Table of Contents

17 Top Hong Kong Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to bring to hong kong
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Hong Kong is a truly magical place. The perfect intersection of East & West, it has long been a center of commerce for the entire world and has moved between hands throughout history. From its world-renowned food to its notorious cityscapes, Hong Kong is utterly mesmerizing.

Making the most of your trip to Hong Kong requires bringing along the right tools to allow you to focus on your trip and capture the most from your experiences. From items to help you pack and stay organized, to daily must-haves, this guide will help you come prepared for the trip of a lifetime!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Hong Kong – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Packing Cubes

    To make packing a breeze and stay organized during your trip, we strongly recommend using packing cubes. They allow for easy separation and categorization of your clothing, toiletries, electronics, or anything else you might want to bring along on your trip. Especially during that last-minute opening of your luggage, you’ll thank yourself for using this lifesaving item!

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Daypack

    Whether you’re traveling around the city, or hiking the famous Dragon’s Back, you’ll need something to help you hold and protect your possessions. This is why we suggest an all-purpose daypack that has room for your everyday carry for the city, and your outdoor necessities for days spent hiking or hanging out at the beach.

    Daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    In a hyper-connected place like Hong Kong, protecting your digital safety is even more important than ever. Connecting to local public networks from airports to hotels can put you at serious risk of having your information stolen. To stay safe, and protect yourself online, make use of a virtual private network (VPN) to cloak your IP address and remain anonymous while online.

    vpn

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Universal Travel Adapter

    Hong Kong is not the destination where you should leave your technology behind. From using a mobile translator to navigating public transportation, and finding local recommendations, staying connected helps you have an unforgettable trip. To keep your devices charged and ready to go, you’ll need a universal travel adapter capable of supporting you on your trip to Hong Kong as well as for all your future travels.

    Peru power adapter

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Sunscreen

    As for any tropical and subtropical destinations, sunscreen is a must. Especially if you’re planning to swim at the beach or explore Hong Kong’s more rugged countryside, sunscreen is an absolute necessity. Even if you plan to stay within Hong Kong’s concrete jungle, it’s still easy to be overexposed to the harsh sun and sunscreen should be applied regularly to keep yourself safe.

    Sunscreen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Phone Tripod

    One of the simplest yet most useful pieces of kit to improve your photography game is a small tripod for your cellphone. This allows you to pose for pictures without needing to rely on the photography skills of a stranger, take a timelapse of the organized chaos in the city, and avoid motion blur to produce the highest quality photos possible.

    Phone Tripod

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    While it’s easy to forget, Hong Kong is an island state, which means there’s plenty of water that risks damaging your sensitive and expensive electronic devices. This is especially true of your cellphone, which is one of the few devices that will likely come with you to the beach, or out in the rain. Protect your phone with a universal waterproof phone case and assure the safety of your digital lifeline.

    Universa Waterproof

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Disposable Camera

    Go beyond the phone and digital camera, back to the good ol’ days of the disposable camera. An often-overlooked piece of gear, these cameras take pictures perfectly fit for the aesthetic of Hong Kong. Highlighting the nostalgia and history of the island, this is a cheap and amazing way to capture special memories.

    Disposable Camera

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Deet-Free Insect Repellent

    One of the lesser-known complaints of Hong Kong is that the mosquitos can be quite awful at certain times throughout the year. While you’re usually safe from their annoyance in the city, if you’re planning to spend any time outdoors, we recommend you bring some insect repellent to ensure your comfort. We also recommend using Deet-free repellents, which are safer alternatives to other repellents that include potentially harmful chemicals.

