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Hong Kong
Travel Guide
Money & duty free for Hong Kong
Exchange rates:
Hong Kong Dollar
€1 = HK$8.35
£1 = HK$11.5
US$1 = HK$7.75
Currency & Money
Currency information:
Hong Kong dollar (HKD; symbol HK$) = 100 cents. Notes are in
denominations of HK$1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in
denominations of HK$10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.
The currency is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of around
HK$7.8 to US$1, although this does fluctuate very slightly.
Notes are issued by three banks – HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank
and Bank of China – and therefore come in a variety of designs for
each denomination; coins, on the other hand are issued by the
government.
Hong Kong Dollars are legal tender in Macau (where the currency
is the pataca) and can be used on a one-to-one basis. Patacas cannot
be used in Hong Kong. Small transactions can also be carried out using
value stored on an Octopus card; these are primarily used for public
transport, but are now accepted in many shops and vending machines –
customers simply touch the card to the reader to the make the
transaction.
Credit cards:
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely
accepted. Look out for stickers in the windows of establishments,
indicating which cards can be used.
ATM:
There are plenty of ATMs in urban areas, accepting major
foreign debit and credit cards. The maximum withdrawal per transaction
varies from bank to bank, but is generally around HK$10,000.
Travellers cheques:
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are
advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, US Dollars or
Euros. These are accepted in some shops, hotels and other
establishments, and can be exchanged for local currency at banks or
private moneychangers (check rates carefully at the latter).
Banking hours:
Standard banking hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1630, Sat 0900-1230.
Some banks and branches are open slightly longer hours.
Currency restriction:
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or
foreign currency.
Currency exchange:
Foreign currency can be changed in banks, hotels and bureaux de
change. Banks usually offer the best rate of exchange.
Hong Kong duty free
The following goods may be imported into Hong Kong by
travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 19 cigarettes or 1 cigar or 25g of tobacco.
• 1L of alcohol over 30% volume.
No customs duty is payable on wine or spirits with less than
30% alcohol content.
Banned imports:
Prohibited and restricted imports include psychotropic drugs,
narcotics, controlled chemicals, antibiotics (except an acceptable
amount for personal use accompanied by a doctor’s prescription), arms,
ammunition, fireworks, strategic commodities, rough diamonds,
protected animals, plants, endangered species, radio transmitting
equipment, game, meat and poultry.
Banned exports:
Prohibited and restricted exports include psychotropic drugs,
narcotics, controlled chemicals, antibiotics (except an acceptable
amount for personal use accompanied by a doctor’s prescription), arms,
ammunition, fireworks, strategic commodities, rough diamonds,
protected animals, plants, endangered species, radio transmitting
equipment, game, meat, poultry and powdered formula milk.
Explore Hong Kong
About Hong Kong
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Kong History, Language and Culture
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Kong Weather, climate and geography
Hong Kong
Cultural Kaleidoscope
Hong Kong Shopping
Paradise
Hong Kong Food and
Drink
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International Cuisine
Hong Kong Colorful
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Kong Numerous Festivals and Fairs
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Convenient Transportation
Hong Kong Gateway for Exploring the Rest of Asia
Hong Kong Top
Things to Do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Travel Tips
Getting around Hong Kong
Money &
duty free for Hong Kong
Hong Kong Visa and Passport Requirements
Star
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