Hong Kong Travel Guide: Bridges, Beaches and Dim Sum — Stay Connected Instantly
Why Hong Kong
Hong Kong packs a stunning skyline, world-class shopping, incredible street food and easy access to nature into one compact, walkable city. Whether you are here for the neon of Tsim Sha Tsui, the dim sum culture, the theme parks or the island hiking trails, Hong Kong rewards every kind of traveler — often in Chinese and English at once.
For the modern traveler, being online from the moment you land is essential: maps, e-wallet payments, ride-hailing and social sharing all depend on it. This guide gives you a practical Hong Kong itinerary and shows you how to set up a Hong Kong eSIM before you fly.
1. Before You Go
Visa
For China Mainland residents, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region with its own entry rules. Many Mainland travelers use an Individual Visit Endorsement in their passport; others may require a visa depending on their trip. Always check current entry requirements before travelling.
Money & Payment
- Local currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD / HK$)
- Cards & mobile: credit cards, Octopus card (tap-and-go for transport and many shops) and mobile payments (AlipayHK / WeChat Pay / Apple Pay) are widely accepted
- Octopus Card: strongly recommended — tap for MTR, buses, ferries, convenience stores and even some restaurants
Language
Cantonese is the main local language, but English and Mandarin are widely spoken, and most signs are bilingual (Chinese + English). Getting around is easy for non-Cantonese speakers.
Getting Around
- MTR (metro): the fastest way around the city; buy an Octopus card or use QR-code tickets
- Ferries: the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour is cheap and scenic
- Trams & buses: the iconic double-decker ding ding tram on Hong Kong Island; buses cover everywhere
- Airport Express: 24 minutes from the airport to the city center
Internet: Set It Up Before You Fly
Hong Kong has good coverage, but roaming can be expensive and local SIMs take time to set up. A Hong Kong eSIM bought at home connects you the moment you land — and if your trip also includes Macau or nearby, choose a plan that covers both (see below).
2. Must-Visit Highlights
1. Victoria Harbour & the Skyline
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade / Avenue of Stars
The classic postcard view of the Hong Kong Island skyline across the water. At night, the Symphony of Lights laser show lights up the city.
The Peak (Victoria Peak)
Take the Peak Tram to the top for the best panoramic view of the harbour and city — a must for first-timers.
2. Central & Island Charm
Central / Lan Kwai Fong
Hong Kong’s financial heart by day, buzzing nightlife by night.
Mid-Levels Escalator & Soho
The world’s longest outdoor covered escalator; the surrounding Soho area is full of cafés and restaurants.
3. Culture & Markets
Dragon’s Back / Beaches
Within a short trip from the city, the Dragon’s Back hiking trail and beaches like Repulse Bay offer nature escapes.
Temple Street Night Market & Ladies’ Market
Street stalls, fortune tellers and local snacks — classic Hong Kong night-market experiences.
4. Family & Fun
Disneyland Hong Kong and Ocean Park are top attractions for families with kids.
3. Must-Try Hong Kong Food
- Dim Sum: har gow, siu mai, char siu bao at classic cha chaan teng or yum cha restaurants
- Roast goose & char siu: crispy, sweet-roast favorites
- Wonton noodles & egg tarts: local staples you shouldn’t miss
- Cha chaan teng: Hong Kong café culture — milk tea, French toast, macaroni soup
- Egg waffles & street snacks: an absolute must at the markets
4. Suggested Itineraries
1 Day (city highlights)
Victoria Harbour → The Peak → Central → Temple Street night market
3 Days (classic)
D1 Harbour + Peak → D2 Markets + dim sum + Disney or Ocean Park → D3 Nature (Dragon’s Back / Lantau)
5 Days (in-depth, add Macau)
D1–D3 Hong Kong → D4–D5 Macau day trip or overnight
5. Hong Kong / Macau eSIM Recommended (Buy Now, Connect on Landing)
Your whole trip runs on maps, transport, payments and sharing. Here are the OnlyLinkCard Hong Kong & Macau eSIM options, matched to your trip length:
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2GB 24-Hour HK & Macau eSIM | 2GB high-speed | 24 hours | €2.12 | Quick stopover, transit |
| 7-Day 5GB HK & Macau eSIM | 5GB (covers Europe too) | 7 days | €5.28 | Week-long trip |
| 7-Day 20GB HK & Macau eSIM | 20GB high-speed | 7 days | €15.50 | Heavy users, sharing via hotspot |
| 30-Day 10GB HK & Macau eSIM | 10GB | 30 days | €11.12 | Long stays |
| 30-Day 50GB HK & Macau eSIM | 50GB 5G | 30 days | €41.27 | Max data, hotspot-heavy |
Why OnlyLinkCard Hong Kong & Macau eSIM:
- Scan and go: instant QR code by email — no physical SIM, no card swap, online on landing
- Covers both HK & Macau: one plan works across both cities (and some plans add Europe) — perfect for combined trips
- Hotspot supported: share your connection with travel companions
- Keep your home number: your original SIM stays active for home calls and texts
- Flexible: from a 24-hour stopover to a 30-day stay, there is a plan for you
How to Use (3 steps)
- After ordering, find your eSIM QR code in your inbox (delivered instantly)
- On your phone go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM and scan
- Land in Hong Kong, enable data roaming, and you are online right away
- Sockets: Hong Kong uses the British-style three-pin plug (Type G), 220V — bring an adapter
- Time zone: same as Beijing time (GMT+8), no jet lag
- Weather: hot and humid in summer, mild in winter; typhoons possible in summer — check forecasts
- Money: HKD; ATMs widely available
- Etiquette: stand on the right side of escalators; be mindful of the “quiet hour” on MTR
- Safety: Hong Kong is safe; keep valuables close in crowded markets
6. Practical Tips
*Time to go. Stay connected the moment you land.*