Cheap in Hong Kong

Hong Kong just might make your wallet cry tears of pity. Rent prices are stratospheric. The price of a small coffee at Starbucks will have you thinking that a 5 dollar latte is quite reasonable. And while the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar at 7.8 to 1, almost everything is just as expensive, if not more, than it would be in a major US city. Regardless, there’s much to love of this east-meets-west financial mecca, where a hip string of international eateries rubs up against fish markets and stalls filled with antiques. (And what’s up with 7-Elevens being on almost every single street corner?) While the price of accommodations might be daunting, fearless budget travelers will find that the best deals to be found are in food and travel expenses.

Hong Kong’s transportation system is perhaps what every city in the world should aspire to. Fast, efficient, and best of all, dirt cheap, the island is serviced by can’t-ever-get-lost array of subways, taxis, buses, minibuses, and ferries. For example, a ride on the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui is all of $1.7HK, about two measly dimes in US dollars, plus you get an incredible view. (Seasickness, however, is another matter altogether.) Taxis are literally everywhere you turn, with a base fare of only $16HK, about two US dollars. The subway is not only super cheap, with rides paid for by distance traveled, but also incredibly fast, clean, and efficient.

If you really want to save money, the best way of getting around Hong Kong (except for crossing Victoria Harbor) is free. The city’s density and extraordinarily compact size mean that you can hit most tourist stops in two days or so, even if your primary mode of transportation is by foot. Once you’re tired of skyscrapers, the breathtaking and scenic trip by bus to the beaches and street markets of Stanley will set you back a little over a US dollar.

For food, make sure you don’t skip breakfast, which usually costs $16-22HK. Congee, a savory rice porridge that often comes with shreds of chicken, beef, or preserved eggs, is a particularly delicious deal. The same local eateries also serve up tasty lunches for around $40-60HK. If you’re determined to do dim sum, make sure you take a crowd – the expense simply is not worth it for a table of one or two. If you want to test out some of the fancier eateries, most restaurants offer very reasonably priced prix fixes, usually around $100HK for a 2 to 3 course meal. Staunton Street in particular, which is accessible from the Mid-Levels Escalator, has a range of everything from Canadian to Nepalese cuisine.

If you’re an incurable shopaholic on a budget, simple avoid visiting Hong Kong altogether. (Wait, not really.) The array of stores is overwhelming, with designer labels well-represented in the many shopping malls. If you’re shopping on a shoestring, check out the street markets or small shops where a dress could run you as little as $80HK. And get used to store assistants following your every step.

Most of Hong Kong’s best views come super cheap, so don’t skimp on sightseeing. The Peak at night is a sight not to be missed. And make sure to pack a swimsuit and hit the beaches of Shek O when the weather is clear and sunny. The bus ride will set you back some pocket change, and the spectacular view will have you convinced that the best things in life are indeed free.