Millions of transit passengers pass through Hong Kong every year, on their way from Europe to Australia and New Zealand. However, many of them fail to use the short stopover between flights to discover this fascinating metropolis, simply because they think they are not going to have enough time to make it to the city and back…

This article will show you the best ways to travel from Hong Kong International Airport to the city’s key attractions and back.

1) Storing your luggage

As a transit passenger, your suitcases are handled by the airline, so you don’t have to worry about them, but you still have the trolley luggage and the last thing you want is to walk all over the city with it… Isn’t it? A baggage storage facility can be found at the “Meeters and Greeters Hall”, just after immigration and customs. They are open 7 days a week, from 5:30am to 1:30 am and charge HK$ 40 per piece for up to 3 hours, HK$ 55 for 3 – 24 hours and HK$ 130 for more than 24 hours (but less than 48…)

2) Octopus anyone?

Hong Kong’s famous Octopus Card is an electronic stored-value card that allows you to travel on most public transport services without having to bother about getting small change, or wasting time buying tickets from the automatic vending machines…

It comes with a refundable deposit of HK$ 50, which you will get back together with any leftover money, once you return the card. The card can be bought at the Airport Express Customer Service Counter in the Arrivals Hall (just a few steps from the baggage storage desk).

3) Getting to the city and back

Now, that you have taken care of the trolley, you are ready to hit the big city, and the only question remaining is “what is the best way of getting there and back”?

Airport Express

The Airport Express train provides the fastest and most convenient link for those of you who want to get to city centre areas like Central on Hong Kong Island, or Tsim sha Tsui on Kowloon side.

It departs from the platform at the end of the Arrivals Hall once every 12 minutes and covers the distance to Hong Kong Island in only 24 minutes, with stops in Tsing Yi (Which is just an ordinary dormitory town…) and Kowloon (Gateway to Tsim sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau ma tei and Mongkok)

Octopus card holders can also enjoy free MTR Connections to or from Airport Express stations, if their cards have usable value and their travel on the MTR and Airport Express is within one hour of each other. Moreover, Airport Express passengers traveling within the same day can enjoy a FREE return journey (Offer is applicable to both Octopus Card and Same Day Return ticket holders).

First train departs from the airport at 5:54am, while the last one departs at 00:48 after midnight (Trains in the opposite direction leave at the same time, more or less).

The main disadvantage of the Airport Express is that it takes you to the train stations, from where you have to use another means of transport to get to where you want (there are free shuttles at the stations, but it still takes a bit of time…)

All in all: You can be where you want in approximately 40 – 60 minutes (including a waiting time of 6 – 10 minutes, traveling time of 20 – 24 minutes and another 10 – 20 minutes to get from the station to where you want)

Buses

Buses are cheaper than the Airport Express (unless you return on the same day and get a free return journey), but take much longer to get to town. Nevertheless, they are worth considering, for two main reasons:

– They operate throughout the night, which is important if your flight arrives after midnight or departs before 7am.

– You don’t have to change means of transport, as the bus normally takes you right to where you want to go.

Buses leave from the Ground Transportation Centre, outside the terminal building, and you can pay either by cash or Octopus Card.

Citybus A11 travels to Causeway bay, Wanchai and Central, on Hong Kong Island (N11 is the “overnight version” of this bus route). A 21 travels to Mong Kok and Tsim sha Tsui, on Kowloon side (N 21 is the “overnight version” of this line). If there is no heavy traffic, buses can get you to the main areas of Hong Kong Island or Kowloon in 45 – 60 minutes.

To conclude: The Airport Express makes a better choice if you are traveling during rush hour (typically, from 7 to 10am) and you know where exactly you want to go (I will give more details about specific attractions and places-of-interest in my upcoming articles). However, If you just want to travel to one of the city’s main shopping & entertainment streets, or if you know you have to travel one direction at a late night hour, bus is your best bet!

