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So you are thinking of travelling to Hong Kong or preparing your holiday to HK! I’ve made conscious efforts to visit HK twice a year and even until this day, I still feel like a tourist/expat and so I do try my best to enjoy HK as much as I can with my survival hacks! There’s no better advice from a local – unfortunately I am not a local but my advice is everything that I’ve experienced for the last 10 years of visiting back and forth from London to HK.
Here is my top 10 survival tips in Hong Kong:
10. Don’t Rely on WIFI!
I’ve tried this and it just isn’t worth it! I had a new phone and it wasn’t unlocked which left me little choices to go on aeroplane mode and catch any wifi I can get. When I switch on data roaming – dammit it can be very expensive for smart phone users which is everybody!
So, make sure you check that your phone is unlocked – if not; get it unlocked or find some kind of deal with your network. FYI, to buy a 1 week sim card package is £8 – that is cheap!
9: Sun Lotion Obviously!
The UV is very strong so please don’t get burnt! You see a lot of the older generation carrying umbrellas when it’s sunny and that acts as a sunblock for them. Always have a bottle of water in your bag too; not only is it hot in HK, the humidity can be a little too cray cray.
8. Always Carry Extra Tote/Plastic Bags!
I like to think Hong Kong always does it first and London likes to copy! First it was the Octopus/Oyster card and now the plastic bags! HK encourages people to bring your own plastic/tote bags when you go shopping to avoid wastage and encourage recycling! Annoyingly, I always forget to bring them but do not despair; you just gotta pay for the plastic bags which are cheap anyway but try and pack a tote/plastic bag in your handbag/backpack and eventually it will happen by default.
7. Not All Toilets are the Same!
Don’t be too surprised if you randomly find yourself in confrontation with a squatting toilet. I really don’t like them; in fact I don’t find them very clean and accidents can happen! My sister recommends you to bring a she-wee as an alternative – otherwise check the other cubicles coz there may be that one normal toilet! It’s very rare to come across a squatting toilet unless you come to the suburbs and beyond (non-English speaking zones).
6. Dare to Wear Surgical Masks?
You may have noticed that surgical masks are a common sight around Hong Kong and there is a perfectly good reason! They are really into their hygiene (well for most) and it goes two ways: either they are sick and don’t want to spread germs (coz you will get frowned upon if you sneeze so openly) or you are healthy and not want to catch any germs from other people who are sick and not wearing surgical masks. I’ve worn them (when I was sick and just for the hell of it) and it felt so normal. If I wear them in London obviously I will get awkward stares or kids taking pictures of me and post them on social media!
5. Air-Con is Strong!
HK loves their air con because it is a necessity and a bit too reliant I think! Shifting from hot to cold every time you go in/outside can get you rather sick so bring a cardigan/jumper/scarf with you if you know you are going to be indoors often eg shopping malls and restaurants.
4. Tissues/Anti-bacterial wipes Will Be Your Best Friend!
A lot of restaurants do not supply napkins/tissues in a “normal” restaurant/cafe and I have no idea why! Surely hygiene should be an important factor here but always carry a pack of tissues with you wherever you go. There were moments where I had to go to the bathroom numerous times to wash my hands for every time I use my hands to eat – it’s rather inconvenient but oh well that’s how it is.
3. Mind the Mainlanders!
I’m up to my neck when it comes to my patience with Mainlanders – there’s always been some sort of tension between Hong-Kongers and the older generation from Mainlander China and the most annoying thing is their manners! You have seen it in the press and they are in fact quite true – not all Mainlanders are the same but just be wary that you may get a crowd of Mainlanders natter really loudly, sound rather aggressively, barge their way through and worst of all – they do not understand the concept of queueing!
What to do? Don’t fight with them, unfortunately the country is working on their international mannerisms and just stand your ground the best you can.
2. Don’t Get Conned!
If you look foreign, they think you are rich and will try to rip you off obviously. If you are gonna go to a market like Ladies Market; try and bring a local friend to hang out with you so that he/she can protect you otherwise – haggle 70% from the asking price and walk away if they insist it’s already cheap.
As for taxis, make damn sure the meter is on – you should never get a quote for a ride, especially when you are out on Friday/Saturday night. Legally, it has to run on the meter and also; try and get your Google Maps on to check how long it should take to get to your destination. If you taxi driver is taking longer than it should to get you to a destination; you have proof!
1. Attack of the Mosquitos!
Excuse my French but the biggest, most annoying pain in the backside are those horrible mosquitos!!! Unfortunately, I am allergic to their bites and so my reaction is more than just a little red, itchy spot – it can balloon so huge, it swells up like a balloon and hardens for days! They love to bite the ankle, thighs and under arms and they are apparently the juiciest areas.
How to combat? I’ve tried them all – these mozzie repellent sprays just don’t seem to work anymore despite spraying 50% deet. I think these mozzies have evolved and no longer react to the deet Image may be NSFW.
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biggest trick is the scent of lemongrass – it’s very natural and they hate it! Patch yourself up with lemongrass on all key areas and if you can – use lemongrass shower products!
Do you have any similar survival hacks you can share with me? I will be in HK again this year! For more updates; follow me on Facebook Image may be NSFW.
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