Here’s all the things you need to know/bring before arriving to Hong Kong. Hopefully these tips help you out and give you an idea of what to expect! Thank me later ;).

What to bring before arriving:

1. Travel adapter TYPE G: The outlets are completely different from the outlets we use. You can find Travel adapters here. It’s $9.50 for a pack of three.
2. Moisturizer with SPF and bug spray: Hong Kong is a different type of hot. Trust the girl who stays in New Orleans where humidity is at 100% all summer long. A moisturizer with SPF will avoid sunspots, sunburn and won’t sweat off. The bug spray is for…bugs. Mosquitoes are vicious here, so be prepared.
3. Pillow and blanket: You should already have these two things since you’ll be on a plane for 15+ hours, but if you don’t, please bring them. The ones provided in the accommodation are built army strong.
4. Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, skincare products and feminine products: If you’re really particular on the type of brands you use, please bring them. You can find some of the products you use back home, but not all. For example, Dove, Tampax, Kotex, U by Kotex and Cetaphil are the brands I’ve seen so far. But, plan on the safe side.
5. Portable charger: Most likely you’ll be traveling a lot throughout the day and will only be in the accommodation at night, so a portable charger is extremely important. You can buys these on Amazon, but make sure you read the reviews because some of them die quickly or stop working after one time.
6. Walking Shoes: Walmart, Teva and Target have really great walking sandals that are as good as Chacos. Save YOUR MONEY!
7. Backpack: Buy or bring a backpack. Try to use one that has an anti-theft zipper, that way you can store your passport and/or wallet in that part.
8. Download the app Global Converter: It’ll help with converting the price of things into USD really quickly. Simple and easy to use.
9. Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated, please!

Things to buy upon your arrival:

1. Octopus Card: This card will literally be your best friend. It can be used on all forms of public transportation except for a few designated shuttles to isolated places like Cyberport. This card can also be used to be food at a variety of places. Majority of your money will be spent on food and transportation, so I would put about $500HK on the card every time you have to reload. This card can be purchased in the airport
2. Groceries: It’s better to buy groceries than to eat every night. You can save your money for other things like Ocean Park or a more luxurious dinner. Head to Park and Shop. It’s near the John Fulton Center. If you live on New Asia’s campus, it’s only 2 stops down the mountain.
3. Hangers: There will be a wardrobe in the accommodation, so if you work at Mission for Migrant Workers, you can hang up your business clothes that you have to wear for court. You can buy these at Ikea or Fusion.
4. Umbrella: For both the sun and the rain. Buy it from a street vendor–it’ll be much cheaper.

Cultural tips:

1. If you don’t plan on walking up or down the elevator, stand to the right. The left side is for those who are in a hurry or don’t wish to ride the elevator.
2. On the train, if there’s a older person standing, offer them your seat.

Warnings:

1. Always pay attention to the remaining balance on your Octopus card when you swipe in and out of train stations. You can reload the card at 7-Elevens or at the kiosks in the stations.
2. Sometimes you will have to push your way on and off of trains because they’re so busy.
3. In busy places, where your backpack on the front of your body to avoid hitting people, taking up space and pickpockets ( I haven’t seen many, but always be on guard).