How much cash is needed for HKG ?

[legroom]

Hi folks

What's the advice on how much cash you would need for a long weekend in HK ?

The Airport Express is cash- only but what about general spend ??

I plan to use CC as much as possible so I'm not sure how much cash I should have.

Thanks in advance

 

[markis10]

The Airport express is not cash only, you can preorder tickets online or use your card at the airport.

 

[petermac123]

How long is a piece of string? I just get cash out at ATM's as per normal, but if you would insist on taking cash with you, then allow $100 per person per day for meals/entertainment/MTR.

 

[yohy?!]

what is your itinerary
how will you get around
what standard of restaurant will you eat at

 

[legroom]

Thanks

Mainly shopping +/- sightseeing and some Michelin restaurants.

Would not mind hawker-style foods at all (probably all cash there)

But I'd be keen to use CC as much as possible (3.33 KF pts per $).

ATM: don't like paying ATM fees if avoidable.

Have a Citibank Plus (Debit) Visa. Would that be useful for cash withdrawal ?

Cheers

Every country is a bit different when it comes to cash so I'm not sure.

what is your itinerary
how will you get around
what standard of restaurant will you eat at

 

[markis10]

Just use your Citibank card at their ATMs, no fees and withdraw what you think you need for the day:

https://www.citibank.com.hk/global_docs/mobile/eng/atm.html?intcmp=MHKENBLATM

 

[NM]

The Airport express is not cash only, you can preorder tickets online or use your card at the airport.

Certainly the case at the airport (the circular desk in the arrivals area closest to exit B). But at HK Station (and possibly Kowloon station) I think the machines are cash or Octopus card. Not sure if there is a service desk there to purchase with credit card.

 

[NM]

Mainly shopping +/- sightseeing and some Michelin restaurants.

Restaurants will take credit card. Shopping depends on where you want to show. The department stores and regular retail shops will all take credit cards. But markets will be cash only. Electronics "markets" like Wan Chia Computer Centre or many places at Mong Kok or Sham Shue Po will take credit cards but may charge a surcharge or 3-5% (they prefer cash).

Would not mind hawker-style foods at all (probably all cash there)

Cash. Note that hawker-style tends to be Singapore, but there are a some places that may meet the description.

ATM: don't like paying ATM fees if avoidable.

Have a Citibank Plus (Debit) Visa. Would that be useful for cash withdrawal ?

I have not been charged fees for using ATMs in HK. Citibank ATMs are very common, but even with other bank ATMs I have not been charged any local fees.

 

[yohy?!]

Thanks

Mainly shopping +/- sightseeing and some Michelin restaurants.

Would not mind hawker-style foods at all (probably all cash there)

But I'd be keen to use CC as much as possible (3.33 KF pts per $).

ATM: don't like paying ATM fees if avoidable.

Have a Citibank Plus (Debit) Visa. Would that be useful for cash withdrawal ?

Cheers

Every country is a bit different when it comes to cash so I'm not sure.

shopping and high end restaurants will be fine for CC (watch out for dynamic currency conversion in your hotel particularly), amex acceptance is not as high as in australia

as others have said airport express can be paid by CC (there is a stand near the entry to the airport) the tourist pass gives return trip to airport and unlimited travel in the MTR network... MTR > Fares & Tickets > Online Ticketing > Airport Express Services > Airport Express Travel Pass

I use Citi also - their atms are sparse, recommend drawing out 1-2 thousandHKD at the airport to start you off (they do no fee international withdrawals and the rate is not bad). If all your main meals and shopping go by credit card that should be more than enough to cover any site seeing costs, taxis, street food etc for the duration. Check the Citi website ahead of time so you can top up as need be - dont use the Visa Debit facility which is 2.5% on top of the conversion.

The big decider on cash will likely be if you plan to go drinking in Lan Kwai Fong etc - if so budget about 50-80HKD per beer (depending on establishment) all cash only

 

[knasty]

The big decider on cash will likely be if you plan to go drinking in Lan Kwai Fong etc - if so budget about 50-80HKD per beer (depending on establishment) all cash only

Some might be cash only but plenty do take cards. I've certainly woken up many times with Amex receipts in my pockets recording overly generous tips in the wee hours of the morning, so in that respect cash is safer anyway.

 

[legroom]

Thanks to everyone for the heads up

I'd reckon about AUD500 (3,800 HKD on xe.com) should be what I need to start the trip with.

Don't want to hoard more as I'm not sure when the next trip will be.

Have to read up on the 2.5% charge to draw cash from the Citi Plus Visa card - thought it is free ??

 

[markis10]

Check the Citi website ahead of time so you can top up as need be - dont use the Visa Debit facility which is 2.5% on top of the conversion.

Using the Citi Plus product which is a Visa Debit card there is NO fees for ATM withdrawals with forex charged at the mid market rate.

 

[Sprucegoose]

The Airport express is not cash only, you can preorder tickets online or use your card at the airport.

I think you can also buy tickets on CX??

 

[Sprucegoose]

Shark fin soup ???? The real deal get a loan

 

[Sprucegoose]

Some might be cash only but plenty do take cards. I've certainly woken up many times with Amex receipts in my pockets recording overly generous tips in the wee hours of the morning, so in that respect cash is safer anyway.

I thought that happened only to me ???