Airports don’t have to be boring — they can start the fun just as you land! The Hong Kong International Airport will be the first stop in your holiday itinerary for your Hong Kong travel journey, and it’s a great place to give you a taste of the country.
If you’re waiting to check into your accommodation, you could easily kill a few hours at the airport. There are several restaurants you can recharge at after a long flight and some shops where you can pick up some essentials.
You could also spend some time at the airport’s lounge planning your itinerary — which is much easier and more affordable thanks to the Klook Pass Hong Kong! With this, you can save up to 26% on two to five attractions. Select from Hong Kong’s top attractions, including Ocean Park Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, and more.
Speaking of Hong Kong Disneyland, we’ve gathered all the tips and attractions to help you make the most of your time at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Arriving at Hong Kong International Airport
Photo Credit: Angelyn Sanjorjo on Pexels
After going through the usual arrival procedures, expect to find two terminals. In Terminal 1, you can shop at SkyMart and explore a variety of restaurants. There's also Terminal 2 at the airport, but it is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2024.
There’s free Wi-Fi all around the complex and power outlets to keep your devices juiced up. Take note that they only take Hong Kong/English plugs and USBs! Hong Kong/English plugs are plug types D and G. Type D plugs have three round pins in a triangular pattern, and type G plugs have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. If you don’t have the right plugs, don’t worry; you can get them at the airport!
If you need to stay at the airport longer than expected or have a long stopover, you can pay to use their 24-hour airport lounges. The airport has two Plaza Premium Lounges in Terminal 1 Departures for you to enjoy. Here, you can relax, shower, and even book a massage while you wait.
Where to find banks, ATMs, and money changers
Photo Credit: @bigdodzy
Need to exchange your USD for Hong Kong dollars? There are many ATMs around the complex, so you can easily get the money you need for your travel. ATMs and money changers are all found in Terminal 1, too.
ATMs and Banking Services
ATMs and Banking Services | Area | Level and Location |
|---|---|---|
HSBC | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Arrivals Hall, Level 5 |
HSBC | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Near Baggage Reclaim Belt 12, Level 5 |
HSBC | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Near Train Platform to City, Level 5 |
HSBC | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Near Transfer Desk E1, Level 5 |
HSBC | Terminal 1, Departures | East Hall, Level 6 |
HSBC | Terminal 1, Departures | After Departures, Level 6 |
HSBC | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 40, Level 6 |
HSBC | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 61, Level 6 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Near Baggage Reclaim Belt 13, Level 5 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Arrivals Hall, Level 5 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Arrivals | After Customs, Level 5 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Near Train Platform to City, Level 5 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Near Transfer Desk E1, Level 5 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 61, Level 6 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Departures | After Departures, Level 6 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 60, Level 6 |
Bank of China | Terminal 1, Departures | End of Check-in Aisle D, Level 7 |
Citibank | Terminal 1, Arrivals | After Customs, Level 5 |
Citibank | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 40, Level 6 |
Citibank | Terminal 1, Departures | End of Check-in Aisle D, Level 7 |
Money Changers
Money Changers | Area | Level and Location |
|---|---|---|
Global Exchange | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Arrivals Hall, Level 5 |
Global Exchange | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Before Immigration Hall, Level 5 |
Global Exchange | Terminal 1, Arrivals | After Customs, Level 5 |
Global Exchange | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 40, Level 6 |
Global Exchange | Terminal 1, Departures | After Departures, Level 6 |
Global Exchange | Terminal 1, Departures | After Departures (South), Level 7 |
Global Exchange | Terminal 1, Departures | End of Check-in Aisle F, Level 7 |
Global Exchange | Sky Pier, Ferry Departures | Near Berth 4, Level 4 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Arrivals Hall, Level 5 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Arrivals Hall A, Level 5 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Arrivals | Before Immigration Hall, Level 5 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 60, Level 6 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Departures | After Departures, Level 6 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Departures | After Departures (North), Level 7 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Departures | End of Check-in Aisle D, Level 7 |
Travelex | Terminal 1, Departures | Near Gate 13-21, Level 5, T1 Satellite Concourse |
Where to get SIM cards
Keep in touch with your loved ones by getting a local SIM card. Easily communicate with your loved ones, whether you’re traveling with them or alone. You can buy a physical SIM at the airport's many shops, but you can opt to skip waiting in line and the hassle of switching out your SIM cards by pre-booking an e-SIM! Use up to 500MB/day for 5, 7, 10, or even 15 days! Just activate it with the QR activation code that will be sent to your email.
You can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi to connect your other gadgets to the internet. Post your pictures on the go, find the best restaurants in the area, and navigate to nearby attractions with a 4G Pocket Wi-Fi. Book it even before you get to Hong Kong, then just pick up and return the device at Counter A09 at the Arrival Hall area in Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport, fuss-free! You can connect up to five devices for up to 12 hours per day; just charge it using the provided charger overnight, so it’s all set for the next day.
Physical SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi units are also available for purchase at 1010, 7-Eleven, China Mobile, Nobletime AV & Telecom, RELAY, and Travelex Worldwide Money.
