How much money should I carry for a 7 day trip to Hong Kong / Macau?

Question

I've heard alot about Hong Kong being expensive for shopping...but what i really wanna knw is how expensive. How much would a certain thing cost for e.g?

Would 200 USD suffice me or is that too little?

200 USD only for food & shopping. My whole trip is already paid for...

Answer 1

Geez, I hope you're not going to eat at McDonalds in Hong Kong, however, they are everywhere! Hong Kong can be very expensive, you can eat at noodle shops or "hole in the walls," for a little more than the price of McDonalds, but a decent restauarant will cost more than in the U.S., I would say about $15-$20US is about the minimum price at a low-budget type of restaurant, $30-$40US for an average restaurant and the sky's the limit for high end restaurants. A beer will cost at least $5US and cocktails are $8-$12US and up. Clothing can be very reasonably priced, as long as you're not buying high-end designer stuff. I suspect from what you're planning to bring (money), you're not in the market for jewelery, watches etc., although there are very good discounts(if you bargain well) for expensive watches and the like. No disrespect, but I would say that $200 for a week isn't going to get you too far, you will be eating at the cheapest places in town and you won't have any money left for shopping. I would say the minimum to bring would be at least $50 per day($100 would be much better) and then you might be able to buy a keychain or a plastic Buddha after you're done eating. Bring as much as you can, just be careful and watch what you eat and buy. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Too little info on what you your "certain cost" is...

HK and SG cost of living about the same... shopping wise sama sama. SG people shop in HK more for the "latest trend" rather than cost. Food wise, eating at the little eateries/cafe (cha-chan-tang) cost about the same as sg Food Court prices.

Macau food may be cheaper if you know where to look, but guess you'll be there only for a short stay to sight-see and casino, rather than shopping...

Ok... to add to your add-ons...
If you are looking at eating at where locals eat (cha-chan-tang), USD5 per meal is more than suffice. Altenatively, there's lots of McDonalds and the likes of fast food joints that serve a value mean in the region of 4 or 5 bucks.

The Tim-Sums are must try, at least once for breakfast. Ask the local guide / hotel staff to recommend you a good one near your hotel. That should set you back around usd 20-30 (without beer of liquor). Usually the menus have english and prices.

Shopping, hmm... if you are buying authentic branded stuff or electronics good, do buy from the proper shops, and they accepts credit cards. Otherwise, lots of bargaining with the street vendors for novelties items (read Fake) from China/korea. "LV" look-a-like wallet will cost you anything from tens to hundreds of USD, depending on the grades and your skill... happy fooding & shopping.

Answer 3

Of course this all depends on what you are planning on buying. I find that Hong Kong and Shanghai are two great places for shopping and for the boutiques you need cash. Not many places take credit cards.

Based on my experience, travelling to Asia every year, I would say that $3000.00 should be enough if you plan on buying just clothes, shoes, gifts. If you want to buy luxurious items, not the fakes, you can use your credit cards...because Gucci, Prada, Louis all take them. If you are getting a suit, you should plan a little more like $5000.00. If you love jewelry like sapphires in HK, then you should think even more. If you are purchasing antiques and such, this is completely different story.

Answer 4

Assuming that your hotel room and plane ticket is paid for. The middle of the road daily need for food, transport, admission and shopping is US$50 per person per day. So I would say about US$350 total for the weeks trip.
Just carry a credit card with you for back up in the event you lost control with the shopping.

Answer 5

Well I differ from these other answers.Hong Kong is a shoppers paradise.Everything is cheap compared to USA Europe.It is a duty free port.But $200 is'nt a lot of money.For that you'd probably get a good camera a good watch a good dvd player.For $200 you could buy these 3 items.Depends on what your looking for.Food is relatively cheap,if you stayaway from the better type restaurants.They've got McDonalds etc

Answer 6

Lots, I would not go there with less than $5,000 US for a weeks money - not including hotels, food, etc.

Hong Kong is one of the most expensive places on Earth.

Answer 7

here is a good guide - http://www.gomacau.com

food in HK & Macau is not expensive - hotels are expensive - if u want to save money, try the youth hostel

enjoy~