Asia - What to wear when studying abroad in Hong Kong?

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum.

I will be attending Hong Kong Baptist University as an exchange student starting in August. While I'm very excited, I'm nervous about something silly... my shoes. Since I'm from Florida, I have very few shoes that aren't flip-flops, and I understand that Americans are about the only people in the world who wear flip-flops on a regular basis (or so says my study abroad coordinator). My question is... as a 20-year-old college student, what other shoes do I wear? I have a pair of heels, but I need something that will be comfortable enough to wear every day, and with jeans.

Also, for those of you who have been there, is it true that it's the most expensive city in the world?

Thanks to anyone who can help me!

*Liz*

Don't wear flip-flops.

Sneakers will be okay with jeans.

And whether Hong Kong is expensive depends on where you go. If you shop at Landmark or the ifc mall, or eat at the 5* hotels, then yes. But plenty of cheap eats everywhere in the city.

Transportation cost can add up, as there are no free transfers, but single ride on buses are often under US$1, and the subway <$1 if you don't cross the harbor, or a little more than $1 if you do. Last time I check, New York City subway and buses are $2 a ride. And the Star Ferry cost about 25 cents, so is the Hong Kong tramway...

Rent is expensive in Hong Kong - Does your school arrange accomodation for you in Hong Kong?

Food and clothes are cheap if you avoid the high end stuff. If you find, after arriving, that you need to smarten up, you can buy what you need there... I can't imagine that Florida will be cheaper for clothes.

I'd advise you to wear something more "robust" than flip flops. I always feel like I've pounded the pavements quite heavily after a day in HK. Do you feel comfortable in sandals (with heel strap)? In the sticky heat of a Hong Kong summer, that might be better than enclosing your feet in a pair of Nikes. (Get some "elegant" sandals that you could wear in a more formal situation if needed - not Tevas!). Take your flip flops too, though. You'll want them if you spend time on the islands around HK... there are some OK beaches.

Reason why flip-flops are not good is that Hong Kong is a crowded place. You will get stepped on while riding the MTR during rush hour. The ground is also pretty dirty in crowded markets - like the Ladies' market in Mongkok at night. You need more protection.

I think if you're going to the beaches on the south side of HK Island, or to the outlying islands - Lantau, Lamma, etc - then sport sandals are fine.

And while it's safe for your toes to wear flip-flops around the campus of the Baptist U, it's not okay to wear them to class. Some - but not all - professors and lecturers may be more conservative, and won't appreciate if you dress too casually to his/her class.

Wear what others are wearing... I'm assuming business attire, but it'll be easy to pick up 'the vibe'. Independent is fine, but be in the same ballpark.
If no one else is wearing jeans... toss them. It'll be damn hot for them anyway.
Heels are probablly appropriate, and will be available and affordable too... sneakers fine too, but mix it up a bit.

AND HAVE FUN!

I'm assuming business attire
At Uni? I think not...

Stock up on the Hello Kitty accessories though if you want to fit in.

there ya have it :P

If the OP finds that she hasn't brought the right attire with her, are there any shops in HK where she'll be able to find something more suitable?

I have a pair of heels, but I need something that will be comfortable enough to wear every day, and with jeans.



A past girlfriend found black, square toe trainers to be the ticket. Comfortable, and they seem to match most things ....

If the OP finds that she hasn't brought the right attire with her, are there any shops in HK where she'll be able to find something more suitable?Of course - unless she is unusually large - where do you think the locals buy their clothes?

Like some other posters here, I live in HKG as an Expat.
Sandels- sometimes, usually shoes though
Hello Kitty- For sure ...I can show you where to pick up some pink luggage
Clothing- I am sure you will adopt the capri pant and blouse look sported by most HKG Expats. What you own is probably fine, unless it is bright and garish.

