convenience stores, bakeries, fast food chains, and vending machines
- Can be topped up at MTR stations, 7-Eleven, Circle K, etc.
- Refundable deposit when you return it
“It’s not just a transport card—it’s a lifestyle card.”
💱 Currency Exchange Tips
- Best rates: Exchange money at banks or licensed money changers in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, or Causeway Bay
- Avoid: Airport counters and hotel desks—they often have poor rates
- Bring: Crisp, undamaged bills if exchanging foreign currency
💰 Daily Budget Estimates (2025)
| Travel Style | Daily Budget | Weekly Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | HK$544 | HK$3,800 |
| Mid-range | HK$1,350 | HK$9,460 |
| Luxury | HK$3,370 | HK$23,600 |
Source: Exiap 2025 Travel Budget Guide
💡 Final Tips
- Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated
- Keep small bills and coins for transport and street food
- Use a travel card (like Wise or Revolut) to avoid foreign transaction fees
- Always pay in HKD—avoid dynamic currency conversion at card terminals
“Hong Kong is fast-paced, but managing your money here doesn’t have to be. A little planning goes a long way.”
patrickmullen.net 
Leave a comment