Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the PRC, which has its own rules, features and conditions for tourists to visit, which are different from the rest of China. It is very easy to get to Hong Kong on your own - you just need to buy air tickets and have a valid passport.
Entry formalities
If a Russian traveler plans to stay alone in Hong Kong for no more than 14 days, he will not need a visa. But it is best to monitor flights in advance - the price of tickets can be significant, but there are airline promotions that allow you to significantly save on flights.
Russian, Chinese and Hong Kong airlines fly to Hong Kong. Emirates Airlines offers excellent onboard service at a very reasonable price, especially if you get to the sale or purchase them in advance.
Dollars, but not those
The Hong Kong dollar is the only currency in the city, and credit cards and travelers' checks are readily accepted everywhere. It is better to make an exchange in banks, but in hotels and the airport the rate will not be very profitable for a tourist.
People come to Hong Kong on their own for various reasons, but one of them is profitable shopping. The city is home to many shopping malls, outlets and boutiques selling anything from real diamonds to fake watches. The prices pleasantly surprise even the most advanced shopaholics, and during seasonal sales, here you can buy branded items at the price of consumer goods.
Otherwise, Hong Kong is a very expensive city. A room in a mid-range hotel within the central part will cost at least US $ 80-100 if you want to have your own shower and other amenities.
Fans of Chinese cuisine will not be able to eat too expensively, but those who prefer European cuisine will have to budget at least $ 50 for food per day.
Valuable observations
- Octopus Card is a real lifesaver for those who come to Hong Kong on their own. It gives the right to economical travel on any public transport and is sold at the metro ticket offices. The card is rechargeable and can be used to pay in some cafes and snack vending machines. It is convenient to replenish the balance in the 7-Eleven network of markets.
- The best option for a cheap sightseeing tour is ferries between the mainland and Hong Kong Island. They run regularly about once every half hour, and a ticket costs about $ 0.50.
- A deposit upon check-in at the hotel is a standard procedure. Keep US $ 100-200 in cash for this purpose. They will be returned upon check-out from the hotel, but the money "frozen" on the card may again be available only within a month.
