Local Tip
Hong Kong uses its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), not the mainland yuan. Before swapping cash, look up the changer on the Customs and Excise online register of licensed money service operators.
Where to change money in Hong Kong
Banks, airport counters and money changers all sell Hong Kong dollars. Money-changing and remittance businesses must be licensed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, and trading without a licence can bring a HK$1,000,000 fine and two years in prison. Honeycombers suggests getting quotes from two or three providers and asking what commission or fees apply before you agree.
- Kin Shing Money Exchange, Chungking Mansions Shop 87, G/F, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Family-run since 1968, with no reservations. Hours (MoneySmart, February 2025): Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00, Sat 9:00-14:00; shut on Sundays and public holidays.
- Ngau Kee Money Changer, Sheung Wan G/F, Champion Building, 1 Cleverly Street, Sheung Wan. Founded in 1930; more than 40 currencies. Hours (MoneySmart, February 2025): Mon-Fri 9:00-17:30, Sat 9:00-13:00; shut on Sundays and public holidays.
- Banks such as HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong) and BEAThey change money too, but MoneySmart found their rates usually a little below the changers' and says banks often add a fee.
Changing money at the airport
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) says it has banks, money exchangers and cash machines. Its exchange operators are Global Exchange, with nine branches for arriving and departing passengers and more than 40 currencies, and Travelex; both let you order online and collect the cash when you land. You won't need cash for the Airport Express into town, as its gates take contactless bank cards.
ATMs and cards in Hong Kong
Cash machines are easy to find and accept overseas cards, and bigger hotels, shops and restaurants take the main international cards; look for the logos at the till. Check your own bank's charges for withdrawals abroad before you fly. Some Hong Kong terminals and cash machines put a sterling figure beside the Hong Kong dollar amount; pick the Hong Kong dollar one, as the merchant's on-the-spot conversion often works out dearer than your card's rate. The UK Foreign Office advises extra care with cards, cash and passports in crowds and at hotel check-in and check-out.
Paying for transport in Hong Kong
MTR gates, the Airport Express included, accept contactless Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay credit, debit and prepaid cards, including ones issued overseas, but not UnionPay debit cards. You pay the adult Octopus fare, with no concessions, and bank cards don't work on Light Rail or MTR buses. The Octopus stored-value card also covers buses, trams and ferries; top it up with cash at 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wellcome and many other shops, or at MTR add-value machines, which take only HK$50 or HK$100 notes.
Good to know
- Restaurants often add 10 per cent for service, though Cathay Pacific's guide says a tip for good service is still welcome. Taxi drivers don't generally expect one and rounding up is not unusual; on an airport run, Cathay suggests HK$10 or HK$20 extra depending on distance.
- Honeycombers warns that a rate well above the mid-market level is probably a scam, and advises avoiding unlicensed firms and unofficial Facebook pages that offer exchange.
Key Areas in Hong Kong
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Exchange bureaux, banks and cash machines, as mapped by OpenStreetMap. The map loads only when you ask for it.
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Hong Kong travel money FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money in Hong Kong?
Compare a few money changers before using a bank; MoneySmart found bank rates typically a little lower. Long-running names include Kin Shing in Chungking Mansions, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Ngau Kee in Sheung Wan; both close on Sundays.
Can I pay for the MTR with a contactless UK bank card?
Yes, if it's a contactless Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay credit, debit or prepaid card, though not a UnionPay debit card. It works at MTR and Airport Express gates at the adult Octopus fare, but not on Light Rail or MTR buses.
Can I get Hong Kong dollars at the airport?
Yes. The airport has cash machines and two exchange operators, Global Exchange and Travelex, and both let you order currency online and collect it when you land.
Checked September 2026. Fees, fares and opening times change, so check locally before relying on them. Sources: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department Β· Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Β· MTR Corporation Β· Octopus Cards Limited Β· MoneySmart HK Β· The Honeycombers
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