Things to Know Before Visiting Hong Kong
For many UAE residents, a Southeast Asian holiday begins with Singapore or Thailand. It’s easy to see why – these places are easy to reach, quite famous and nobody has to put in much effort to plan an itinerary. Hong Kong is usually kept for later, but it is only around 8 hours direct flight from Dubai and the city has skyline views, street food, shopping, hiking trails and Disneyland all in a small area. Since many people are visiting for the first time and do not know how things work there, this is a very common question that they usually ask before booking.
Tips for Visiting Hong Kong for First Time
Hong Kong visa requirements come first – and it depends on your passport. Many nationalities including most of the GCC and European passport holders can enter without visa for a short stay, and Filipino passport holders also get visa free entry for 14 days. Now if you are holding Indian passport, then you need to do the Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) online on the GovHK website, which is free and the result comes immediately.
It allows you to stay there up to 14 days per visit and the registration is valid for six months, so you can go multiple times within that period. You have to print out the slip on A4 paper – just sign it and keep it with your passport. Other nationalities such as Pakistani passport holders need to apply for a proper visa through the Hong Kong Immigration Department which takes a few weeks. It’s better to check your nationality on the official website first – it ensures you peace of mind.
When its about the weather, the best time to go is from October to December, because the humidity is less and the temperature stays around 18°C to 26°C which is very nice for walking. January and February can feel chilly at around 12°C to 15°C, specially near the harbour at night. And summer from June to September is very hot and humid, plus it is the typhoon season also. If a typhoon signal 8 is raised, then most of the shops, offices and even some transport closes, so keep your plan flexible if you are going in that time.
Now for getting around, the first thing you should buy is the Octopus card at the airport. It works on MTR (the metro), buses, ferries, trams and even in 7-Eleven and many food shops, so you do not need to carry too much change. The MTR is very clean and fast but eating and drinking inside the trains and stations is not allowed, and the fine is quite high. Let me tell you one more thing, on the escalators people stand on the right side and keep the left side free for those who are walking, which is a small thing but locals notice it.
Currency is Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and cards are accepted in most of the malls and restaurants, but small local eateries and street markets like Temple Street and Ladies Market still prefer cash. A good news for UAE residents is that Hong Kong uses the same Type G plug like we use here, so no adapter is needed. Most of the restaurants already add 10% service charge in the bill, so extra tip is not required. A lot of people speak Cantonese, but most places like hotels and shops speak and understand English – so communication won’t be an issue.
When it comes to the internet, you can buy a local tourist SIM card at the airport or activate an eSIM before departure – and Google Maps is available there. Also keep in mind that WhatsApp and Google both work normally in Hong Kong, unlike mainland China, so if you are planning a day trip to Shenzhen or Macau then check the visa rules for that separately.
| Topic | What You Should Know |
| Hong Kong Tourist Visa | Many nationalities visa free, Indian passport needs free Pre-arrival Registration (14 days stay) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to December, cool and dry weather |
| Typhoon Season | June to September, check signals before going out |
| Currency | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), cards widely accepted |
| Octopus Card | Use for MTR, buses, ferries and convenience stores |
| Power Plug | Type G, same as UAE |
| Language | Cantonese and English, signs are in both |
| MTR Rule | No eating or drinking inside trains and stations |
| Tipping | Most restaurants already add 10% service charge |
| Flight from Dubai | Around 8 hours direct |
Having said that, Hong Kong is not a cheap city, specially the hotels. A normal 3 star hotel room is quite small compared to Dubai rooms and the rates goes high during Chinese New Year and Christmas. My suggestion is to stay near an MTR station in Tsim Sha Tsui or Causeway Bay, so moving around becomes easy. Do not miss the Star Ferry ride, The Peak at evening time, the Big Buddha on Lantau Island and dim sum breakfast at a local place. For hiking lovers, Dragon’s Back trail is easy and gives very good sea views.
If you need help with the Hong Kong tourist visa or a complete holiday package from Dubai, you can contact Tunz Travel and our team will guide you. Here is a quick table with the main points.