Relax. You'll know within about 10 minutes of getting off the plane what is acceptable attire. Enjoy HKG

and I understand that Americans are about the only people in the world who wear flip-flops on a regular basis (or so says my study abroad coordinator).
I would suggest that your study coordinator has never been to the tropics outside Florida, as cheapo flip-flops are the official footwear of most of Asia, Africa and South America (at least in the belt within 20 degrees of the equator). But context matters, if you need to dress to show respect then flip-flops are obviously out.

I will be staying in the dorms at HKBU, so rent won't be an issue. I've heard you can eat pretty cheap from people who've gone in the past. I loooove shopping though, so I imagine I'll spend a lot in the time I'll be there. Also, for transportation, both my guidebooks and people who've studied there in the past advise getting the Octopus card. I don't remember if you save money but I know it's more convenient.

I've also heard that jeans are pretty acceptable for college students just about anywhere, though obviously if I'm going somewhere nice I would dress up more. And I hear the weather there is about the same as that in Florida (I know their typhoon season is the same as our hurricane season--ugh), so if I can do jeans here in July, I can do it there. It also says on the HKBU website for exchange students that girls don't typically wear shorts around campus, so I'll avoid that.

Is there any typical tourist faux pas that I should avoid? Other than wearing flip-flops?

Also, to mtacchi, I already bought pink luggage! :-D Pink's my favorite color and I wanted something that would be unmistakable when I'm getting my bags off the baggage claim. I was so excited when I found it!

Monsoon Season? Its here now..Sun has been a rare commodity for the past month. Rain we have buckets full. A rude thing here would be to take off your sandles and put up your sandles and put up bare feet.

Octupus card..don't have one.. I imagine if I did I may come out slightly ahead, but that would require a plan whenever I leave my building..and I do so love cheap taxis..

Wow! mtacchi must be about the only person without an Octopus card. Very convenient for buses and MTR (subway) - also usuable in 7-11 stores and a few other places. Buses don't give change if you pay cash.

Sun has been a rare commodity for the past month. Rain we have buckets full.

Sounds like Florida... It almost makes me glad I work days and can't go to the beach because I'd never get to with the weather the way it is. Also it helps it cool off a bit. Does HK stay really hot when it's raining or does it get a bit cooler?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm so excited about going!

You can follow the weather in HK here:
http://www.hko.gov.hk/contente.htm

The Octopus Card is the first thing you will and you should purchase in Hong Kong. Available at the Airport Express counter at HKG for HK$150 minimum - which will have $100 usable amount + $50 deposit. You can get the deposit back when you turn in your card after your stay, minus $7 if within 90 days.

People don't wear skirts for a reason. Escalators everywhere. Stairs to climb on the double-decker buses, etc... But in general, women there do dress a lot more conservatively than Americans. Go to the beach and you'll find very few Chinese ladies in bikinis, for example.

Wow! mtacchi must be about the only person without an Octopus card. Very convenient for buses and MTR (subway) - also usuable in 7-11 stores and a few other places. Buses don't give change if you pay cash.


Whats a bus :D

Wow! mtacchi must be about the only person without an Octopus card. Very convenient for buses and MTR (subway) - also usuable in 7-11 stores and a few other places. Buses don't give change if you pay cash.

I guess mtacchi doesn't eat at McDonald's or any of the other quick service (fast food) restaurants in town since they all accept the Octopus card

I'm just waiting for the casinos in Macau to accept them for betting :p

For women university age - I would recommend khaki capris, with a tank top and a 3/4 sleeve blouse. That's what I saw during my recent trip. Oh yes, you will need an umbrella - a cheap one - as if you are like me - you will leave it somewhere. Athletic shoes or sandals are fine. I wore sandals for five days straight and only had one problem - when trying to get into a decent restaurant I was denied due to my footwear.

I guess if mtacchi had an octopus card - we would have gone to McD's that night for dinner... ;)

You will know within a week what to wear - and you will adjust. On my 5th day in HKG, I was walking out the door and was told I had almost perfected my "expat" look. Hair needed to be a little longer and up in a clip. :)

Enjoy - you will LOVE it.

