1.
Having a virtual U.S. phone number can be convenient when calling your family or anyone in the U.S. to ask for their help to address any problems you might have. A virtual number is also cheaper than international calling and data roaming.
2.
Carry enough cash with you when going out with friends to eat, as some restaurants still do not accept credit or Octopus cards.
3.
Instead of exchanging money at a small, private money-exchange counter in a shopping mall, I recommend exchanging money at a larger bank, as banks are more credible and less picky about the quality of the cash you have on hand.
4.
Hong Kong stores and restaurants close as early as 8:30 PM, so you should plan accordingly on shopping, sightseeing, and having dinner at night.
5.
Hong Kong people tend to live an intense, fast-paced lifestyle, opposite to the relaxed and leisurely lifestyle we have in Hawaii.
6.
Hong Kong has a variety of transportation modes, including trams, subway, ferries, buses, and taxis, and you must have an Octopus card with enough cash balance to use these modes of transportation.
7.
Be on the lookout for the weather alert in Hong Kong, as there can be unusual and extreme weather patterns throughout the year (ex., Typhoons, storms, significant temperature drops, presence of fog, etc.) that can cause inconvenience in traveling and accessing food and supplies.
8.
Using Visa credit cards in Hong Kong can incur foreign transaction fees, so check your credit cards as soon as possible before arriving in Hong Kong.
9.
Before arriving in Hong Kong, I recommend buying the eSIM offered by MobiMatter if you have a smart mobile device compatible with an eSIM. The cellular data provides abundant data that forms stable and consistent connections, and you can also call anyone in Hong Kong with no interruptions. Whether or not you choose MobilMatter, you should still consider buying an eSIM before arrival or a physical SIM card immediately after arrival. That way, you will have an easier time navigating through the city.
10.
Use OpenRice to navigate and find the list of popular restaurants and cafes to find the latest information on the food they offer, opening hours, customer ratings, etc.