My Hong Kong Packing List: 10 Items I Wouldn’t Touch Down in Asia’s World City Without

You’re currently reading an article written by the king of traveling somewhere and realizing halfway through the flight that they forgot nearly every essential item to ensure the trip goes off without a hitch. How can someone spend so much time just trying to remember to bring their $25 Amazon seat cushion (aka my ‘butt pillow’) yet forget the undergarments that they wear every single day? 

That’s me. Hi. I’m Big Body. Spelled with the same ‘B’ that you use to spell ‘Bozo’. 

Having lived in Hong Kong for nearly seven years (I’m currently here), I’ve been around the block or two. Been there, done that. “Gotten” several T-shirts. Traveling to and from the city, packing and unpacking, making hectic and spur-of-the-moment runs back and forth between Japan Home Centre and wherever I’m staying. Rinse and repeat several times. 

So, I know a thing or two about what you absolutely need to pack for your trip to Hong Kong and what you can feasibly pick up at one of the many electronic stores, beauty chains, or one-stop destination retail chains. 

Luckily, nearly every item and amenity you (probably) need for your trip is easily accessible in “Asia’s World City.” However, just to be safe, there are several things I’d make sure to definitely include in my Hong Kong packing list. 

Here they are…

Pale Ale Travel Note: Look, I’m not including a ‘camera’ on here as everyone has this to some degree with their phones. I’m also guessing that if you are someone with a camera that isn’t native to your Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, next to your underpants, it’s the first thing you plan on bringing. 

Octopus Card

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Hong Kong is an entirely cashless, digital society. However, like the ring that Frodo and Gollum so feverishly lusted over, there is one contactless value-added smart card to rule them all in Hong Kong – the Octopus card. 

Accepted by countless retailers (both online and offline), restaurants and cafes, buses, trams, ferries, and of course, Hong Kong’s mass transit system, the MTR, the Octopus card is ubiquitous, something that almost every single resident not only possesses but uses daily. 

If you’re coming to Hong Kong, you will almost certainly need an Octopus card, as it will make your life exponentially easier when navigating the city and paying for things. 

Here’s a random day in the life video where you’ll see me using my Octopus to go through an MTR stall.

You can either snag your Octopus card before your arrival or upon arrival. Honestly, I’d suggest waiting until you land in Hong Kong to pick up a physical card as it’s a painless process thanks to the number of purchase locations: such as the MTR Ticket and Octopus selling machine (at the Airport Station), 7-11, Circle K, Hung Fook Tong, and roughly 30 other places that I’m too lazy to list out. 

You can find the complete list here. 

However, if you are a Nervous Nelly who wants to ensure everything is lined up before touching down at Hong Kong Airport, you can get a digital Octopus card on your iPhone (X or later) or Apple Watch by following the instructions here. 

Or, if you’re a Huawei-er (I think I just made that term up), you can download the virtual Octopus card app here.  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Heading to Hong Kong and looking for a reasonably priced hotel that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or luxury? I’ve got you covered. Here are 5 of the best affordable hotels in Hong Kong. 

Comfortable Pair of Both Running & Hiking Shoes

Before moving to Hong Kong, I had absolutely zero idea that it was home to some of the most scenic hikes in the world. The best part? You can be ‘smack-dab’ in the city center one minute and 45 minutes later, you can be atop a mountain with incredible views of the world’s best skyline (or beachside with a can of Blue Girl in one hand).

The older I get, the more and more of my friends have traded in ‘hitting the bottle’ for a sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking (or running shoes) – myself included. Bringing a lightweight, easily breathable (due to Hong Kong’s relentless heat and humidity) pair of hiking shoes with a “solid grip” is crucial for anyone wanting to get out and explore Hong Kong’s wilderness. 

Beyond hiking, a comfortable pair of running and/or walking shoes is essential for any Hong Kong trip due to the sheer number of steps you’re about to put in. Having just got back from Disneyland, I put in over 25,000 steps that day alone. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: It’s time to put your money where your mouth is and get out on the trail to experience what Hong Kong has to offer. Make sure to check out my guide breaking down my favorite Hong Kong hikes (for all skill levels). 