    Deet-Free Insect Repellent

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    While Hong Kong makes you think of cityscapes, it also gives new meaning to the phrase “concrete jungle”. No number of skyscrapers will change the fact that Hong Kong is a subtropical island, where it’s characteristically hot and humid. So, whether you’re in the city, or out on one of many of Hong Kong’s incredible hikes, a quick-dry towel can often come in handy.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Hong Kong is not known for being particularly spacious, including its hostels and hotels. This is especially true in the bathroom, where space is usually already quite limited. A hanging toiletry bag can make all the difference, leaving more counter space available for all your needs and making it easy to stay clean and organized.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Neck Wallet

    While Hong Kong is far from a dangerous place, it’s always a good idea to take extra steps to protect your most important items. This typically means protecting the contents of your wallet, which is why we recommend using a neck wallet. This allows you to keep what you can’t afford to lose as close to you as possible and give you the confidence to enjoy your trip without fear.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Brimmed Hat

    Just as we recommend using sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation, we also recommend wearing a brimmed hat to shield you from the sun. This gives you another layer of protection for your head and face, as well as keeps you covered and safe from pesky mosquitos.

    Brimmed Hat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Especially if you’re planning to visit Hong Kong in the warmer months, you should come prepared to deal with a very wet climate. Of course, the first and most important piece of protection is a windproof umbrella. We recommend choosing an umbrella designed for travel that is easy to store and carry.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Travel Insurance

    Even in a safe place like Hong Kong, there’s always a risk of injury to yourself and your loved ones. To protect yourself in case of an emergency, be sure to have a travel insurance plan active to help you seek treatment and pay for often expensive medical care just in case. We use TravelInsurance.com to compare plans from top companies to find the one that best fits our family and travel plans.

    Travel Insurance

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 16. Portable Charger

    Hong Kong is a hub of science and technology, and in many ways gives us a look into cities of the future. With technology everywhere, you’ll want to make regular use of your devices, from scanning QR code menus to navigating public transportation. To make sure your electronic devices are always ready to go, bring along a portable charger, and make use of the technological conveniences across Hong Kong.

    Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Water Bottle

    Hong Kong can sometimes feel like a sauna, with its coastal beauty also bringing on the heat! Staying safe in Hong Kong means staying hydrated, which is often neglected in the city. To make sure you’re drinking enough water, we recommend bringing a water bottle suitable for any activity.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear in Hong Kong

Deciding what to wear in Hong Kong can be a challenge, as there is a wide variety of activities that each require largely different dress. From fancier clothing for a special dinner or business event to athletic wear for wandering the city & countryside, you’ll want to bring a little bit of everything on this trip.

Overall, we recommend prioritizing comfort both in and out of the city. We suggest wearing streetwear or athletic clothing for the day-to-day, as well as for any outdoor activities. This includes walking shoes, shorts, and t-shirts, as well as athletic clothing in general. If you plan to participate in any of Hong Kong’s incredible nightlife, you won’t need anything special, and we again recommend making sure you’re dressed comfortably in an outfit that best suits your style. In general, you should feel free to dress as you would at home and should take steps to assure that you’re prepared for the season, which you can do by following our suggestions for what to wear for men and women!

What Should WOMEN Wear in Hong Kong? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

During a visit to Hong Kong, we recommend women be prepared with an assortment of different clothing options to accommodate the range of activities. For most activities, we suggest wearing casual clothes such as athletic shirts, jean shorts, or lounge shorts. For special occasions, nightlife, or business, we recommend bringing some nicer clothing including dresses and skirts. Be careful though, as it’s important to remember that Hong Kong can get hot and humid, so you won’t want to wear anything too heavy, and should put safety and comfort first!

What Should MEN Wear in Hong Kong? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Just as for women, we recommend men come prepared to wear a variety of different types of clothing. For the city, we suggest casual, comfortable clothing such as sneakers, jeans, and a fitted shirt. For the outdoors, simple walking or hiking shoes along with athletic clothing are just perfect. For a night out or elegant dinner, a blazer or collared shirt with jeans or slacks is plenty.