Remember to be glued to your mobile phone. :)

Whats a bus? :D

Bus = from the Latin "Omnibus" meaning that it's ridden by everyone.... everyone except mtacchi, it seems.

I have never found a good explanation for the origin of the word "taxi". The HK taxis add another layer to the mystery - I seem to remember that they have chinese characters on the signs that are pronounced "Teki Shi" (or at least that's what I hear) but those characters convey no significant meaning - just sound like "taxi". They also have the clever arrangement of an extra roof layer, which I asssume reduces the air-con costs.

What fun it is moving around Hong Kong on trains, buses, trams, ferries and taxis.... I could spend an entire day just enjoying that.

People don't wear skirts for a reason. Escalators everywhere. Stairs to climb on the double-decker buses, etc... But in general, women there do dress a lot more conservatively than Americans. Go to the beach and you'll find very few Chinese ladies in bikinis, for example.

Does that mean that bikinis are a no-no?

Also, I've been told not to draw attention to the fact that I'm American. Is there a lot (or any) anti-American sentiment in Hong Kong right now? Should I start looking for Canadian flag patches for my backpack? Thanks!

As a westerner, presumably caucasian, you'll be fine a in a bikini. Wouldn't suggest a thong mind you, but a reasonably mild bikini on the beach would be ok.

You won't really encounter anti-American sentiment in HK. Just don't wear your political heart on your sleeve (either left or right, politics that is).

I concur with that - (non-extreme) bikinis on a beach are fine for gweipos (white women).

There is almost no anti-American sentiment - perhaps some empathy for finding yourself ruled by such a pillock (we had the same with Mr Tung). In the last 6 years the only anti-American comment I have ever heard was from a taxi driver on 9/12 who felt that it was America's just deserts for bombing the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade.

There is no problem wearing bikinis, but if you're Chinese, then some people may stare, or at least look. Nothing cultural, political or religious. Just that because few do it, so others will look when one does.

Does that mean that bikinis are a no-no?

Also, I've been told not to draw attention to the fact that I'm American. Is there a lot (or any) anti-American sentiment in Hong Kong right now? Should I start looking for Canadian flag patches for my backpack? Thanks!

You shouldn't have a problem telling anyone and everyone in Hong Kong that you are American (although if your skin color is not white, you'll still have to tell them where you are "really from"). What I may suggest instead of a Canadian flag on your backpack is a little Hello Kitty doll. Then, they'll think you are from Hong Kong :D

Whats a bus :D
It's that big thing with people on it that ties up traffic on the streets :D
Seriously enjoy HK it's a great time..One of my fav places in the world to visit :)
-howie

HK people are very apolitical. yes, some may not like the way unilateralism, but they only say this in casual chats.

there are so many foreigners (incl largely american) in HK that the local people are used to them and are very friendly to them. they may refer to you as gweilo/gweizai/gweimui but no offend is meant by these words now (though sort of derogatory in the old days)

don't worry about clothes too much. weather is HK pretty similar to FL, hot and humid except during jan-feb. hk is obe of the most expensive city for executive and 5* service, meanwhile it is also the most affordable city for student/backpackers (except for housing). so you can buy good shoes and clothes at $10-25 range with no problem.

p.s.
1. most local girls wear bikini to the beach now. (maybe 30%+ last time i went to repulse bay)
2. also a lot of people wear skirt, you just need to get used to watching out for traps like escalators.

Does HK stay really hot when it's raining or does it get a bit cooler?
You would have to ask yourself what season does the rain take place. HK gets most of its rain during summer season where it is hot and sticky and remains like that even during the rain. Even though precipitation is less, there can be several downpours during Dec, Jan and Feb where the rain can feel as cold as the ones you get in temperate rainforest regions like Seattle.