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As you’re gearing up for an exciting adventure to Hong Kong, you’ll need to start packing.
No idea where to start? I’ve got your back.
The following information is the perfect Hong Kong packing list for anyone and everyone visiting HK. This blog post will tell you exactly what to bring when you visit this Chinese city. All the things we’ll talk about in a bit are essential items and are something you will use during your trip abroad.
Without further ago, let’s get started!
Hong Kong Packing Checklist
1) Universal Travel Adapter
There are a few cities and countries that have the same type of charger as HK but most places don’t. Depending on where you’re coming from, don’t forget to bring an adapter to put in your luggage. Don’t forget your cable charger and wall plug charger as well.
A hotel might lend you an adapter for free but it could cost you so it’s a good habit to bring an adapter with you whenever you travel.
Nothing is worse than that anxious feeling of running around and urgently looking for a charger and/or adapter in a foreign place because your electronic device is seconds away from dying.
2) Portable Charger
Okay, in case your phone does die, it’s time to bring out your portable charger.
There are tons of things to do in HK so you’re going to want to cram in as many tourist attractions as possible during the time you are here.
Since not everything is in one place, you’ll have to rely on your phone a lot trying to figure out how to get from one place to another. You’ll probably also want to share real-time updates with friends and family so it’s worth bringing a portable charger to carry around with you.
Even if your battery dies from an overnight charge, you’ll have backup and not have to worry about finding a charger and a plug. Keep your phone charged in your purse as you continue to explore the city.
During a chill trip, maybe it’s okay to sit at a café and wait for your phone to charge for a bit but we’re in Hong Kong, for god’s sake. No need to waste the precious time you do have while being in the city.
3) Cash – Hong Kong Dollar
Unlike mainland China, cash is extremely prevalent in the city.
Most major stores accept other payment forms like Octopus card, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and credit cards but there are a few smaller stores and taxis that only accept cash. You’ll never know when you need cash on hand.
So hop on over to your local bank or a currency exchange counter to get some Hong Kong Dollars for your vacation.
I recommend exchanging a little bit more than you want to spend just in case you go over budget or need some extra money for an emergency.
4) Cantonese Phrases
This isn’t exactly something you can pack in your suitcase but impress locals with your Cantonese language ability by learning these few simple phrases:
- Hello – Nei Hou
- Morning – Zou San
- Check Please – Mmm Goy Mai Dan
- How Much is This? – Ni Go Gei Cin?
- Where is ___? – ____ Hai Bin?
- Excuse Me/Thank You – Mmm Goy
Hong Kongers will appreciate your effort to learn their language and highly likely praise you. It will also feel really good to learn something new. Most importantly, it doesn’t take long to learn these everyday, helpful phrases.
5) Comfortable Walking Shoes
No matter what your plans are for your trip to Hong Kong, whether that is shopping, going to museums, beaches, and/or day trips like HK Disneyland, you’re gonna be walking a lot.
Generally, comfortable walking shoes are a pair of sneakers. Grab a pair that goes with almost all outfits so you don’t have to think twice about matching and styling.
I get that you want to look good during your trip abroad but you can look fashionable while wearing comfortable shoes.
Trust me, fashion over comfort when it comes to shoes. You won’t regret it.
With sore feet or ankles, it will hold you back from your regular walking speed. You already took a long journey to come to Hong Kong, why would you choose something that will only slow you down?
If a cute pair of shoes really matter to you, pack an extra pair or two in your suitcase.
6) Umbrella
Is it weird seeing this item on the list? The weather in HK can get extremely rainy or sunny during the spring and summer months.
When you’re visiting Hong Kong, you’ll notice locals love taking out their umbrellas rain or shine.
On days when the sun is strong, an umbrella will provide shade from the strong UV rays. When it rains, an umbrella will shield you from getting wet.
I’ve even seen people using umbrellas when it’s snowing in other Chinese cities although HK doesn’t snow.
See how versatile an umbrella is?
I love them.
It’s better to pack an umbrella with you just in case. The weather here can get pretty unpredictable.
7) Pocket Tissues
If you forget to pack this, it’s not a big deal because all HK convenience stores like 7/11 and Circle K have pocket tissues to sell.
Malls and restaurants in Hong Kong generally are pretty good at stocking up on toilet paper and paper towels. However, there is always a slim chance you’ll run into a place that runs out of toilet paper. That’s when your pocket tissues are handy.
Also, the HK summer heat can really get to you. Your future self will thank you for having some tissues in your bag to wipe your sweat and blot the oil off your face.
8) Hand Sanitizer/Wet Wipes
People have become more aware of being clean nowadays. Personally, I prefer the traditional soap and water but sometimes that isn’t an option. There might not be a bathroom nearby.
