Hong Kong Etiquette – 5 Critical Things Not To Do

Hong Kong Etiquette – 5 Critical Things Not To Do

Hong Kong Etiquette – 5 Critical Things Not To Do

While there are many things you can do in Hong Kong, there are certain things that are absolutely not allowed there. The inhabitants of Hong Kong have different norms and values that are very important to them and respect their Hong Kong Etiquette. You must abide by those rules while you are there, so that you don’t hurt the feelings of the people of Hong Kong and have a good time there.

Streets of Central, Hong Kong
Streets of Central, Hong Kong

Take a look at five things you simply cannot do in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Spit

Though it is acceptable to randomly spit in different places in the People’s Republic of China, as it is considered to be a good way of warding off the evil spirits, this practice has become quite intolerable in Hong Kong.,

After the SARS virus became common in Hong Kong, the various authorities of the state started banning this practice. Spit can help this disease spread like wild fire and is not healthy for the residents of the state, which is why you are not allowed to spit at all in many places in Hong Kong. In certain places, you can be charged with a humongous fine of around HK five thousand dollars for spitting. So, you must avoid indulging in this behavior while you are in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Go Anywhere in Hurry

Interior of Subway (Mass Transit Railway) train. Hong Kong.
Interior of Subway (Mass Transit Railway) train. Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a modern city like New York or Tokyo. But as much, it is jammed packed with people, buses, cars, trains, and just the life of the city. This creates its own style of Hong Kong Etiquette.

If you’re leaving for anywhere it is good to plan out your route before going. All buses are in English and so are the routes. Taxi drivers speak okay English. The subways (called MTR in Hong Kong) are usually the quickly way to travel.

I don’t think I ever went a day without riding in the MTR. Fast, clean, spacious, always on time. It goes to most of the major destinations in Hong Kong and if not, there are usually buses waiting to take you the last leg of your journey.,

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Eat Pizza???

Well… not exactly… it really depends upon where you’re living and wanting to eat. As Pizza is a western staple food it is not to be expected to find a pizza place on every corner in Hong Kong. However, if you’re looking for a great slice, be sure to visit Central and parts of Tsim Tsa Tsui. You’ll find great tasting pizza and salads.

Typical Store in Wet Markets in Hong Kong
Typical Store in Wet Markets in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Get Clothes of Your Exact Size

A horse of a different color? This one brings back some really fond and well funny memories when I first arrived there in 2003. Imagine my surprise when I bought a medium t-shirt and found it to be too small?

Clothes are sized differently in Hong Kong for sure. A small in Hong Kong may be a large children’s size. So when heading out to do some shopping, and there is literally endless amounts of it, make sure to try on your clothes before buying.

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Eat in the MTR

In Hong Kong, you cannot eat or drink any beverage while travelling on the MTR. These acts are strongly prohibited as they end up dirtying the train, so make sure to avoid eating while you are using the MTR.

But as I said before, Hong Kong is a modern city. Filled with a mix of East and West. Cantonese and English, double decker buses from London, and all the local items one expects to find in a city in the Far East.

Enjoy!

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