Hong Kong refers to skyscrapers and colorful lights to every expat, but you can expect something different. From Victoria's Peak to the dim sum dinners, the country is hiding some surprises.

You may encounter some decision dilemma, whether to make exploration in the remote villages or get engulfed in the busy city life. Make a complete itinerary to ease your trip. Choose the best season and try to avoid the heavy rainy season, that may affect your whole trip.

Here we are covering the essential tips and tricks to make Hong Kong travel simple.

Currency in Hong Kong

The money of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar and denoted by HKD. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority permit three banks to issue the currency. It includes HSBC, Bank of China and Standard Chartered Hong Kong. The denominations are HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500 and HK$1000. But HK$10 banknote and all the coins are issued by the Government of Hong Kong. Each HKD gets subdivided into 100 cents.

HKD is one of the most traded currencies in the world. It gets also used in Macau, which is a neighboring country of Hong Kong.

A Little History Of Hong Kong Dollar

As Hong Kong was a British Colony during the past few centuries currencies from different countries were in circulation. Some used Indian Rupees, Spanish Dollars, Chinese Coins and even Mexican Pesos. In 1825, an attempt to standardize these coins made, and Sterling coins released. But it doesn't put an impact, and the soon the foreign currencies were circulated.

Later in 1863, London Royal Mint started issuing Hong Kong Dollar coins. During the Japanese occupation, Dollar replaced with Japanese Yen. After the Second World War, the Hong Kong dollar was re-issued and pegged with British Pound at a rate of 16 HKD to 1 GBP. It was re-pegged to US Dollar in 1972, and the values changed several times. Now the Hong Kong Dollar is operating on a linked exchange rate regime.

Coins

The coin denominations are HK$10, HK$5, HK$2, HK$1, 50 cents, 20 cents, and 10 cents and Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues it on the interest of the Government of Hong Kong. From 1863 onwards coins were introduced in Hong Kong, but with different denominations and the first coins were made with bronze and some categories in Silver. Later many changes bought in the coins under various rulers.

Banknotes

We have already gone through the currency issuing methods of Hong Kong. The three commercial banks do it under the control of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Usually, money gets issued by a single bank in most countries. But this unique pattern is rare in the world.

Even from the 18th century, many changes in the currency sector has made in Hong Kong. With different rulers and influences, the currencies were made and later it gets changed.

In 2010, a new series of banknotes released. In 2015, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of HSBC, 150 Dollar Note was also published.

Exchange Rates

During various periods, Hong Kong has witnessed changes in the money exchange too. Here we go with the historical exchange rates:

How to Exchange Currency in Hong Kong?

While traveling, currency exchange is the most significant concern and it is quite easy to get in a trap if you don't give attention. As in every country, you can see money exchange in the local streets of Hong Kong. But never go with that. Either you can transfer in a bank or else authorized money exchange centers under the government will be the best choice.

Before concluding the center, be alert that they are offering the best exchange rate and free service. Some may redeem hidden charges that went adverse to the users. Never make money exchange at the airport too, since they will offer a low exchange rate.

Travel Tips, especially for a newbie

If you are making Hong Kong travel for the first time, we would like to suggest a few tips:

• Visa is on-arrival, and you need to carry your international debit and credit cards. No extra money required to get the visa, but you have to take what you need.

• In the Hong Kong International Airport, the shuttle bus will wait only for 10 minutes for Seat in Coach transfers. If you miss one, you have to wait for one more hour to get another, or else you can book a cab. It will pause only for 20 minutes and so, beware!

• The economy travelers are permitted to carry 20 Kgs during the superclass passengers are allowed to move with 30 kgs.

• Accommodation in Hong Kong is a critical concern. Some hotels are costly, and you will come up with the communication barrier to know the suitable one. Just before your journey make a detailed study on the hotels and fix it. You can also go with the guest houses, and it is relatively cheap and secure.

• The native won't be fluent in English so try to make your conversation with simple phrases. Try to study some basic sentences in the Cantonese language, to use at the critical situations.