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are other options for cleaning your hands.
There can be many reasons why you suddenly need wet wipes.
Some foods require you to use your hands to eat and you can FEEL the dirt on your hands. Or you accidentally touched something gross and you need something to clean your hands right NOW!
Similar to pocket tissues, these are sold in a lot of places but it’s easier and more convenient to have a pack of them in your bag when you need it instead of finding a store to go buy some.
9) Empty Stomach
Be prepared to eat your way through Hong Kong.
From The Cheesecake Factory to Korean fried chicken to dim sum, there are a lot of cuisines available.
You’ll never run out of restaurant choices when you’re here. Even locals are impressed with the variety of choices here. No matter which district you are in the city, there is always plenty of street food, café, bakeries, and restaurants for you to indulge in.
You’ll probably find yourself overeating a little but it’s okay. You’ll walk so much during your time here that you’ll burn off all the calories.
10) Insect Repellent
Insect repellent might be an odd item on your Hong Kong packing list but there’s a good reason for it.
Those who spend time outdoors often find themselves getting bitten by mosquitoes. You might even get a few insect bites even if you stayed in the city.
Bring bug spray to keep the bugs away.
11) Sweaters
No matter what time of the year you visit HK, you need to bring a sweater.
HK is scorching hot in the summer so restaurants and shopping malls combat this issue by blasting air conditioners indoors. I find myself reaching for a light sweater in the summer on public transportation because it gets cold inside the MTR and double-decker bus.
During the winter, you’re going to need multiple sweaters. Hong Kong’s winter weather is relatively mild compared to some other cities but a lot of places don’t turn on the heater so it can be cold indoors and outdoors.
12) Hong Kong Packing Essentials
This section includes clothes, toiletries, and undergarments. Since these are basic packing essential items, I’m not going into much detail.
The one thing I will say is that even if it’s a 24-hour quick trip to Hong Kong, you’re going to want to pack multiple tops, especially in the summer months. The heat will get to you and it’s not uncommon for HK locals to want to change multiple times in a 30+ degree Celsius weather.
13) Luggage Space
Don’t go too overboard and overpack on your trip to HK unless you’re staying in the city for a long time.
The shopping culture here is intense so you’ll be able to shop to your heart’s content. Even those with a lower shopping budget will find plenty of stuff to buy. There’s a reason HK is known to be a shopping paradise.
Empty luggage space is for all the cute souvenirs, new clothes, and HK snacks you’re bringing home for yourself and your loved ones.
14) Extra Shopping Bag
For those who love to shop on vacation, good news! Bringing an extra tote bag means that there’s more space for you to put your new items.
Hear me out, there’s a difference between extra luggage space and an extra duffle bag.
Some empty luggage space might not be enough especially if your luggage is only a carry-on.
You also can’t bring empty luggage space with you unless you’re ready to wheel your luggage around the city. A light shopping bag is different because it fits nicely inside your purse. It also doesn’t take up much space and is way easier to carry around.
You can also use this instead of plastic bags. Like other cities in the world, customers in HK now have to pay a small extra fee for a plastic bag.
This extra shopping tote in your suitcase will help you save money (why pay more when you don’t have to? It’s an unnecessary expense), help the environment, and have extra space in case you do end up buying a lot in HK.
That’s three huge benefits for bringing one tiny light extra bag.
15) Earphones
Avid music lovers will already know to pack their earphones when they go on a trip.
For a lot of people, flying to Hong Kong is a long flight. Pack some earphones to listen to some music and podcasts. Download these on your phone so you still have access to them when there’s no WIFI or roaming data.
Hong Kong can get pretty loud so if you want a bit of peace and quiet, your earphones can do the job. It will tune out all that noise and also provide some comfort for you as you’re temporarily in your own world.
16) Your Personal Items
This section is more vague because everyone has different types of personal items. For example, most of us use a phone to take Insta photos but some people might want to bring a camera because that’s more professional looking.
Then there are those fashionistas that want to bring a variety of clothing, jewelry, bags, and shoes to spice up their outfits.
We all have our own preferences so think about what things are important to you when you’re on vacation that others might not care about as much. Write them down if you think you’ll forget and pack those when you’re getting ready for your trip.
Final Thoughts – Hong Kong Packing List
Packing for a vacation might not always be fun but packing thoroughly and thinking ahead means there’s one less thing to worry about before your adventure overseas.
No matter if you’re flying from North America, Southeast Asia, South Korea, or New Zealand, this is the standard Hong Kong packing list you need.
This is a long and comprehensive Hong Kong packing list but I wanted to be thorough and not leave anything out.
I hope you have a safe flight flying to Hong Kong and have a GREAT time!
Now to You – Hong Kong Packing List
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xoxo,
Nicole