Money & Payments in Hong Kong (2026)

Cash tips are preferred, as most places don't accept tips via credit card.
If you do decide to tip, it's customary to tip cash rather than on your credit card.
Tipping culture is evolving slowly due to international visitors, with hospitality industry increasingly recognizing visitor expectations and shifting cultural norms.
Hong Kong's local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Carry small bills (HK$10–HK$50 denominations) for tips and small purchases.
Octopus card (contactless transit card) is convenient for public transport, convenience stores, and many retailers.

Note: Unable to verify current ATM withdrawal fees and foreign exchange charges with available sources. Recommend contacting your home bank and checking with local banks (HSBC, Bank of China, DBS) for specific fee structures.

Restaurants
Guidance
Many restaurants add 10% service charge, so no extra tip needed unless service was exceptional. No tipping expected at fast food chains, local noodle shops, or dai pai dongs.
Note
Generally not required; most restaurants include a 10% service charge and workers earn standard salary not dependent on tips.
Casual Dining & Hawkers
Guidance
No tipping at fast food chains, local noodle shops, or dai pai dongs. In bars and cafes you can round the bill to next significant amount or leave small tip per drink.
Note
Not customary.
Upscale Restaurants
Guidance
If service particularly good, rounding up bill or leaving HK$20–HK$50 is kind gesture.
Note
Optional.
Taxis & Rideshare
Guidance
Cab drivers don't expect tips, though if journey was good, rounding to nearest Hong Kong dollar is not uncommon. Uber has built-in tipping system at your discretion.
Note
Not expected.
Hotels - Bellhops & Porters
Guidance
HK$10–HK$20 per bag is standard tip.
Note
Appreciated.
Hotels - Housekeeping
Guidance
Some guests leave HK$10–HK$20 per night on pillow, but this is optional.
Note
Optional.
Hair Salons & Spas
Guidance
Common to tip in hair salons; small tip of 5%-10% of total bill considered enough.
Note
Common.

Note: Always carry some cash as a backup, particularly for small vendors and traditional markets.
Description: Card payment is widely accepted in Hong Kong across restaurants, hotels, shops, and payment platforms. However, older establishments, small street-food vendors, and some local eateries may operate on cash-only basis. Contactless payment and mobile wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are prevalent.

Account Opening Fees: Most personal accounts are free to open.
Major Banks Available: HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China, Citibank, and others. HSBC One account requires no minimum deposit. Some foreign currency accounts require deposits equivalent to USD 200–1000.
Documentation Required: Passport, proof of address, employment letter (if applicable), visa/travel documents, utility bill or invoice under 3 months old.
Account Opening As Foreigner: Possible but challenging for non-residents. Requirements vary significantly by bank and passport nationality.
Minimum Balance Requirements: Vary by account type and bank; check with specific institution.

Process: Can open online fully with HSBC One account and some other major banks. Requires HKID, proof of address, and completed application form.
Timeframe: Typically 2 weeks but varies by bank and due diligence requirements.

Process: Most banks require in-person branch visit. Some accept online applications with eligible passports (HSBC accepts 15 specific countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, India, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, UK, US, Vietnam).
Challenges: Foreign-owned businesses, offshore-structured companies, and non-residents without local footprint regularly face rejection or extended reviews.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Hong Kong

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.