You might forget to look right first when crossing streets—traffic comes from the left in Hong Kong, unlike in many other countries. Don’t assume all vendors take cards; carry cash for dai pai dongs and street stalls. Skip the long Peak Tram lines by booking ahead or taking the scenic Star Ferry. Keep an Octopus Card handy for seamless transit and small purchases. Remember to carry tissues—many restrooms lack toilet paper. Exploring hidden alleys reveals more than tourist hubs ever could.
TLDR
- Assume traffic moves the same as in mainland China; always look right first when crossing streets.
- Forget to top up an Octopus Card, leading to delays and reliance on cash transactions.
- Attempt to use the Peak Tram without booking ahead, risking long queues or closure.
- Carry only large bills and no tissues, causing issues at small vendors and public restrooms.
- Stick to tourist hotspots, missing authentic experiences in hidden alleys and local eateries.
Look Both Ways: Hong Kong’s Left-Side Traffic Explained
Watch your step when crossing the street—Hong Kong drives on the left, a legacy of its British colonial past that still shapes the city’s traffic today. Vehicles have right-hand drive, so always look right first.
This differs from mainland China, where traffic drives on the right. Crossing here requires attention, especially near border areas. Namsan & N Seoul Tower offers a useful reminder that traffic systems can vary widely between nearby regions.
The system’s deeply rooted in law, infrastructure, and identity—changing it would be costly, complex, and unpopular. Stay alert, stay safe.
Left-hand traffic was formally established in many former British territories, including Hong Kong, during the colonial era.
Get an Octopus Card: Your Hong Kong Transit Lifesaver
Once you’ve adjusted to looking right when crossing the street, the next smart move is grabbing an Octopus Card to simplify your trip.
Tap it on buses, MTR, ferries, and even at convenience stores—it works everywhere. Just top up when needed, avoid cash lines, and enjoy faster transit.
Keep it separate from other cards to prevent glitches. A great way to see the skyline is combining a ferry ride with the Star Ferry crossing for scenic views.
Skip the Peak Tram Line: Book Ahead or Take the Ferry
Beat the crowds and save precious time by booking your Peak Tram ticket online or choosing the scenic ferry alternative. You can avoid long queues by purchasing tickets in advance.
The Star Ferry offers affordable, scenic harbour crossings. Both options give you freedom to discover at your pace.
Tram kiosks close early, so plan ahead.
Consider visiting Victoria Peak at sunset to maximize views and photo opportunities.
Carry Cash and Tissues: Hong Kong’s Daily Must-Haves
You’ll want to carry cash and tissues when exploring Hong Kong—these two essentials cover daily needs that even a high-tech city often overlooks.
Many street vendors and dai pai dongs only accept cash, and ATMs charge fees for foreign cards.
Public restrooms rarely provide toilet paper, and meals at hawker stalls often require your own napkins.
Keep small bills and a compact tissue pack handy for seamless, stress-free exploration.
Additionally, consider vaccinations and general health precautions before travel, such as ensuring routine shots are up to date and researching vaccinations & health relevant to your itinerary.
Skip the Tourist Traps: Explore Hidden Alleys and Local Eats
Keep your cash and tissues close as you step off the main streets—Hong Kong’s real character hides in the alleys most tourists never reach. Discover Sheung Wan’s murals, Kowloon’s hidden eateries on Nga Tsin Wai Road, and serene Nan Lian Garden.
Skip crowded spots; try Cha Chaan Tengs, alleyway art, and quiet temple courtyards. These local gems offer freedom, authenticity, and a true taste of daily life. Thailand’s major islands like Phuket also reward visitors who explore beyond the main beaches.
And Finally
You’ll steer through Hong Kong more smoothly by remembering traffic moves on the left, so always look both ways. Get an Octopus Card early—it works on all transit and even in some stores. Avoid long lines by booking the Peak Tram ahead or taking the ferry. Carry small bills and tissues, as many local spots don’t take cards. Skip crowded tourist spots and venture down side streets for authentic eats.
