Before You Head to Hong Kong

#Preface

Hong Kong and the mainland still differ in many ways. Before you set off for Hong Kong to open an account, there are some things you should know, just in case.

#Internet Access

If you plan to stay in Hong Kong for a while, you can buy a Hong Kong SIM card on Taobao. If you're going there and back in one day, you can buy a cross-border data day pass on Alipay. Some public places in Hong Kong also have WiFi, so you can get online for free and use Google.

#Money

Hong Kong still has plenty of places that only take cash. Some snack shops and long-established restaurants accept only cash. Big malls and department stores all take WeChat Pay and Alipay, but you may want to bring around HK$1,000 in cash.

caution China's customs rules don't allow you to take out more than US$5,000 in cash, or the equivalent.

#Exchanging Cash

So should you exchange money once you get to Hong Kong? No, no! Those exchange shops live off your fees: the more you exchange, the fatter they get. Before you leave, search for "forex settlement and purchase" in your mainland bank's app, and under the purchase section, first exchange some HKD banknotes, then book a time to pick them up at the bank. That way you pay almost no fees, and the mainland bank's rate is basically the onshore market rate for RMB.

#Using Credit Cards

Nearly every shop in Hong Kong accepts credit cards. You can use a UnionPay card or a card with the VISA logo. Students can also get a Bank of Communications Young card, or ask their parents for a supplementary card.

If you're working, you can ask at any bank about applying for a VISA card. Remember to choose a multi-currency credit card, which is more convenient.

You can also apply through this China Merchants Bank credit card referral link.

#Crossing into Hong Kong

Crossing involves two checkpoints. Follow the signs. At the Hong Kong checkpoint you'll be given a transit slip, so don't lose it.

#Transport

With a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau and the right visa endorsement, you can stay in Hong Kong for up to 7 days. You can fly into Shenzhen, Guangzhou or Zhuhai from anywhere in China, or fly directly to HK (pricier). Don't bring food, fresh produce or prohibited items on the way to HK or on the way back.

#Departing from Guangzhou

Take the high-speed train (best value for money).

#Departing from Shenzhen

Take the high-speed train (best value for money). You can buy high-speed rail tickets from Shenzhen North Station or Futian Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Kowloon Station is very convenient: it's close to Harbour City and to the bank branch we recommend for opening an account.

tip Going back from HK to Shenzhen is also by high-speed train. Book your ticket on the Qunar or Ctrip app at least half an hour ahead, and get to Kowloon Station at least one hour early, because you have to clear 2 checkpoints. Some classmates have missed their trains because they were late.

• Land checkpoints: There are several, including Huanggang, Futian, Shenzhen Bay and Luohu. Look up their locations on Baidu. After you clear immigration, you can take Hong Kong transport such as buses or the MTR to the various districts. Buses don't leave as soon as you board, though. They usually wait, roughly one every half hour.

• Chartered car: Recommended if you're travelling in a group. A cross-border car usually seats about 6 passengers. It picks you up where you say and drops you off at your chosen spot in Hong Kong. You can book one on the DiDi app. The price is around 700 yuan.

#Departing from Zhuhai

• By ferry: You can take a ferry from Jiuzhou Port to Hong Kong. There are two terminals: China HK City (中港城) in Tsim Sha Tsui and the HK-Macau Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island. Which one you land at depends on the time on your ticket. The two are separated by Victoria Harbour.
• By bus: Take the "Golden Bus" from Gongbei Port to various points in Hong Kong, via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

#Hotels

Now that the pandemic is over, Hong Kong hotels have become expensive again. Book according to where you want to go. In general, the Ctrip and Qunar apps are used, and in my experience Qunar is a bit cheaper. Staying near Victoria Harbour lets you enjoy the view. It's best to book something decent rather than the cheapest, since safety comes first when you're out. Or you could come back to Shenzhen to sleep at night.

#Shopping

Shopping in Hong Kong is very convenient. Almost every luxury brand in the world has a physical store there, and the range is quite complete. It's just that the US dollar and HKD have recently risen against the RMB very quickly, so weigh the cost yourself. Harbour City and K11 can cover most of what you'd want to buy. Now all luggage goes through X-ray machines at the checkpoints. If you buy a lot of expensive things, remember to unpack them and use them a little, or ask a travelling companion to help carry them.

#Language

Staff at shops, restaurants and retail stores in Hong Kong mainly speak Cantonese, but if you speak English or Mandarin, they can still understand you. It's just that if your Cantonese is poor, they may get a little impatient.

Finally, I wish everyone a smooth crossing into Hong Kong. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask the experienced classmates.