Hong Kong Airport Currency Exchange: What You Need To Know

If you're travelling to Hong Kong, it's important to know that the official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). While some outlets at Hong Kong Airport may accept other currencies, the exchange rate offered is often poor. It's recommended to carry some cash in HKD, and you can exchange your money for HKD at the Hong Kong Airport Hall, Lo Wu Customs, or Sheung Wan Ferry Terminal. You can also use your card to make payments in Hong Kong, with most ATMs accepting Visa and Mastercard, and American Express users can use Aeon ATMs.

Hong Kong's official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

While Hong Kong accepts various foreign currencies, it is recommended to use the local currency, HKD, for the best rates. Currency exchange outlets at Hong Kong International Airport, such as Global Exchange Travelex and Worldwide Money, offer exchange services for a wide range of foreign currencies, including USD and GBP. These outlets are open 24 hours a day, all year round, and can be found in Terminal 1's North and South Departures areas, as well as in the pre-immigration Hall on level 5.

It is also possible to pay by card at most retail and catering outlets within the airport's restricted areas, with major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express being widely accepted. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash in the local currency to avoid any issues.

If you are planning to explore Hong Kong beyond the airport, you can easily exchange money at good rates within the city, especially in areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Nathan Road, where competition is high. Additionally, most card types are accepted at restaurants and attractions, except for some smaller shops and eateries.

HKD is divided into 100 cents, with 10 cents called a houh

The Hong Kong dollar (also known as the HKD) is the official currency of Hong Kong. The HKD is divided into 100 cents, with 10 cents called a hou (毫 in Cantonese). Denominations issued in the 1860s and 1870s included 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 dollars. In 1945, the government issued 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 1-dollar notes, while the three banks (HSBC, Bank of China, and Standard Chartered) issued 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500-dollar notes. Today, these three banks continue to issue their own designs of banknotes in denominations of HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000.

When visiting Hong Kong, it is important to note that the HKD is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.80 HKD to 1 USD. This means that $1.00 HKD is equivalent to $0.13 USD or 13 US cents. The cash in Hong Kong is also colourful, unlike American cash. For example, $10 bills are green or purple, $20 bills are dark blue or light blue, and $50 bills are purple or green.

If you are travelling through Hong Kong International Airport and need to exchange money, there are several options available. Global Exchange Travelex and Hong Kong International Airport have branches in Terminal 1 where you can exchange a wide range of foreign currencies. These outlets are open 24 hours year-round and accept debit and credit cards, Visa, and MasterCard. Additionally, there are over 10 Travelex Worldwide Money outlets inside Terminal 1 for foreign currency and money exchange services. ATMs can also be found in the airport and throughout the city, and they accept international cards and have instructions in English and Chinese.

USD is not accepted in local stores

Hong Kong International Airport has several foreign exchange services available, including Global Exchange Travelex and branches of Travelex Worldwide Money. These services allow you to exchange a wide range of foreign currencies, including USD, for Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). You can also use debit and credit cards, as well as Visa and MasterCard, for currency exchange.

While USD is accepted in some hotels and a few stores in Hong Kong, most shops do not accept it. The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is the legal tender, and it is respectful to use the local currency when making purchases. You can easily exchange USD to HKD at competitive rates in most banks and exchange kiosks, or withdraw local currency from ATMs using your bank card. However, banks and ATMs may charge fees or commissions for these transactions.

It is worth noting that some small shops, convenience stores, and taxi drivers may not accept large bills, such as $1000 HKD notes, due to the inconvenience of making change for large bills on small purchases. In such cases, it is advisable to use smaller denominations or alternative payment methods, such as Octopus cards, which can be purchased and topped up at 7-11 or Circle K stores.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong, especially Visa and MasterCard. They can be used in most restaurants, attractions, and shopping malls. However, some smaller shops and eateries may only accept cash, so it is always a good idea to carry some local currency or an alternative form of payment when travelling throughout Hong Kong.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at Hong Kong International Airport

There are also other foreign exchange branches at Hong Kong International Airport, including some that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These can be found in Terminal 1, both in the North and South Departures areas, after passport control. These outlets offer exchange services for a wide range of foreign currencies and accept debit and credit cards, as well as Visa and MasterCard.

It is worth noting that airport outlets may accept other currencies, but the exchange rates offered are typically not favourable. Therefore, it is recommended to use a credit card when making purchases at the airport, as this can provide a more competitive exchange rate. Additionally, most retail and catering outlets inside the restricted area of the airport accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

If you have specific requirements or need further assistance, you can contact the airport during office hours (HK time 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) at +852 2183 3561 or email [email protected].

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a credit-card-friendly territory. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted, and American Express cards can be used in some locations. Credit cards are always accepted in major corporate chains and major supermarkets. However, for small transactions in small businesses, credit card acceptance may be lacking. In this case, it is recommended to use cash or an Octopus card.

When using your card in Hong Kong, you may incur foreign transaction fees, merchant currency conversion fees, and cash advance fees. It is recommended to opt for a credit card with fee-free spending overseas. Additionally, card cloning and fraud are uncommon in Hong Kong, but it is still important to keep your card in sight.

If you need cash, you can get it at the airport ATMs, and most cash machines in Hong Kong won't charge fees for cash withdrawals. However, you'll be charged for currency conversion, and it's recommended to inform your bank that you'll be in Hong Kong to avoid any suspicion of fraudulent activity.

Overall, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong, and you can use them freely during your visit.

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