• Hong Kong is a safe country, and safety measures are high. The rate of crimes is meager since the rules are that strict. But foreigners are sometimes cheat within the money exchange and with fake goods. Always make currency exchange in banks or with the authorized dealers.

Things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong City offers excellent points to make happiness. It varies from the natural sightseeing to shopping that exceeds to adventure activities too. If you try to explore everything, it may take a considerable time. Here we are listing the top events that can be done in Hong Kong to create a life- long experience.

Make a voyage through the traditional Junk Boat

The skyscrapers in Hong Kong attracts many. To see the real beauty of these man-made structures, you should make a voyage through the junk boat. The night vision of these structures is impressive with the light shows. Never miss a chance to explore this floating.

Hike to the Victoria Peak

To see Hong Kong in a wholesome, the better way will be hiking to the top of Victoria Peak. Tram service is available, but it took lots of time to get into it because of the great rush. One of the best methods will be taking the road to reach the top. It will take only 45 minutes to get the head through the Hatton road. You can see the panoramic view of Hong Kong Island and the South China Sea. While going back, you can use the tram service.

Visit Ancient Chinese Temples

You may think that Hong Kong has only tradition with the British colonial period. But the country has roots to ancient China. You can see many traditional temples built with Chinese architecture. One of the important ones is Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay that locates in the eastern side of Kowloon Peninsula.

Another one is Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan. Each temple devoted to each God and hence people visit for various needs. Tai Ping Shan is another temple located on the hilltop. These temples will have religious ceremonies all around the year. If you are interested to see the rituals and practices, stay a whole day in the temple. Never forget to take your DSLR to get some interesting pics.

Try to visit the far-off islands

Apart from the elegant and busy lifestyle, Hong Kong has another face where the remote villagers are living with their farming and fishing. Around 269 outlying islands are there and choose one that suits well for a whole day. See the calm village life and taste the authentic delicacies. One of the famous islands in this category is Peng Chau. Fresh air is the main attraction here!

Make a lazy day in the Seashore.

While traveling through busy cities, you may forget that the country has a reserved and calm side. 40% of the country is still undeveloped, and hence the people are living congested in the city. Milky sanded beaches are another great attraction in Hong Kong. Outside islands also glorified with golden beaches. If you want to make a whole day associated with the beaches, never forgot to take drinking water and snacks.

We will suggest Pui O Beach on Lantau Island and Tai Long Way Bay via the MacLehose Trail for the best experience.

Enjoy a Dim Sum

In Hong Kong, you should get involved in a Dim Sum gathering. So what is Dim Sum? Literally, it is 'touch your heart.' It will include over 150 delicacies, mainly dumplings, and you will wonder of seeing the variety if you are a newbie to Hong Kong. The natives will gather in the weekend around these magic dishes and starts the conversation. The main intention for this gathering is to make the bonds between the family members stronger.

The main dishes in the Dim Sum includes Steamed shrimp dumpling,

Cheung fan, Deep-fried shrimp dumpling, Spring rolls, etc.

Many restaurants in the city offer Dim Sung facility. All you need to do is inform the number of people who are gathering, and the restaurant will arrange with the dishes and seats.

Shopping in Night Market

Hong Kong's night markets are amazing. One of the primary markets extends from Man Ming Lane to the north to Nanking St in the south. You will get anything here at a cheap rate. Being a night market, it opens after sunset, and you can expect some fishy native food like snake soup and bat noodles. Bargaining is a significant attraction. Never buy something at the first price; take your skills to purchase souvenirs at the best price!

Don't expect to come out of this market at the earliest, since the vendors will attract you, and you will forget even the time. Before having some street food, ask them what are the ingredients, since these people use the sauce of creepy creatures in everything.

Besides these features, Hong Kong has something in its heart to showcase to her visitors. From the traditional Medicine streets of Sheung Wan to the Cheung Chau Island, you will get awe feeling every time. Prepare yourself to explore something weird. Take all the tips we have discussed in mind to make a safe journey.