Hong Kong on a Budget: An Octopus Card is Your Best Friend!
So, I saw someone online saying the Octopus card isn't necessary in Hong Kong. Seriously? Maybe they're rolling in cash, but for us budget travelers, it's a lifesaver! This post is for my fellow thrifty adventurers who want to experience Hong Kong without breaking the bank.
Skip the Expensive Taxi: Take the Airport Bus!
If you're loaded, go ahead and hop in a taxi from the airport to Tsim Sha Tsui (expect to pay around a million…VND equivalent!). But for the rest of us, the A21 airport bus is the way to go. It's dirt cheap at just HK$36.3! It takes you straight to the main streets of Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui.
A quick tip for using the bus: they charge a flat rate for the entire route, no matter how many stops you travel. Just swipe your Octopus card when you get on, and you're good to go. Forget fumbling with cash for each person!
Octopus: Your All-in-One Payment Solution
Think of the Octopus card as Hong Kong's version of MoMo. You can use it practically everywhere – for food, shopping, and especially transport. It's incredibly convenient and essential for navigating the city.
Money Exchange Tips for Hong Kong
Only exchange about half of your money in Vietnam. You can exchange the rest in Hong Kong. I found better exchange rates over there. If you over-exchange, exchanging it back to VND when you return could lead to bad rates because big bills are favored.
Go Digital with the Octopus App
iPhone users, download the Octopus app! You can load it with funds using your credit card (it will charge in USD). Then, add it to your Apple Wallet, and you're all set to use it just like a Visa card. There's a small refund fee (around HK$11) when you cancel the digital card, but I prefer the convenience over a physical card. Buying a new physical card comes with an initial cost, and selling it later can be tricky.
Budgeting for Transportation
If you're using the Octopus card for buses and the MRT, budget around HK$250-300 for about 5 days. Add extra for food, of course!
Comfort is Key: Pack Smart
Remember to bring comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking. Also, a pair of flip-flops as a backup is always a good idea.
First-Timer in Hong Kong, Ask Me Anything!
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, just leave a comment. I'm happy to share my experiences as a first-time budget traveler in Hong Kong. I hope this helps you plan your own worry-free adventure!
```