Culture, Customs and Etiquette for Hong Kong: Traveller Guide

Where cultures meet

Hong Kong dey mix Cantonese tradition with British colonial legacy, so etiquette here dey feel like both East and West. People dey fast-moving, direct and pragmatic, yet dem dey value courtesy, face (saving dignity) and good manners. Small awareness go carry you far.

Greetings and introductions

• Light handshake na standard. With older or senior people, small nod dey show respect.
• English dey work for most business and tourist settings; simple nei hou (hello) for Cantonese dey warmly received.
• Exchange business cards with both hands and small bow. Receive card di same way, read am, and never shove am straight inside your back pocket.
• Address people by title and surname (Mr Chan, Dr Wong) until dem invite you to do otherwise.

Dining etiquette

Food na central to Hong Kong life, from dim sum to dai pai dong street stalls.

• When somebody pour your tea, tap two fingers on di table to say thank you.
• For yum cha, di host dey usually order for di table and food dey share. Try small of everything.
• Never stick chopsticks upright inside rice bowl; e resemble incense for di dead. Rest dem for di holder.
• Let elders start chop first. Di host often dey offer di best pieces to guests.
• Slurping noodles fine; blowing your nose for table no fine.

Tipping norms

• Restaurants dey usually add 10 percent service charge, so extra tipping no compulsory. Leaving di loose change or round up dey common.
• Taxis: round up to di nearest dollar or two; drivers no dey expect big tips.
• Hotels: HK$10 to HK$20 for porters dey courteous.

Wetin to do and no do

• Do stand for right side of MTR escalators so others fit pass for left.
• Do keep your Octopus card close for transport and shops.
• No talk loud for public transport; quiet dey appreciated.
• No discuss sensitive politics with strangers.
• No point with one finger or beckon with your palm up; use open hand.
• Do remove your shoes when you dey enter private home.

Small cultural notes

Numbers matter: 8 na lucky (prosperity), 4 sound like death and dem dey avoid am. Red dey symbolise luck, while white dey link to funerals. During Lunar New Year, give and receive lai see (red packets) with both hands, and never give clocks or sharp objects as gift.

Stay connected for Hong Kong

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