Hong Kong Airport: Can You Use Usd?

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a bustling hub that caters to millions of travellers each year. While the official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$), travellers often wonder if they can use other currencies at the airport, specifically USD. The airport offers a range of currency exchange services, and most retail and catering outlets within the airport accept major foreign currencies, including US Dollars, Euros, Japanese Yen, and RMB. Additionally, the airport provides convenient access to various ATMs and banking services for those who prefer using local currency during their time in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong International Airport offers currency exchange services

Global Exchange's branches at Hong Kong International Airport are open all year round, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You can find one branch in Terminal 1, Departures, pre-immigration Hall, level 5, and another branch in Terminal 1 (North), Arrivals B, Airside, at Level 5.

While it is convenient to exchange currency at the airport, it can also be very expensive. It may be better to buy currency when you get to Hong Kong or use your debit card instead. If you decide to buy your currency when you get to Hong Kong, you will need to make sure you have cash in a widely accepted foreign currency, such as US dollars, euros, Japanese yen, or RMB.

Shops at Hong Kong International Airport, including most retail and catering outlets, also accept major foreign currencies and credit cards.

USD is accepted at most retail and catering outlets in HKIA

Hong Kong's official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$). However, USD is accepted at most retail and catering outlets in HKIA. The airport also has several currency exchange branches where you can exchange a wide range of foreign currencies, including USD. These branches accept debit and credit cards, Visa, and Mastercard.

If you are looking to save money, it is recommended that you exchange your currency before arriving at the airport, as airport exchanges are often very expensive. You can order foreign currencies online via Travelex's website or Global Exchange's website and collect them upon arrival at the airport. Alternatively, you can use your debit card to withdraw money from ATMs once you arrive in Hong Kong.

If you are planning to travel around Hong Kong, a great option is to purchase an Octopus card. This is a prepaid debit card system that can be used on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) System, the Star Ferry, in 7-11's, McDonald's, and the Peak Tram. You can purchase an On-Loan Octopus card, which requires a $50HKD refundable deposit, at all MTR stations, including the Airport Express station.

For those travelling from Australia, it is recommended to bring Australian dollars in cash, as this can easily be exchanged for Hong Kong dollars upon arrival.

It is recommended to buy currency before arriving at the airport

Hong Kong International Airport does accept USD at its currency exchange branches, which are open all year round. However, it is recommended to buy currency before arriving at the airport. This is because airport currency exchange rates are often the most expensive way to obtain foreign currency, with some exchanges charging 14% more than the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) exchange rate. In addition, you may have to wait in long lines at the airport currency exchange, cutting into precious time abroad.

By ordering foreign currency before you fly, you can typically benefit from better exchange rates and lower fees. Many banks allow you to order foreign currencies online, by phone, or in person, and you can usually pick up the currency at a local branch before your trip. Some banks may even ship the currency to you, and you can often avoid postage fees if you order a certain amount.

Ordering currency in advance also gives you the convenience of having cash on hand for immediate expenses, such as taxis and tips, upon arrival. Additionally, you can get familiar with the local currency before you land, which can give you peace of mind. However, there is a risk of losing money if you don't use all the foreign currency, as there may be restrictions on returning or exchanging unused funds.

To make the most of your trip and your money, consider a combined approach. Order enough cash to cover your first few days, and then use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for larger purchases and bank ATMs for additional cash.

The Hong Kong dollar (HK$) is the official currency of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong dollar is one of the most exchanged currencies in the world and is used in Macau, where the local currency is pegged to the HKD. It is not a floating currency and is currently pegged to the US dollar at a rate of HK$7.8 to US$1, with a narrow trading band. This rate was established in 1983 and has periodically changed depending on the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), which maintains the stability of the HKD.

Historically, the Hong Kong dollar has been pegged to other currencies, such as the British pound sterling during the colonial era and the Japanese yen during the Japanese occupation in World War II. In 1972, the Hong Kong dollar was pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of 1 USD = 5.65 HKD. This pegging to the US dollar continues today, contributing to Hong Kong's solid economy, which boasts a strong financial sector and a high volume of international trade and finance.

When it comes to Hong Kong International Airport, the airport's website recommends ordering foreign currencies online via Travelex or Global Exchange's website and collecting them upon arrival. Most retail and catering outlets in the airport accept major foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, Euros, Japanese Yen, and RMB. Additionally, debit and credit cards, Visa, and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Credit and debit cards are also accepted at the airport

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at Hong Kong International Airport. The airport has currency exchange branches that accept debit and credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. These branches offer a wide range of foreign currencies for exchange, and you can also order foreign currencies online via Travelex or Global Exchange's website and collect them upon arrival at the airport.

When using your card at the airport, it is generally recommended to pay in the local currency, as staff and card machines may default to a conversion rate that may not be favourable. The Hong Kong dollar (HK$) is the official currency used in Hong Kong. However, it is worth noting that some outlets at the airport may also accept major foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, Euros, Japanese Yen, and RMB.

If you are looking to purchase items or services at the airport, most retail and catering outlets in the airport accept credit cards. Additionally, Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) System offers a prepaid debit card called the Octopus card, which can be useful for tourists. It can be purchased at all MTR stations, including the Airport Express station, and is also accepted by other services like the Star Ferry, 7-11's, McDonald's, and the Peak Tram.

While the airport provides currency exchange services, keep in mind that exchanging money at airports is generally more expensive than doing so in city centres. If you have time before your trip, it may be more cost-effective to exchange your currency beforehand or after arriving in Hong Kong but outside the airport premises.

Frequently asked questions