Roberta Aguirre
Hong Kong's official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), issued and overseen by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. While it is possible to use US Dollars at Hong Kong Airport, it is not recommended due to poor exchange rates. Travellers are advised to exchange a minimal amount of USD to HKD at the airport and then seek better exchange rates in the city. Additionally, most retail and catering outlets at the airport accept major foreign currencies and credit cards, providing various payment options for travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you use USD in Hong Kong Airport? | Yes, but the exchange rate is poor. |
| Where to exchange USD at Hong Kong Airport? | Travelex or Global Exchange. |
| Alternatives to exchanging USD | Using an ATM card, a credit card, or a multi-currency card. |
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What You'll Learn
Hong Kong airport outlets accept USD but at poor rates
While some outlets at Hong Kong International Airport do accept USD, it is not recommended due to the poor exchange rates. It is suggested that you exchange your USD to Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) before your trip to get a better rate. HKD is the official currency in Hong Kong, and you will need it for most transactions.
Some travellers have recommended exchanging only a small amount of USD to HKD at the airport if you need money for transportation or small purchases. The exchange rate at the airport is not favourable, so you should only change what you need. One traveller suggested using an ATM at the airport to withdraw HKD, as this may be cheaper than exchanging cash.
If you have a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees, this may be the most convenient option. You can use your card to make purchases or withdraw cash from an ATM. Look for cards that belong to the Plus (Visa) or Cirrus (Mastercard) networks, as these are widely accepted in Hong Kong.
Another option is to use a travel debit card, such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which allows you to convert your USD to HKD in advance or during the transaction. This can help you get a better exchange rate and avoid foreign transaction charges.
Overall, while it is possible to use USD at some outlets in Hong Kong International Airport, it is not recommended due to the poor exchange rates. Planning ahead and exchanging money or using alternative payment methods can help you save money and make your trip more enjoyable.
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Exchange USD to HKD before travelling to Hong Kong
It is recommended to exchange your USD to HKD before travelling to Hong Kong. The official currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), issued and overseen by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. While some retail and catering outlets at Hong Kong International Airport do accept major foreign currencies such as US Dollars, Euros, Japanese Yen, and RMB, the exchange rates offered are often poor.
Exchanging your money in advance can get you better USD/HKD exchange rates and save you time shopping around for a good deal once you arrive. It is generally advised to avoid exchanging currency at the airport, as their rates tend to be unfavourable due to the captive market.
If you are unable to exchange your USD to HKD before your trip, there are still other options available. You can use a travel debit card such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which allows you to convert your USD balance to HKD in advance or let the card handle the transaction when you pay, ensuring you always get the lowest available fee without any extra foreign transaction charges. Alternatively, you can use an ATM card from a bank with no foreign transaction fees to withdraw local cash upon arrival.
It is worth noting that you may need HKD in cash for certain expenses during your trip, such as tipping or making smaller purchases. Therefore, it is beneficial to have multiple payment options, including a multi-currency card, a standard debit card, and some local cash, to ensure you always have a suitable payment method for different situations.
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Use a multi-currency card for better exchange rates
While some outlets at Hong Kong International Airport do accept US Dollars, it is generally advised to avoid exchanging money at the airport due to poor exchange rates and high fees.
A more cost-effective option is to use a multi-currency card, which offers several benefits for travellers:
- Competitive exchange rates: Multi-currency cards often provide access to more competitive foreign exchange rates than traditional banks, driving savings for travellers. Some providers, such as BookMyForex, offer zero markup on foreign exchange rates, providing the actual exchange rate without any additional fees.
- Lower fees: These cards tend to have lower fees and charges compared to traditional banks. For example, the BookMyForex card offers zero cash disbursal fees on university tuition fee payments and free ATM withdrawals.
- Convenience: Multi-currency cards are a secure and convenient way to carry foreign currency, eliminating the need to carry large amounts of cash. They are widely accepted at stores, restaurants, hotels, and ATMs worldwide that accept Visa or Mastercard.
- Protection: In the event of loss, theft, or misplacement, multi-currency cards offer better protection than carrying cash.
- Flexibility: Cardholders can make transactions between multiple currencies and regions, facilitating currency conversion for international purchases.
- Planning: Prepaid multi-currency cards require users to plan and estimate their spending in advance, helping to avoid overspending.
- Transparency: Some multi-currency card providers orchestrate multiple FX providers to ensure transparent and competitive foreign exchange rates, benefiting businesses and consumers.
When considering a multi-currency card, it is important to research different providers and their associated benefits, fees, and accepted currencies. Additionally, it is recommended to compare the exchange rates and fees with those of traditional banks to make an informed decision.
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Withdraw HKD from an ATM at the airport
If you want to withdraw Hong Kong dollars (HKD) from an ATM at Hong Kong International Airport, you can do so at the Bank of China (Hong Kong) ATM or HSBC (ATM). These automated teller machines provide immediate banking services and are open 24 hours a day. There are multiple locations for both banks within the airport.
While shops and catering outlets at the airport do accept major foreign currencies, such as US dollars, and credit cards, the exchange rates offered are not favourable. Therefore, it is recommended to withdraw local currency from an ATM, although you should be mindful of any transaction fees that may apply.
To avoid transaction fees, you could consider ordering foreign currencies online via Travelex's website or Global Exchange's website and collecting them upon arrival at the airport. This option allows you to save time and bypass the potentially unfavourable exchange rates at the airport.
Alternatively, if you have a credit card or ATM card with no foreign transaction fees, you may find it more convenient and cost-effective to simply use the ATM to obtain HKD upon your arrival.
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Use a credit card for purchases to avoid carrying cash
While US Dollars are accepted at Hong Kong Airport, it is not recommended to exchange currency at the airport due to poor exchange rates. It is suggested that you use a credit card for purchases to avoid carrying cash and being subject to these unfavourable rates.
Using a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees is a convenient way to pay for goods and services without having to worry about exchanging currencies. This way, you can make purchases directly in the local currency, HKD, and avoid the hassle of calculating exchange rates.
Additionally, by using a credit card, you can benefit from the security and protection offered by your card provider. Credit cards often come with features such as purchase protection, fraud monitoring, and dispute resolution processes, giving you peace of mind when making transactions abroad.
If you have a credit card that offers rewards or cashback, you can also accumulate points or benefits from your purchases during your travels. This can be a great way to maximize the value of your spending and potentially earn rewards that can be redeemed for future travel or other perks.
To ensure a smooth experience when using your credit card in Hong Kong, it is advisable to notify your card issuer of your travel plans. This helps prevent any potential blocks or flags on your account due to unexpected foreign transactions. Additionally, be mindful of any foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees that may apply, as these can impact the overall cost of your purchases.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most retail and catering outlets at Hong Kong Airport accept major foreign currencies, including US dollars. However, the exchange rate offered is often poor.
Euros, Japanese Yen, and RMB are also accepted at most outlets.
The official currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). It is issued and overseen by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
