The Ultimate Insider’s Hong Kong Halal Travel Guide

It may not come at the top of your mind, but Hong Kong is a much more halal-friendly destination to travel to than you think. Although still a small minority, there’s certainly a growing community and awareness of Islam. Whether it’s halal food or halal-friendly hotels, you can now find it all in Hong Kong. In this article, we’ll be sharing with you the ultimate Hong Kong halal travel guide with all the essential information you need to experience the best of the city!

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Hong Kong Currency and How to Pay in Hong Kong

Hong Kong uses Hong Kong Dollars (HKD$). AliPay HK and WeChat are the most popular payment methods in Hong Kong. Make sure to download and set them up on your phone. Get an eSIM to make sure you are always connected to the internet for payment.

Cash is still widely used, especially for taxis and at small local shops and eateries. Cards (both credit and debit) and Apple Pay/Google Pay are acceptable at hotels, most shopping malls, and some restaurants. For public transport, you’ll need an Octopus Card, which is also accepted as a payment method at many places such as fast food establishments, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Getting Around in Hong Kong

MTR is the metro system in Hong Kong, and it is very convenient for helping you get around the city. You’ll need an Octopus Card to tap in and out for payment. A Tourist Octopus Card can be obtained with a HKD$50 deposit at the Airport Arrivals, MTR station customer service desk, 7-Eleven or Circle K stores. Alternatively, you can download the Octopus Card for Tourist App here and top up digitally.

Some MTR stations may allow contactless card payments/Apple Pay/Google Pay, but Octopus Card is more convenient as it can be used for other modes of transport as well, such as buses, minibuses, trams, and ferries. As mentioned, Octopus Card can also be used as a payment method at convenience stores, supermarkets, and fast food establishments.

There is a fantastic and reliable bus network in Hong Kong as well. There may be some places where the MTR doesn’t reach, and taking the bus is a convenient and cost-effective way of transportation. Download the HKBUS app for route options and live timings.

Minibuses can be another way of transport, but I’d recommend going with a local as you need to shout to the driver where to drop you off instead of having fixed designated stops. For navigating streets, Google Maps is helpful, but note that they don’t include footbridges or subways that could possibly cut your walking time in half. So make sure to look up for footbridges that connect between buildings and signs for any subways to help you cross main roads.

Taxis in Hong Kong

The most common taxi colour in Hong Kong is red. But you may also see green or even blue taxis – and all three colours are legitimate. Typically, red taxis are from Hong Kong Island, green taxis are from Kowloon, and blue taxis are from the New Territories.

Taxis are run by meter in Hong Kong. The taxi driver may manually add tunnel fares and luggage charges onto the meter. Some taxis may have an old meter with outdated pricing, and you will be asked to pay the correct fare according to the updated price sheet (which the driver will provide). There are many taxi stands around the city, and you can also hail them down as long as it’s not a double-yellow road.

Ubers are available in Hong Kong, but they are not as popular.

Hong Kong Airport Transport Info

The Airport Express is probably the most convenient transportation to and from Hong Kong Airport. You can use the Octopus Card, or tickets are available online here, at the Airport Express customer service desk, or ticketing machines at the Airport/Hong Kong/Kowloon stations. The stations are very well-connected with the MTR and help you get to your destination easily. P.S. When leaving Hong Kong, you can check in your luggage at the Hong Kong or Kowloon station, so that you can travel hands-free and avoid the airport queues!

Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis available, and airport buses are a cost-effective way of transportation.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong (Muslim-friendly Hotels)

If you’re looking for the best area to experience the hustle & bustle of Hong Kong and with easy access to plenty of halal food options, Tsim Sha Tsui would be my first choice of location. Not only is Tsim Sha Tsui located by Hong Kong’s iconic harbour and is a shopping mecca, but it is also home to Hong Kong’s largest and most famous mosque, and has lots of good hotels in the area.

My second location choice would be Central as the Mid-Levels area (accessible via the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator) is home to Hong Kong’s oldest mosque and a good variety of halal food, including Italian pastas, burgers, peri-peri chicken, Thai food, etc. The Central-Mid-Levels area offers a glimpse of traditional Hong Kong residential charm with a touch of colonial influence. Furthermore, Central is also located by the harbour and it’s only a ferry ride away to Tsim Sha Tsui (a must-do activity in Hong Kong!).

There are many hotels that offer halal food options at their breakfast buffets, room service, and/or on-site restaurants. Additionally, many have a Qibla marker in their rooms and can provide prayer mats and female prayer dresses as well. You can read about our list of the best halal-friendly hotel recommendations in Hong Kong here.

Mosques in Hong Kong

Where to Find Halal Food in Hong Kong

From Desi to European cuisines, and of course, traditional Chinese food, there’s no trouble looking for halal food in Hong Kong! Some of my personal favourites include Islam Food (especially for the juicy beef patties), Wu Zhi Jian Beef Noodles, Islamic Centre Canteen, Wai Kee Roast Duck, and many more. There are also more and more halal fine dining options popping up in the city as well. You can check out our list of recommended halal food places in Hong Kong here.

Most halal restaurants in Hong Kong have a big halal sign at the door. Should you have any questions for restaurant staff, the Chinese word for halal is “清真” – pronounced “qing zheng” in Cantonese.

Must-See Sights & Activities in Hong Kong

What is the Weather like in Hong Kong and When is the Best Time to Visit

The four seasons are quite distinct in Hong Kong throughout the year. In my opinion, Autumn would be the best time to visit Hong Kong as the weather is most pleasant, sunny, and warm (but not overly hot & humid). I personally recommend visiting during October. However, avoid the first week of October as it’s the Chinese national holiday week, where hotel prices get hiked up and the city gets rather crowded.