Where to eat
Hong Kong International Airport offers a variety of restaurants that will keep you filled up. Additionally, there are water stations all around the complex for your convenience. The water stations are free for anyone to use and offer hot and cold water.
If you’re not sure what you’re craving after a long flight, it’s good that Hong Kong International Airport’s Arrivals Area in Terminal 1 offers a wide range of dining options!
In the mood for Korean cuisine? Lee Fa Yuen Express serves up crispy Korean-style fried chicken, bibimbap, and even spicy rice cakes you can munch on. At Tonkotsu 8, you can choose from eight different flavors of Japanese ramen, guaranteed to make you slurp every last drop. Then, at Manjie Dumpling, you can experience authentic Beijing cuisine. For more Western tastes, head to Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar, which offers a breakfast menu and pizzas, pasta, and burgers.
You can also enjoy quick bites, good coffee, and other drinks at Starbucks or try something new at the French bakery Maison Kayser.
For those who have some time before their departing flight out of Hong Kong, you’ll be glad to know that there are some great options for your last meal at the airport!
At Lime Garden (SKY), you can savor the tastes of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, including beef noodle soup and Thai-style curry crab. You’ll also be able to try Hong Kong’s most popular Taiwanese restaurant, Yuan is Here. The popular restaurant offers a real Taiwanese street food and night market experience with their sweet taro balls and—everyone’s favorite—bubble tea. Prefer a pint? Head to Tap + Brew, a restaurant and bar, to enjoy buffalo wings or premium burgers and a view of the runway on the side. Coffee lovers can head to Blue Bottle Coffee for their Californian-favorite specialty coffee.
Of course, the airport is just a small taste of Hong Kong’s mouth-watering cuisine — and what better way to try all of the best dishes and drinks than for free? The Hong Kong Tourism Board is actually giving away dining vouchers to tourists coming to Hong Kong! Check out all the details for the Hong Kong Night Treats here.
Since we’re talking about food, did you know there’s a great halal food scene in Hong Kong? We’ve rounded up the best eats, tips, and tricks for a complete guide to a Muslim-friendly trip to Hong Kong right here!
Where to shop
Photo Credit: ConnectingFlightsGuide on Pixabay
One of the best parts of traveling is shopping without added taxes! Duty-free shopping is the best way to buy your favorite perfume, stock up on luxury makeup, and even buy a designer bag while you’re at it.
Beauty&You by The Shilla Duty Free provides a wide range of skincare products, cosmetics, perfumes, and exclusive deals on popular brands — they can even deliver to your Hong Kong address while you’re there!
1010 sells mobile devices and other hi-tech products and accessories you can use for your trip, such as local SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi devices, and even mobile phones. At Duty Zero by cdf, purchase spirits, local delicacies, and Chinese liquor at the best prices among Asia-Pacific airports.
Also, if you forgot to shop for souvenirs during your holiday, you can find some amazing Hong Kong delicacies to bring back home. Hong Kong International Airport has everything you need for one last shopping trip!
Bee Cheng Hiang is every tourist’s favorite spot for souvenirs because of its popular barbecue meat snacks, also known as bakkwa. Imperial Patisserie is another great spot for foodies as they serve high-quality mooncakes and pastries made of natural ingredients — all created by a team of Michelin-starred chefs. Discover Hong Kong makes souvenir shopping even easier with a wide variety of items representing popular Hong Kong icons.
Getting to your accommodation from HK International Airport
Once it’s time to get out of the airport and travel around Hong Kong, you’ll need a mode of transportation. You can safely travel from the airport to the city with Klook’s Hong Kong Airport Express ticket and even use the free Wi-Fi and charging stations onboard. Simply scan the QR code on your Klook mobile voucher to board the train, and you’re good to go!
Note that the train only stops at the Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Tsing Yi Stations.
If your accommodation is a little bit farther from the Hong Kong Airport Express’ stations, you can always take a bus to get to your destination — this is where the Tourist Octopus Card comes in, and you can save 33% when you get yours on Klook!
Ride the MTR, buses, ferries, coaches, and trams with just a tap of the card. It’s reloadable up to HKD 1,000, but it already comes preloaded with HKD 50-150! You can also use it to make cashless payments at restaurants, shops, and even vending machines. Just pick it up at Counter A13 at the Hong Kong International Airport Arrivals Area.
Klook Tip: You can refund your unused card balance at any MTR station (except Airport Express Counter).
With this Hong Kong Airport guide, you’ll start and end your trip with a breeze, especially when you’ve planned your itinerary and purchased essentials like the e-SIM and Tourist Octopus Card beforehand! You’ll have no trouble getting around Hong Kong on foot or using public transportation.
But if you'd rather explore the attractions you want at your own pace, then perhaps booking a car rental is the option for you! Take control of your journey as you drive from one city to another just like a local — you might even find hidden gems along the way. Intrigued? We’ve got a road tripper’s guide to Hong Kong right here. Happy and safe travels!
🇭🇰 Hong Kong Travel Essentials
🪄 Must-Try Experiences in HK
+ Designated VIP Lane when you book on Klook!