Packing for the Seasons in Hong Kong

Warm & Wet Seasons – Summer/Spring – May, June, July, August, September, October

Hong Kong resembles many other tropical and subtropical countries in the region by also experiencing several months of warm weather, accompanied by regular heavy rainfall. However, just like those other countries, you are also rewarded for handling the heat. To stay comfortable, it’s recommended to wear light and durable clothing as much as possible. This includes athletic clothing and some basic outdoor equipment such as hiking shoes. To combat the heavy rain or even typhoons, it’s important to bring along your umbrella, rain jacket, and other water-resistant gear such as the universal waterproof phone case. Temperatures during these months have highs in the high 80°Fs (~30°C), with the hottest month being July with a high of almost 90°F (~32°C) and a low of only about 80 F (~27°C). The wettest months are from April to September, with a greater than 31% chance of rain each day. The wettest single month is in June, with an average of over 16 rainy days in the month.

Cool & Dry Seasons – Fall/Winter – November, December, January, February, March, April

One of the best parts of the tropics and subtropics is that even in the winter, it only gets so cold. The cooler months are often quite warm by the standards of much of the world, and you will likely be comfortable in many of the clothes you might also wear in the summer including jeans, a t-shirt, and a hat. That being said, if you’re planning your visit for the winter, we still recommend bringing some simple and relatively light warm clothing, such as a thin jacket and long pants. These cooler months are also much drier, requiring far fewer rain gear than in the warmer months. The coolest few months are from December to March, with average daily highs typically being below 70°F (~21°C), and the coldest single month being January with an average temperature of 58°F (~14°C). The driest months are from September to April, with an average number of rainy days of only 2.5 days.

Dressing Appropriately for the Activity – (Click to expand)
Beaches & Aquatic Activities: Many people are surprised to hear of Hong Kong’s beautiful beaches, so they often come unprepared for a day in the water. Of course, the most important thing you’ll need is a bathing suit, and items to help protect you from the sun including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We recommend bringing along as few items as you can, and to bring along a change of clothes for your trip back home.

Nightlife: Nightlife in Hong Kong is some of the best in Asia, with unforgettable bars and clubs throughout the city. It’s an open and inviting atmosphere, where interesting dress is encouraged and the incredible diversity of people brings a little bit of everything. As always, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing to stay cool and doesn’t restrict your movements such as sneakers and jeans. Beyond this, we encourage you to express your style with there being no specific restrictions on dress in bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Temples, Museums, & Historical Sites: Hong Kong is chock-full of cultural sites from Buddhist temples to some of Asia’s most respected museums. With more than you could see in any single visit, or perhaps even a lifetime, one of the best parts of exploring the city is stumbling upon many of these hidden gems. To dress best for these occasions, we suggest wearing more modest yet breezy clothes such as elephant pants or athletic pants to permit entrance across locations as well as remain comfortable while you travel around and enjoy the sites.

What NOT to Bring to Hong Kong

  • 1.DON’T Bring Too Many Warm Clothes

    While it can get chilly in the winter months, Hong Kong is most often hot and humid, even in the supposed “colder months”. While it’s always best to come prepared for variable or unexpected weather, even in the coldest months you won’t be finding yourself needing more than a light jacket and long pants to stay warm. No need for the down winter coats, or thick mittens.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Heavy-Duty Outdoor Gear

    This includes diving, rock climbing, and similar activities which often require expensive and cumbersome gear. All you need is some standard outdoor equipment like hiking shoes, which is enough to leave you well equipped to take on most anything outdoors in Hong Kong.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Food & Drinks

    Some people like to travel with some safer food and drinks just in case they have any difficulties eating local foods, or to have handy in a pinch. While we understand the rationale, the food is so incredible in Hong Kong that you’re doing yourself an injustice by not taking every opportunity to enjoy it.

  • 4.DON’T Bring Political Iconography

    The political situation in Hong Kong is a highly debated topic, and people often hold very strong beliefs on this subject. While in Hong Kong, we recommend staying removed from the ongoing political debate and bringing items related to any relevant political situations.

  • 5.DON’T Bring Sensitive or Expensive Items

    Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, Hong Kong guarantees you an active experience. You won’t want to be bogged down by having to take special care of all your possessions and should come ready to be on the go without inhibition.