And, I can tell you if I was in my only pair of boat shoes – you know, the one with holes that someone always comments on how bad that smell – I’d be very close to taking up that friend’s creepy uncle on his foot rub offers. 

Dual-purpose shoes like these, fresh foam New Balance Arishi V3 running shoes have served me well for both jaunts up the SoHo escalators and impromptu hikes up The Peak. I’m a man with wide feet, hence the New Balances. 

Also, the breathability of these things has me saving so much money, as I’m not spending it all on antifungal creams due to intense foot sweating. 

International Travel Adapter

As someone who lives in Hong Kong, I’m not entirely sure how I do it but every single time I return from a trip back to the States or Europe, I’m somehow without the proper travel adapters/converters to fit the appropriate outlet for my electronic devices. This almost always results in spending my first night back on 12% battery and tossing marbles at my wall like the good ole days. 

Hong Kong uses the British-style plug (Type G), along with the Old British plug (Type D), so unless you’re from the U.K. or India (and several other countries), you’ll need an adapter to power your electronics. 

One complaint about hotels across the world is that they seem to be lacking spare travel converters/adapters. I think this would be a nice little “value-added” service and/or product they could offer so that you aren’t scrambling to find the nearest electronics store upon arrival. 

Further, Hong Kong operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz, which means that you should double-check your devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc…) to ensure that they are compatible with higher voltages (ex. The United States is typically 110V) – otherwise, you may risk damaging your device. 

Keep in mind that most modern devices should be more than fine so I wouldn’t stress too much. 

In the world of international travel adapters, I get pretty pumped up on this universal Conair adapter (sans Nicholas Cage), which supports 4 regional configurations, surge protection, and a build that doesn’t quit. I’ve used this since 2013 and my only real complaint is that it has locked up slightly. But then again, so has this Big Body at the ripe old age of 34. 

Your Favorite Deodorant

Sometimes, I think back to the kid I sat next to in middle school band camp and after introducing myself he said, “Hey kid, you stink, get away from me.” Psychologically, I’m not sure I’ve recovered from it, hence putting it on this Hong Kong packing list. 

If you have a specific type of deodorant that you have grown to know and love, Hong Kong supermarkets, healthcare stores, and beauty chains may not have it. For me, it’s Old Spice. 

This is one of those little things that you might not think makes a difference but after several days of using supermarket brand deodorant that contains more ferrous metals than an alchemist’s workshop, you’ll wish you brought a stick or two of Dove. 

Hong Kong’s heat can, at times, be comparable to a sauna, with temperatures frequently existing above 30°C (86°F). That’s also me low-balling the temperature. Even a short 10-minute walk from your hotel to Bakehouse for their signature sourdough egg tarts can have you feeling sticky and out of your element. 

Sturdy Hat (Bucket Hat For Hikers)

A sturdy, breathable pair of hiking shoes isn’t the only thing you’ll need for a successful (and safe) hike in Hong Kong. A hat, specifically, a bucket hat, or any good sun hat, is a must. 

I roast. Roastafari. Hiking in Hong Kong is one of my absolute favorite things about the city. However, the third-degree burns I’ve suffered due to not bringing a hat on a completely uncovered/exposed hike were (and still are) some of my least favorite memories. 

Hiking without proper sun protection is a no-no. Expect intense heat, a lack of shade (on many trails), and unabating sun. I’m looking at you both Dragon’s Back and Needle Hill – two of my favorite hikes. 

Do you really want to feel drained of every ounce of energy while looking like a lobster? 

Further, a protective hat isn’t just essential for hitting the trails, it’ll come in handy while out at Disneyland or on one of Hong Kong’s many outlying islands, like Lamma Island or Cheng Chau. 

Personally, I use this waterproof bucket hat as it’s lightweight, breathable, easy to pack, has a formidable surface area (that protects my neck as well), and makes me look like I could have been slugging it out with Livingstone and H.M. Morton Stanley on the Zambezi in the mid-1800s. 

