Ruth Haines
Hong Kong International Airport offers a variety of currency exchange services, including banks, money exchangers, and automated teller machines. While the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the official currency of Hong Kong, some retail and catering outlets in the airport accept major foreign currencies, such as the US Dollar, Euros, Japanese Yen, and Chinese RMB. It is recommended to have some Hong Kong Dollars on hand, as cash remains the primary payment method in small shops and traditional markets outside the airport. Additionally, various payment methods are available in Hong Kong, including the popular Octopus Card, payment apps like Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, and AlipayHK, as well as credit and debit cards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency used in Hong Kong | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) |
| Denominations of HKD | Notes: HKD 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins: HKD 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents |
| Currency exchange at Hong Kong Airport | Currency exchange counters and self-service foreign currency exchange machines are available at the airport |
| Accepted foreign currencies at Hong Kong Airport | USD, Euros, Japanese Yen, and RMB |
| Payment methods at Hong Kong Airport | Cash, credit/debit cards, and payment apps such as Apple Pay, Octopus, AlipayHK, and WeChat Pay |
| Recommended payment method at Hong Kong Airport | Using a transaction-free credit card or withdrawing local currency from an ATM |
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What You'll Learn
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the local currency
While some merchants in Hong Kong may accept foreign currencies such as the US dollar, this may involve poor exchange rates or additional fees. Therefore, it is advisable to use HKD for transactions to avoid any unfavorable conversion rates.
ATMs are readily available in Hong Kong, especially in urban areas, airports, train stations, banks, supermarkets, and convenience stores. These ATMs typically accept Visa and Mastercard, while some support American Express as well. It is important to inform your bank about your travel plans to Hong Kong in advance to ensure smooth transactions while abroad.
Additionally, Hong Kong offers a range of payment options beyond cash, including payment apps such as Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, AlipayHK, and the locally popular Octopus Card. The Octopus Card is a convenient payment method for public transportation, retail transactions, and daily services. It can be purchased at MTR stations, ferry ticket offices, and 7-Eleven convenience stores.
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Foreign currency exchange services are available at the airport
Foreign currency exchange services are available at Hong Kong International Airport. The airport has currency exchange counters, and some airports also have self-service foreign currency exchange machines. These counters are open from early morning until late at night.
While Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), some outlets at the airport may accept other major foreign currencies, such as the US Dollar, Euros, Japanese Yen, and Chinese RMB. However, the exchange rates offered may not be favourable. It is recommended to exchange enough money into Hong Kong Dollars before travelling to the airport.
ATMs are also available at the airport, and most of them accept Visa and Mastercard. American Express users can use Aeon ATMs, which can be found at MTR stations and Circle K convenience stores. The maximum withdrawal amount is typically around $20,000 HKD per transaction.
It is important to inform your bank in advance about your travel plans to Hong Kong and to be aware of any transaction fees or exchange rates that may apply when using ATMs or making card payments.
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Major foreign currencies are accepted at the airport
Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), which comes in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 for notes, and 10, 5, 2 and 1, as well as 50, 20 and 10 cents for coins. While it is recommended to have some local currency on hand, major foreign currencies are accepted at the airport.
Hong Kong International Airport offers currency exchange services at counters and via self-service machines. These counters are open from early morning until late at night. The airport also has banks, money exchangers and ATMs, which are located throughout the terminals.
Major foreign currencies such as the US Dollar, Euros, Japanese Yen and Chinese RMB are accepted at most retail and catering outlets in the airport. Credit cards are also widely accepted, with Visa, Mastercard and American Express being the most common.
It is worth noting that while some merchants may accept foreign currencies, the exchange rates offered may not be favourable. It is recommended to check the exchange rates and fees before choosing a currency exchange service. Additionally, some outlets may not accept foreign currency, so it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases.
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Credit cards are widely accepted at the airport
Hong Kong is a credit-card-friendly territory, and credit cards are widely accepted at Hong Kong International Airport. Mastercard and Visa are more widely accepted than American Express cards, but there are cash machines and merchants where you can use Amex. Most retail and catering outlets inside the restricted area accept major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Most cash machines in Hong Kong won't charge you fees for cash withdrawals, so if you need some cash once you land, you can get it at the airport ATMs. You can also use an ATM at the airport to get cash in the local currency, Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). There are several ATMs at HK Airport where you can get HK$, and you won't be charged any fees by the HK bank for the withdrawal if you choose a major bank such as HSBC Bank of China or Hang Seng.
You'll be charged for currency conversion, but if you opt for a credit card with fee-free spending overseas, your funds will be converted at the standard Mastercard or Visa rates. When you use your card in Hong Kong, you may incur foreign transaction fees of around 3% per transaction, depending on your credit card.
While credit cards are widely accepted at the airport, it's worth noting that some outlets may only accept Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). Airport outlets do sometimes accept other currencies, but the exchange rate offered may not be favourable. Therefore, it is recommended to use your credit card and pay in the local currency whenever possible.
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Cash is the most reliable form of payment in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). It's easy for travellers to exchange foreign cash for HKD, as there are numerous currency exchange places and ATMs in all the usual tourist spots. Hong Kong International Airport has currency exchange counters open from early morning until late at night, as well as ATMs.
While card payments are very easy at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and chain convenience stores, cash remains the primary payment method in small shops, traditional markets, street food stalls, and some taxis. It is also useful for public transport, including the MTR, buses, minibuses, taxis, trams, and the Star Ferry. Although some merchants may accept foreign currencies like the US dollar, this may involve poor exchange rates or fees. Therefore, it's recommended that you carry a sufficient amount of Hong Kong dollars in cash.
ATMs are easy to find in urban areas, including at the airport, train stations, banks, supermarkets, convenience stores, and on street corners. Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, and American Express users can look for Aeon ATMs at MTR stations and Circle K convenience stores. The maximum withdrawal amount is typically around $20,000 HKD per transaction.
To avoid scams and counterfeit money, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the security features of Hong Kong banknotes. Rub the bills to see if they have an embossed texture, and try to pay in smaller denominations. Keep a supply of smaller bills and coins with you to avoid receiving fake cash.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the local currency in Hong Kong. However, most retail and catering outlets in Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) accept major foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, euros, Japanese yen, and Chinese RMB.
Currency exchange counters are available at Hong Kong International Airport, open from early morning until late at night. There are also self-service foreign currency exchange machines and ATMs that dispense Hong Kong dollars.
While it is convenient to exchange money at the airport, the exchange rates may not be favourable. It is recommended to check with your home bank for the best conversion rates and to compare prices at different shops before making a decision.
