Travel Currency - Hong Kong - Help!

msamateur

Hi

I am travelling to Hong Kong and unsure which currency to take -
Hong Kong dollars HKD or US dollars ?

Would it be better to take US dollars (considering the good rate at present) and then change to HKD once there?

Or just get HKD dollars here before I go?

Are US dollars widely accepted once in Hong Kong ?

Many Thanks for any help!

Steve_xx

US$ are accepted in some places in HK. But to avoid the hassle and confusion you would be better to obtain HK dollars. Though they may accept US$, they may wish to give you change in HK$, then you won't know whether you're coming or going.

Also, sterling is pretty good againt the HK$ at the moment If you can wait until the Bank of Englands next announcement on mortgage rates, which should see rates rise, then the likelihood is that sterling will rise against the HK$ and so you'll get more HK$'s for your pound.

Enjoy your trip to HK, it's superb place to go. And when visiting the many markets there, do haggle a bit for your goods, especially for electrical or when you're buying more than one of anything

Voyager2002

I take it that you are British, and receive your income in pounds sterling.

In which case, if you want to take cash then just take pounds. Head for Chunking Mansions (Nathan Road) on your first day, and visit the moneychangers on the ground floor. Take your time, check their rates, you will probably find the ones who are some way inside give better rates than the ones right by the door on to the street.

I guarantee that you will get a much better deal (more HK dollars for each pound) than you could possiblly get anywhere in Britain. However, do beware of pick-pockets and money snatchers, and take your time to check rates carefully and count everything.

Alternatively, Hong Kong has ATM machines everywhere and UK bank cards work in virtually all of them.

Donnie

I don't understand why every is so obsessed with changing their currency in the UK. This is the 21st Century after all.

moonrakerz

Donnie wrote: »

I don't understand why every is so obsessed with changing their currency in the UK. This is the 21st Century after all.

Arrghh, can't trust them there furrriners !

Donnie

Just doesn't make sense, especially as Hong Kong isn't exactly a backwater. Do they think that they won't accept £s?
Sheeesh...it's a ex-British colony.

johnmoney05

Just take the cash from the ATM using Nationwide debit card. Bring some pounds, say 100...
Anyway, shops do take credit cards, make sure tell them to charge in HK$ rather than in ££. Otherwise they will give you a low exchange rate.

Albert2

johnmoney05 wrote: »

Just take the cash from the ATM using Nationwide debit card. Bring some pounds, say 100...
Anyway, shops do take credit cards, make sure tell them to charge in HK$ rather than in ££. Otherwise they will give you a low exchange rate.

If taking £ notes, please make sure they are English £'s otherwise you will likely be charged a lower rate of exchange for Scottish/N.Irish ones.

Happened to me

MrBen_4

The HKD is pegged to the USD, therefore HKD = USD. The GBP:USD rate is pretty good at the moment, therefore so is the GBP:HKD. I'm assuming the OP is British starting off in GBP. Why would you want to exchange GPB to USD and then to HKD? Every exchange you make the more your loose into the forex abyss. Best bet is a Nationwide credit card or a cash card for cash withdrawels. I grew up in HK and I would be surprised if anyone were to happily accept USD in their shops. In the tourist areas I'm sure they probably do, but some sort of commission would be charged for the "hassle".