hi ppl
thinking of staying in hongkong for 4 - 5 days for alook around before moving on to some other places. I have never been before.
I do not speak the language, will this make it impossible for me to live there for 5 days?
i will try to learn the basic 20 words but wondering if i could get by without this
2007-02-24 12:42:32 · 11 answers · asked by andybing1978 3 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ China
English is one of the official languages of Hong Kong, so street signs, subways, airports, cabs, etc all have English instructions. You really don't need much more than English to get by in Hong Kong.
You'll find about 50% of the cabbies speak English, and those who don't will be able to get you to the places you are seeking pretty easily. If you are a bit worried, your hotel will have a business card at the front in English and in Chinese--just show that to a cabbie and he'll get you home.
You'll get by find in most of the Central areas of Hong Kong, and most larger restaurants (and US chains). Smaller places off the beaten path (like the ones you see in Hong Kong mafia movies) will be a bit tougher.
But you'll get by--it's not rough. A bit of pointing and sign language in those circumstances where things are rough will get you by.
Have fun
2007-02-25 11:33:32 · answer #1 · answered by apleyden 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was in Hong Kong recently from 10 - 14 Feb. Most shop staff speak English and some shops will get an English-speaking staff to help if they themselves do not speak English. No problems in hotels. Same when using the MTR - plenty of maos and directions in English and announcements made in English as well.
You may have some problem in restaurants but most have an English menu. Of course some items are baffling.
2007-02-24 23:57:18 · answer #2 · answered by KK Oz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never had any problem anywhere in HK, whether in hotels, taxis, restaurants, shops, at the airport. In fact, I find it easier to travel there than in many parts of the world where I speak the language (english, french, spanish, italian). Now for sure, if I were not that lazy I would love to learn cantonese, at least some useful words and sentences, because it would simplify and improve relationships with people, but...
Chrissy, I wanna go back!!!
2007-02-25 17:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Phil 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll be fine. Lots of people in Hong Kong can speak English. The public service there is very convenient. So you can just enjoy.
2007-02-25 00:31:22 · answer #4 · answered by nofj2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
English would suffice in Hongkong. Unless you speak english
like the Scots you will be fine.
2007-02-25 06:43:57 · answer #5 · answered by CAPTAIN BEAR 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You wont have many problems, they speak English. They used to be a British colony a few years ago.
2007-02-24 21:01:12 · answer #6 · answered by aztec_68 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will find that you will be able to get through almost everything in English in Hong Kong.
2007-02-24 20:47:36 · answer #7 · answered by David W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use sign language will help a lot
2007-02-24 22:46:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah:] most ppl in hong kong speaks english + understands english too:D
2007-02-24 22:41:40 · answer #9 · answered by hooa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Their English much better then your Chinese.
2007-02-25 23:34:13 · answer #10 · answered by fancysexy.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