Plus, the adjustable chin strap allows me to retain the function of both my hands on windy hiking days.  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: I’m a sucker for char siu (BBQ pork) and no one does it better than Hong Kongers. I’ve scoured the city, looking for the best char siu, and here’s my favorite (they also do a mean roast goose as well). 

Swim Trunks/Bathing Suit

At the snap of my fingers, you’ll now be picturing yours truly in a speedo. [Snap]. 

Despite Hong Kong’s urban jungle image, it’s jam-packed with gazetted and non-gazetted beaches (42 to be exact), most being within a 45-minute to one-hour bus or MTR ride from the city center.

I once wrote about what my perfect day in Hong Kong looks like. I’ll skip the first several hours of it as it involves a lot of eating but from late morning onwards, it involves one of my favorite hikes (Violet Hill + The ‘Terrible Twins’) that ends in Repulse Bay – with a swim in Repulse Bay Beach.

As a man who grew up on the Atlantic and just so happens to be shaped like a narwhal, taking a dip in the ocean is second nature for me. But unfortunately, like my narwhal brethren, I’m unable to go fully in the buff, so a bathing suit/set of swim trunks is always required. You can also do as I do and do that weird thing where you just wear your athletic shorts. 

Scratch that. Do as my Italian buddy and all his Italian fratellos in Hong Kong do and wear bright yellow speedos. Europeans are the best.

To put your swim trunks to use, besides Repulse Bay, several of my favorite spots to take a dip include the Lamma Island Power Station Beach, Ham Tin, and Chung Hom Kok Beach. 

Finally, there’s a good chance you’re staying at a hotel, like the affordable Bishop Lei International House, which has one of my favorite pools thanks to it directly overlooking the Hong Kong skyline. 

So, it’s in your best interests to pack a swimsuit or two so that you can cool off after a long day of exploring.  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: One of my other favorite hikes, Dragon’s Back, ends in Big Wave Bay, a fantastic secluded beach with some of the only surfable waves in Hong Kong. It’s a relatively easy, yet long hike, with 360-degree views of Tai Tam, Shek O, and several outer islands.  

Dry Bag

I think a dry bag might be the most slept-on and overlooked item on this list, especially in Hong Kong where water sports and activities, camping, and beach days are the norm. I think I’m one or two mildew days away from not having any clothes left and this is one of those items that I should invest in just so I’m not walking around SoHo in my drawers. 

Dry bags are especially useful for protecting valuables from getting wet when hitting the beach or an outlying island. Hong Kong rain is more temperamental than this Big Body when he was 14 years old listening to Fall Out Boy and Paramore in his room.

Look for a dry bag that’s, of course, waterproof, has a tight seal, is abrasion resistant, and fits all the gear you want to bring with you on whatever excursion you go on. My buddy has one that he wears like a backpack, so if you’re in that camp, look for a dry bag with straps or D-rings. 

I’d be remiss not to throw in one of the best gifts I’ve ever received – a microfiber towel. This bad boy is so insanely absorbent and compact that it’s like carrying your personal towel-sponge hybrid with you at all times. 

It’s perfect for hikes, especially those that finish at the beach where it would be criminal not to take a dip (after tossing back some brewhahas of course).  

Rain Jacket

I already came up with a great simile to describe both my teen angst and Hong Kong’s rain above, so you already know when it rains, it pours. It’s now idiom time. Hong Kong’s rainy season runs from May to September, with June and August historically being the wettest months – so if you’re traveling to Hong Kong during then, make sure to pack that rain jacket.

This might be a bit controversial but I’ve put my umbrella-holding days behind me and primarily just use a rainproof jacket anytime it rains in Hong Kong.

I like the flexibility of having both hands free and I find it leads to better protection of my clothes. Having been that guy to awkwardly have his umbrella turned inside out more than a handful of times during a windy Hong Kong rainstorm, I knew it was time to make the switch. 

Further, people are fashionable here and it is now one of my most stylish pieces of clothing. Then again, as an American whose wardrobe mainly consists of hot dog vendor t-shirts and athletic shorts, anything is an upgrade. 

