Hong Kong Arrival Tips

A few tips for when you first arrive:

• Money: Your ATM and credit cards will work as at home. (Although don't assume your ATM card will work in Mainland China.)  There are several ATMs at Hong Kong airport on both arrival and departure levels.
  Note: Some electronic goods stores will charge a 3% surcharge for using a credit card so ask for this to be included before agreeing on a price when bargaining. Taxis and market stalls will only accept cash.
  

• City transport: If you are planning to stay several days and use public transport - you should buy an "Octopus" stored-value card at the Airport Express counter when arriving at the airport.  Octopus is a proximity smart-card which can be used to pay for MTR (subway), bus, and ferry fares.  It can also be used for payment at 7-eleven stores, and various franchised restaurant chains. To use the card, just wave over the turnstile sensor entering and leaving the subway, or when entering the bus or ferry. Recharge at 7-eleven or any MTR station ticket office. Return the card at the airport when leaving Hong Kong to get back most of your HK$50 deposit and all the stored value.
  Money saving tip: If taking the airport express train into the city, then you should buy the cheaper "one-month return" airport express ticket at the same time you buy an Octopus card. Then use the one-month return ticket for  for your airport <--> city travel instead of Octopus . Use your Octopus card for all other travel within Hong Kong.

Note: taxis accept cash only

• Airport transport: The airport express train is the fastest way into town (40km in 23 minutes).  A bus is cheaper and more scenic if you have lots of time and little luggage.  Taxis into town are relatively expensive at HK$300-400 and are only cheaper than the train for 3-4 people going to Kowloon or 4 people going to Hong Kong Island.
  When the Airport Express train gets to Kowloon or Hong Kong stations there are buses to most major hotels or use the taxis directly across the platform.  It's all very simple.
  Detailed information is available on the transport options and travel times into town: Airport Express Train, Bus services and Taxis.
  
  
• Hotel: There is a hotel booking service at the airport just as you exit customs.  However available accommodation might be limited or costly depending on time of year or whenever major exhibitions or conferences are running.
  Note: You are strongly recommended to book accommodation before coming here. Corporate rates can be up to 50% cheaper than standard rack rates.

For more arrival information see the Hong Kong International Airport web-site.