  • 6.DON’T Bring Too Many Clothes

    We understand this isn’t easy, as there is a lot you might want to bring for a trip to Hong Kong. However, we encourage you to carefully plan your trip so you can try to remove as many items as possible from your packing list and bring exactly what you need. And regardless of how much you ultimately choose to pack, packing carefully can make all the difference, which is why we recommend using items such as packing cubes to stay organized during your trip.

What NOT to Wear – (Click to expand)

In Hong Kong, you’ll be out in the hustle and bustle of the city, or hiking one of its many coastal routes, so there’s no reason to bring anything you won’t need on your person for the day-to-day. Even in the city, Hong Kong is an active place where you’ll constantly be moving around. To stay comfortable, we recommend avoiding dressing with excess fabric that may get dirty or get caught around the city or on public transportation. Additionally, avoid wearing anything that may be restrictive such as poorly fitting clothing.

FAQs about Hong Kong

  • 1. How expensive is Hong Kong?

    How expensive is Hong Kong?

    One of the few pain points of visiting Hong Kong is the cost, as prices for meals, activities and almost everything else are often quite expensive. However, as with any destination, it all depends on what you plan to do, and how well you plan your trip! The savvy traveler can have a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hong Kong on a modest budget.

  • 2. Is Hong Kong Safe?

    Like most of East Asia, Hong Kong is notoriously safe. Violent crimes and crime, in general, are extremely uncommon. While the political situation may be tense, it rarely leads to dangerous events, and you will have the means to avoid such situations even in the case they do occur. Rules of common sense apply, but the vast majority of visitors have a safe and friendly experience in Hong Kong.

  • 3. Is it easy to travel to mainland China from Hong Kong?

    Is it easy to travel to mainland China from Hong Kong

    While geographically close, traveling from Hong Kong to China can be difficult. This is because the entry requirements for Hong Kong are largely different from mainland China, even though they are technically the same country. If you’re planning to continue your travels in China, be sure to have the appropriate visa, and that you meet all of the other travel requirements.

  • 4. What exactly is there to do outdoors?

    Hong Kong is most famous for its skyscrapers and urban jungle, but it offers much more than this. In fact, most of the island is largely undeveloped and has ample beaches and hiking trails to enjoy. This includes Dragon’s Back, a winding hike along a ridge overlooking the water, and ending at a beautiful beach. There are also hikes to religious sites including The Big Buddha. If you’re planning to enjoy any of these experiences, be sure to bring along some sunscreen, hat, and water bottle to stay safe in the often sweltering Hong Kong heat.

  • 5. Where should I stay in Hong Kong?

    Where should I stay in Hong Kong?

    While the thought of as a small island nation, Hong Kong is deceptively large. Especially because of its island geography, your destination may only be a few miles away but take as long as an hour to reach. For this reason, we suggest choosing where to stay based on where you expect to spend most of your time, rather than choosing the most scenic spot in the city.

  • 6. Are there any health risks in Hong Kong?

    With much of the region requiring various inoculations and medications, people often ask if Hong Kong has any of the same requirements. Thankfully, Hong Kong is clear of many of the diseases and illnesses that are all too common in many other countries, and won’t have to do anything to prepare for your visit.

  • 7. What is there to eat in Hong Kong?

    What is there to eat in Hong Kong

    Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise, offering some of the best food on the continent. The food is both unique to Hong Kong as well as influenced by cultures around the world. Some classics include dim sum, steamed buns, and xiaolongbao. We encourage you to try as much different food as you can and explore this culinary wonderland.

  • 8. What are the best gifts to get for family and friends in Hong Kong?

    Just like with food, Hong Kong is also a shopping haven. From offering luxury goods from famous brands from around the world to a small hole-in-the-wall store with treasures that must be uncovered. Additionally, as a cultural and historical center of the region, there are so many wonderful gifts to bring back to friends and family. This includes teas, art, and clothing.