dancergrrlliz

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!

christep

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

rkkwan

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.

mtacchi

Whats a bus

fallinasleep

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

yvrsalesgirl

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.

mosburger

Remember to be glued to your mobile phone.

jib71

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.

dancergrrlliz

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!

JHattery

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).

christep

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.

rkkwan

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.

fallinasleep

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

stockmanjr

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

pegasus8228

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.