After the insanity of Songkran my few days in Thailand were up and it was off to Hong Kong. I spent a total of nine days in Hong Kong before heading into China.
Hong Kong is more expensive the previous countries in SE Asia I had previously visited. However, it was less than I expected. While there, one USD equaled 7.77 Hong Kong dollars (HKD). I spent a total of 3,775.40 HKD or $485.89 during my nine days. That was a daily total of $53.99. The exchange rate has stayed about the same so if I completed the same itinerary today, it would cost $484.32.
My Hong Kong Budget
Let’s break down the categories.
LODGING:
Total spent was 1685 HKD or $216.86 giving me a daily total of $24.09. Lodging is expensive in Hong Kong, there’s no getting around that. The cheapest places you can find are in the Chungking Mansions or Mirador Mansions. The 200 HKD nightly rate bought me a tiny room in the Chunking Mansions. Cheapskate that I am, I wanted to find something cheaper so I moved into a dorm for 85 HKD. Please, please, please take my advice and spend a bit more on a private room. It was the worst room in my entire trip. Words can’t describe how filthy it was. The next night I moved into a slightly more expensive room and I was rewarded with bed bugs. Finally, I ended up in a 250 HKD room that was comparable to my 200 HKD room. The whole experience only saved me 115 HKD or $14.75. It would have been worth it just to stay in my 200 HKD room. Make sure you check out the potential room before paying for the night. In conclusion, spend a few extra bucks and find a somewhat nice private room or a stand alone hostel not located in the mansions.
FOOD:
Total spent was 681.60 HKD or $87.72 giving me a daily total of $9.75. Surprisingly, food can be had cheap in Hong Kong. Street food is abundant around the markets and is your cheapest bet. I saved a bit of money by buying some groceries for a few cheap meals.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Total spent was 65 HKD or $8.37. This was for a movie, Gantz. I went to complete my goal of seeing a movie in every country. However, I went before I found out about the Hong Kong Director’s Club so I ended up seeing two movies. For some reason, I put the Director’s Club admission in the next category.
ACTIVITIES:
Total spent was 299 HKD or $38.38 giving me a daily total of $4.26. There is plenty to do in Hong Kong but it doesn’t have to be terribly expensive. If you like museums, there is a museum pass you can buy for 30 HKD. It will give you weekly admission to seven of the most popular Hong Kong museums. My main expense in this category was the Hong Kong Director’s Club but it was worth it. A few other activities such as a boat ride across the harbor and entry into the Pixar exhibit rounded out the category.
View of Hong Kong from the peak
TRANSPORTATION:
Total spent was 980.80 HKD or $126.23 giving a daily total of $14.02. The main expense here was my train ticket to Beijing for 491.4 HKD. I also took the MTR several times as well as the ferry to Macau. Your best bet to save some money is to walk. Hong Kong is very walkable and I only took the MTR when necessary, such as crossing over to Hong Kong island or Lantau. If you are going to use the subway buy an Octopus card. It WILL save you money on MTR fare.
MISC:
Total spent was 64 HKD or $8.24. This was on a few souvenirs and laundry. Laundry is inexpensive in the Chungking mansions, only 30 HKD for a full load.
That’s my Hong Kong budget. I think I did pretty well for my nine days. While it could be done cheaper, I would have missed out on some cool sights and experiences. I hope this helps give you some idea of a Hong Kong daily budget.
Very helpful, thx!
Thanks for the comment. Glad it was helpful for you.
Thanks Mike! Helpful info… I’m heading there in June. Did you restrict yourself from doing activities or eating out alot?
I think I might double your daily budget as I’m a female that likes to eat and shop. But can budget where necessary.
Thanks for sharing, Mike! Find it helpful!