Tipping and money in Hong Kong
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
Last reviewed November 2026
- Currency
- HKDHong Kong dollar
- Symbol
- HK$
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Hong Kong
An Octopus card pays for transport and many small shops.
- Cards
- Widely accepted
- Cash
- Cash is useful for smaller businesses, taxis, wet markets and local spots, and some taxis may want cash (Remitly). The Beat Asia advises carrying smaller notes and coins.
- ATMs
- You can withdraw Hong Kong dollars at ATMs if your bank and card allow overseas withdrawals. Remitly advises checking your card's ATM fees abroad and gives no amounts.
- Foreign currency
- The Beat Asia (2023) says US dollars are accepted at some places such as hotels and restaurants, but the rate may be worse than for Hong Kong dollars.
- Exchanging money
- The Beat Asia says banks and exchange bureaus offer competitive rates. Remitly suggests carrying some Hong Kong dollars for transport and places that prefer notes and coins.
- Watch out for
- Foreign transaction fees may apply, so check with your card issuer (Remitly, The Beat Asia). Carry a backup card and some cash because card and mobile payments may not work everywhere.
Tipping in Hong Kong
Many restaurants add 10%. If not, leave 5–10% or the small change.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Octopus Cards Limited (Tourist Octopus), Remitly, Travel China Guide, The Beat Asia, Cathay Pacific, Indochina Tour.
Convert to and from HKD
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7.85 HKD | 8.79 HKD | 10.53 HKD |
| 10 | 78.46 HKD | 87.90 HKD | 105 HKD |
| 50 | 392 HKD | 440 HKD | 526 HKD |
| 100 | 785 HKD | 879 HKD | 1,053 HKD |
| 500 | 3,923 HKD | 4,395 HKD | 5,264 HKD |
What each amount is worth in HKD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Hong Kong use?
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).
Do you need to tip in Hong Kong?
Appreciated. Many restaurants add 10%. If not, leave 5–10% or the small change.
Can you pay by card in Hong Kong?
Widely accepted. Cash is useful for smaller businesses, taxis, wet markets and local spots, and some taxis may want cash (Remitly). The Beat Asia advises carrying smaller notes and coins.
Are there ATMs in Hong Kong?
You can withdraw Hong Kong dollars at ATMs if your bank and card allow overseas withdrawals. Remitly advises checking your card's ATM fees abroad and gives no amounts.
More in Asia
Related guides: tipping by country, cash or card?, currencies.