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Hong Kong may be a cosmopolitan city, but it also has its own set of unique cultural customs and habits. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with these customs and try following them during your stay in Hong Kong, so you can discover and experience our great city like a local!
The daily rhythm of a global financial centre
As a global financial centre, Hong Kong has a high paced work rhythm. As such, rush hour in the city can be crowded and intense. Rush hour is typically around 7:30am to 9:30am, and 5:30pm to 7:30pm Mondays to Fridays, while office lunch hours takes place from around 12:30pm to 2pm.
Be smart with your planning and try to avoid travel during those times. You don’t want to be caught in the crowds.
Being mindful of others
- Loud conversations in public areas are viewed as inconsiderate to others.
- When taking public transport, it is customary to let passengers off before you enter.
- When taking escalators, locals stand on the right, and let people in a rush pass on the left.
- To keep up with the fast pace, locals always prepare their ticket or Octopus card before they get to the barrier.
- Locals who travel with large luggage take the elevators instead of the escalators, in order to avoid causing inconvenience to others.
Hong Kong’s queuing culture
Hong Kong is known for orderliness, which is embodied in locals’ respect for the queue. Not just for public transport, Hong Kong people queue up for ticketing counters, bathrooms, restaurants, the latest products, store openings, giveaways and more. If others are on the same mission as you – join the queue.
Being respectful of your surroundings
- Eating and drinking is considered a sign of disrespect in certain indoor areas, and is not allowed in a number of public spaces including public transport (MTR, buses and trams), museums and heritage sites. Please pay attention to signs.
- In a city as packed as Hong Kong, the boundaries between public and private properties/residences may not always be clear. Please do your best to avoid accidentally trespassing as you explore the city.