Also, can we just agree on how bad it feels to either (a) lose an umbrella after you just bought it, or (b) have it poached by someone else? 

Please let me know in the comments about the umbrella ecosystem and its etiquette because when I have mine poached, I just re-establish equilibrium and take the closest one resembling mine. 

eSIM

3HK is one of the primary eSIM providers tourists opt for.

In the grand scheme of ‘connectivity’ (or should I say ‘singularity’), I think Hong Kong still has a ways to go. Maybe comparison really is the thief of joy and after my three-month stint last year in Osaka/Japan, I’m just used to being able to “Matrix-style plug-in” from anywhere. 

So, I recommend snagging an eSIM before you step foot in Hong Kong. eSIMs are a hassle-free way to ensure you’re packed to the gills with mobile data, all without a physical SIM card.

eSIMs have increasingly become the norm for travelers over the last several years as they eliminate the need to purchase and install a local SIM card. They can be activated online before even arriving in Hong Kong, so that means you’re ‘live’ as soon as you touch down.

I find them particularly useful in situations where I’m hitting multiple countries in a short span of time as it allows me to have several SIMs stored in my phone and avoid having to fumble with inserting/ejecting those pesky physical SIMs. I’m also 80% sure I’ve damaged a non-zero sum of phones with my once-frequent SIM removals and swapping.  

Just make sure that your device is compatible with whatever eSIM provider’s technology you’re using. Most GSM-compatible devices work with eSIMs but I would first check with your provider back home. From my understanding and use in the past, both iOS devices (released after the iPhone XR) and more recent Samsung and Google Pixel models are “Gucci” when it comes to compatibility. 

Frankly, Hong Kong can be an already overwhelming city to navigate, due to the dense crowds, loud sounds, and lack of available WiFi hotspots, so removing this variable can ultimately make your trip a smoother one. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: This guy’s review of 3 formidable eSIM carriers is a great starting point if you’re looking to weigh your options by comparing prices, availability, coverage, and more. 

Portable Power Bank

I’m not sure what it is about Asia but my phone’s battery just seems to drain faster than anywhere else in the world. Then again, I still haven’t yet been to Africa or South America. 

The point is that I am somewhat conspiratorial and am almost always fighting for battery life on my phone when in Hong Kong. 

A portable power bank is “the item” on this list that embodies the phrase, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” 

If you’re packing a ton of activities, sights, and experiences into each day, you’ll likely be out exploring for hours on end. And, from my memory, the Big Buddha doesn’t have any power outlets coming out of it. 

Whether you’re checking your phone for restaurant directions, booking an experience or activity online, or simply texting a friend and/or family member to meet up, you need a fully charged phone battery – which is why bringing a portable power bank isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory.  

This AINOPE Portable Charger and Power Bank has traveled to 10+ countries with me, serving me faithfully the entire time. It’s compact (easily able to fit in my pocket), provides anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of charging, and has stood the test of time. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: This Pale Ale Travel Tip is both literal and metaphorical. A common question I receive from readers is about tipping in Hong Kong. Make sure to check out the comprehensive guide breaking down when and how much you should tip in Hong Kong (if at all). 

Don’t Stress if You Forget Something

A view from Tiger’s Head – the most epic hike I’ve ever been on. Hint: It was during a Typhoon 8.

While ‘Asia’s World City’ does carry almost every single essential (and comfort) item you may need on your trip, sometimes, just sometimes, your inner bozo will come out and you’ll forget one of the more important items for your trip.

But that’s completely alright and human of you. 

Hopefully, this article serves as a starting point to allow you to better cross your t’s and dot your i’s before traveling to one of my favorite cities on earth (and my home).  

If you have any questions about what else to pack, what I recommend including in your Hong Kong itinerary, or restaurants or bars that I can’t get enough of, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at info@palealetravel.com. 

At the moment, due to the influx of messages, I’m prioritizing those who are subscribed to my weekly newsletter, so please make sure to do so and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Travel and pack well everyone,

Big Body