Do's & Dont's and General Advise for Travellers to Hong Kong!

When shopping in the multi-leveled complexes in Hong Kong, go to the top floor first. Rent is cheapest here and therefore you will get the best prices here as well.

When riding the escalators, stay on the right side specially during peak hours (8-10am and 5-7pm, also during weekends and public holidays) people are in a hurry going to and from work. better stand on the right side to avoid being shoved or bumped by the rushing crowd.

Don't drink the water from the faucet directly. Boil the water before you drink it, or buy distilled/mineral water from supermarkets like Wellcome, Mannings, Watsons, 7-Eleven, or street stalls.

Beware of your belongings, especially the backpack. Be aware of pick pockets in crowded areas. Such as the MTR and be careful to not display your money or where you keep it when paying for items such as in the street markets of Mongkok. A money belt is a good suggestion for men and women.
Hong Kong crime rate is comparatively low to other Asian countries. However, Travellers should always exercise common sense in every situation. Avoid walking through small alleys and be alert of your valuables in crowded places. Exchange your money in official money changers, banks offer better exchange rates.

In Hong Kong, traffic follows the British pattern, meaning pedestrians have to look to the right before crossing. At red light intersections, walk fast and in harmony with the flow of pedestrians.

Keep in your mind to always take your ID card, passport or license or something that can prove your ID with you whenever and wherever you go out. The police in Hongkong often want to check that in the street.

Lately, more and more people are selling perfume on the street, saying original perfume at a cheaper rate. it is advisable that you never buy perfume on the street because they may not be real one. The point is you don't know what's inside the bottle. So, be smart! For original and international brand of cosmetics, you can try shops like Sasa, Bonjour, and Bodyshop. they are everywhere!

Hong Kong has some great bargains on many things and its a fun place to shop. Just be sure when you purchase camera equipment or electronic goods that you check on the warranty, if its only local or carries an international warranty. Also check the box your goods are in that they contain a manual which is in English. Most stores are reputable and you should stop around for prices before purchasing. Never be afraid to bargain the price.

Be wary of people inviting you to go with them, either into their shop or a back alleyway. There are a good number of these people on Nathan Road in the less lighted areas. If for whatever reason you do go, just be sure it's with a bigger group (say at least 4 or 5 people).

If you are planning on going up The Peak, watch the weather. When low cloud surrounds Hong Kong Island it makes visibility almost nil in places. The higher you go the worse it is.

There is quite many route good for hiking in hong kong, but avoid doing this in the summer time (from June to August), its easy to get heliosis. The best time for hiking is on later autumn or early winter, and remember to bring the cell phone with you this time.

Hong Kong is subjected to typhoons every year between the months of June to September. It is best to avoid Hong Kong during this period. Not only is it hot and humid but should there be a grade 8 typhoon, some shops and businesses will be closed. There is also the risk of being injured by falling overhead signages, air-conditioning units and other flying debris.

In the Summer especially, the humidity in Hong Kong can be almost unbearable. It feels very hot and sticky outside. This weather in not only uncomfortable and dangerous, it is also perfect Mosquito weather. Make sure to drink alot of water, stay cool, and wear repellant.

Sundays are the day the Filipino community (the Amahs etc) have their day off and get together and it will get really crowded. They congregate around Central - a road is even blocked off for them to mingle, sing and dance and have their little religious gatherings. They also collect around the Star Ferry area Central and at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. They are all fun loving and its almost like party time when they get together along with all their large packages they have bought to send back home to families but if you are in a hurry and trying to get somewhere, it can take you quite a while to get through them all. After all, its Sunday and no one is supposed to be in a hurry.

Never ever stick your chopsticks straight up in your bowl of rice. Not only it's rude, chopsticks stuck straight up in a bowl of rice also resembles jossticks in an urn which is only meant for funerals. Never ever do this during a banquet or during a hosted meal. Also, never use a chopstick to point at something, most least a person.

You should never buy clocks as gifts for Chinese friends (unless they do not mind). Many older folks still frown at that as the Chinese words for "sending clocks" sound almost the same as "sending you to your grave". So, if you are intending to buy a gift for a Chinese friend, clocks should never be a consideration. On the other hand, watches are fine.

Handle paper with two hands - when passing money to people use both hands and accept the change the same way, the older generations appreciate it as using one hand is a sign of rudeness.

Wear a lightweight suit for all occasions and make prior appointments. Chinese businessmen drive a hard bargain but their word is their bond. It is wise to avoid using blue and white as they are the Chinese colors of mourning. There will be lots of entertaining, usually in restaurants. Be prepared to answer to a toast to your host. Try to eat with chopsticks. Carry your passport at all times.

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