Shopping in Hong Kong is going to be an incredible experience. Hong Kong shopping is famous for its competitive prices and enormous product varieties. Hong Kong imposes no import tax, no sales tax or value added tax. You can buy the hottest, trendiest and newest items at highly competitive prices. As a native Hong Konger, I would want to tell you some interesting facts about Hong Kong shopping – what and where to buy.

Jewellery

Many people don’t plan to buy expensive items while travelling. However if you are shopping in Hong Kong, you would have to change your mind. Diamond and gold are popular to buy here. You would find eye-catching sparkling jewellery shops in Central, Causeway Bay, Tsimshatsui and many other areas. You must be convinced by their fashionable designs, first-class craftsmanship and attractive window displays.

It is safe to buy diamond and gold here because Hong Kong has an ordinance that vendors have to give customers correct information of carat rating and gold purity.

Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang, Tse Tsui Lun are very reputable local chain stores. J’s, Just Gold, Just Diamond and Van Cleef Arpels are selling very fashionable items.

Electronics

Large chain stores like Fortress and Broadway have a wide selection of the latest products like LCD or Plasma TV, digital camera, iPod, MP3, video camera etc.

Hong Kong shopping is for everything. I did see people at the Hong Kong Airport taking home TV sets and other over-sized electronics. Don’t worry about weight and size, just buy whatever you want, as prices and product ranges are extremely attractive.

Electronics are best to be shopped at reputable chain stores. Shopping malls in Causeway Bay and Tsimshatsui have many large electronics stores.

Mobile Phones

Large and beautiful mobile phone shops are everywhere in Hong Kong. The mobile phones here are not just mobile phones. Other than the latest 3G technologies, they are equipped with all kind of functionalities such as photo-taking, video call, email, MP3/4 etc. Just start at HK$1,000 (US$125) and you’ll get more functions if you pay more.

Computers

Computer shopping in Hong Kong is very popular. Computer malls are usually packed with people. Please be prepared to put up with crowds. You can find all kinds of PCs, notebooks, accessories and related products. One of my favourite computer malls is located at Wanchai, just next to MTR Wanchai Station Exit A4. Windsor House in Causeway Bay has three floors dedicated to computer products.

Designer Label Fashion and Accessories

Hong Kong shopping malls are full of internationally famous designer label boutiques. Here is just a short list: Bally, Burberry, Chanel, Cerruti 1881, Gucci, Hermes, Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Valentino….I am sure these shops are selling at the lowest price compared with their other shops in the world. Click here to check a list of Hong Kong shopping malls.

Tailor-made Suits

Hong Kong’s quality custom tailors are extremely efficient and good value for money. Turn around time could be as short as 24 hours for some tailors in the tourist area like Tsimshatsui and Central. Some of them even provide free transport service to their shops. In general, a men’s package around HK$1,600 (US$200) would include one suit, one blazer/sports jacket, one pair of matching slacks and two ties. Ladies’ package of a similar price would include a dress, one suit, one blouse, one skirt and one scarf.

You can pick up a Hong Kong shopping guide from your hotel room and call up a tailor.

Other Hot Items

Shopping in Hong Kong is very much diversified. There must be something that fits your budget and interest. Antiques, cosmetics, watches, sports wears and Chinese goods are very popular shopping items here. Click here for a detailed Hong Kong shopping guide.

Tips

o Though Hong Kong traders are usually honest, some of them do apply bait-and-switch tactics. Always look for clearly marked prices and inspect your product before paying. Shops that display the Quality Tourism symbol are safe to buy from.

o Get an international guarantee to ensure you can receive service after returning home.

o Check and keep your receipts and ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed.

o Credit cards are widely used in Hong Kong. Make sure you have lots of limit for shopping.

o Prepare a shopping list and research prices at your home town. Compare prices while you are shopping in Hong Kong.

o If something does go wrong, call the Hong Kong Consumer Council on (852) 2929 6111. Take immediate action, as it is easier to rectify a problem while you are still in Hong Kong.