So, you’ve made it to Hong Kong. Bravo. You’re surrounded by dazzling skyscrapers, steaming baskets of dim sum and a skyline so photogenic it deserves its own influencer account. But before you start waving your selfie stick in the middle of Mong Kok traffic, let’s go over a few ground rules.
Hong Kong is vibrant, fast-paced and wonderfully efficient, but it’s also a place with unspoken etiquette and local habits that every smart traveller should respect. Ignore them and you might end up with a few disapproving stares or an awkward encounter involving chopsticks and regret.
Grab your milk tea, take notes and learn the ten things you should never do in Hong Kong if you want to blend in like a pro instead of standing out like a confused extra in a kung fu movie.
1. Don’t Eat or Drink on Public Transport
🚇 It’s not a suggestion, it’s the law.
The MTR is spotless and locals keep it that way. Eating or drinking is a big no-no and can earn you a fine or at least a few icy stares.
💡 Hack: Finish your snacks before boarding or wait until you exit. That bao might smell divine, but no one wants to smell it at rush hour.
2. Don’t Talk Loudly in Public
📣 Hong Kong is noisy enough. Don’t add to it.
Locals tend to speak at a moderate volume, even in crowds. Yelling across the MTR carriage or FaceTiming your entire family on speakerphone will mark you instantly as “that tourist”.
💡 Hack: Use your indoor voice, even when outdoors.
3. Don’t Forget to Queue
🧍♀️ Hong Kong loves an orderly line.
Whether it’s for the tram, a bus, or bubble tea, locals queue neatly and patiently. Cutting in line is social suicide.
💡 Hack: Just look for the line and join the end. It’s that simple. No queue-hopping heroics needed.
4. Don’t Leave Tips on the Table
💸 It’s not rude, it’s just not the culture.
Tipping isn’t common here. Most restaurants include a 10% service charge already, and in local eateries, you simply pay what’s on the bill.
💡 Hack: If service was exceptional, rounding up your bill is fine. But don’t stress about tips. This isn’t New York.
5. Don’t Block the Escalator
⬆️ There are rules and they are sacred.
In Hong Kong, you stand on the right and walk on the left. Stand in the middle and you’ll instantly become the enemy of every commuter behind you.
💡 Hack: Remember “right to ride, left to stride”. You’ll glide through the crowds effortlessly.
6. Don’t Stick Your Chopsticks Upright in Rice
🥢 This one’s cultural and important.
Planting chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice looks like incense at a funeral. It’s considered bad luck and deeply disrespectful.
💡 Hack: Rest them across your bowl or on the chopstick stand. Easy, respectful, and much less ominous.
7. Don’t Expect Everyone to Speak English Fluently
🗣️ English is common, but not universal.
Many people, especially in tourist areas, speak some English, but don’t assume everyone does.
💡 Hack: Learn a few basic Cantonese phrases or use translation apps. Even a simple “mm goi” (thank you) wins hearts.
8. Don’t Smoke Just Anywhere
🚭 There are strict rules and heavy fines.
Smoking in restaurants, indoor areas, bus stops, parks and beaches is banned. Break the rule and your wallet will regret it.
💡 Hack: Look for designated smoking zones. They’re clearly marked. Your lungs and your budget will thank you.
9. Don’t Underestimate the Heat and Humidity
🌞 Hong Kong is tropical and your hair will suffer.
Summer can feel like walking through soup. Tourists often underestimate how brutal it gets, especially when hiking or sightseeing outdoors.
💡 Hack: Dress light, carry water and pack a small towel. Glamour is optional, hydration is not.
10. Don’t Assume Hong Kong Sleeps
🌃 Spoiler: it doesn’t.
This city hums day and night. Just when you think it’s winding down, someone opens a dessert shop at 1am.
💡 Hack: Pace yourself. Don’t try to do everything in one day. Hong Kong rewards those who explore steadily, not those who burn out by sunset.
Final Noodle Notes
Hong Kong isn’t hard to navigate once you tune into its rhythm. Be polite, stay aware and respect the local flow. The city runs like clockwork, and when you follow its unspoken rules, you’ll find it welcomes you with open arms and a side of pineapple bun.
So keep your snacks off the train, your chopsticks flat and your volume low. Blend in, smile often and Hong Kong will treat you like one of its own.
