- HONG KONG
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Your Guide On How To Save Money In Hong Kong
Tips & Advice On How To Spend Less
How do I save money on rent in Hong Kong with a family?
Choose less popular districts in the New Territories or Outlying Islands for lower rents and larger flats. Consider flat-sharing, walk-up buildings, or direct landlord listings on sites like 28Hse to skip agent fees. Permanent residents can also check subsidized public housing options.
What is the cheapest way for families to travel around Hong Kong?
Use an Octopus Card and the app for points and discounts. Claim the Public Transport Fare Subsidy if monthly costs exceed HK$500. Ride the tram or Star Ferry for bargains, and check UnionPay weekend promos or taxi apps like TADA for extra savings.
How can I cut grocery bills for my family in Hong Kong?
Shop wet markets late in the day for discounted produce. Visit DS Groceries, PrizeMart or Kai Bo for staples. Use the Chomp app for surplus food deals and consider pandapro for free deliveries if you order often.
When should families shop to get the best deals in Hong Kong?
Target July summer sales, Singles’ Day in November and Christmas promotions. Check outlet malls like Citygate or Horizon Plaza, second-hand platforms such as Carousell, and evening colour-sticker discounts at Wellcome or Marks & Spencer.
Are there easy rewards that help Hong Kong families save money?
Sign up for credit card cashback and apps like MoneyBack, AlipayHK or PayMe. Student and family memberships often unlock cinema, transport and shopping discounts that add up quickly for everyday spending.
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Housing
Practical Tips On How To Save Money On Rent In Hong KongRent and housing are among the biggest expenses we all face in Hong Kong, but if you’re looking to save money, this is a great place to start. We’ve added lots of tips you may not have known about—consider these ideas to make the most of your budget:
- Choose less popular districts/neighborhoods: Living in areas that are less sought-after can save a significant amount of money. If you're okay with a longer daily commute or have the flexibility to work from home, consider moving to the New Territories or one of the Outlying Islands. Rent in these areas is often much cheaper, and the flats tend to be larger. For more information, check out our neighborhood guides for specific district details.
- Flat sharing or downsizing: Sharing a flat or renting a smaller unit, like a studio, is a simple way to cut costs.
- Flexible rental options: If you’re unsure about how long you’ll be staying in Hong Kong, platforms like Dash Living offer monthly rental options for fully furnished micro-studios or shared apartments with utilities, WiFi, and other amenities included. You can rent a unit for yourself or opt for co-living spaces, which tend to be more affordable.
- Walk-up apartments: Properties in walk-up buildings (without elevators) located in less trendy areas are often much cheaper. They can also be surprisingly spacious and might even include a rooftop.
- Find direct landlords: Avoiding agent fees is another good way to save. Check Facebook groups and property websites like 28Hse to find listings directly posted by landlords.
- Subsidized housing: If you’re a permanent resident, explore subsidized housing options through GovHK Public Housing, a portal for rental and ownership schemes that can offer major cost savings.
By incorporating these strategies, you can reduce your housing costs while still finding a comfortable place to call home.
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Transportation
How To Save Money On Taxis, Buses, Flights & MoreHong Kong boasts one of the most convenient and reliable public transportation systems in the world, and while it's already affordable, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you save even more:
- The Octopus Card: A must-have for every Hong Kong resident! Here’s how you can make the most out of it:
- Download the Octopus app on your smartphone to collect points and redeem them for free or discounted rides.
- Look for MTR Fare Savers kiosks across the city to enjoy a HK$2 discount on your next ride.
- Take advantage of the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme: If your monthly transport expenses exceed HK$500, you’ll receive a 33.3% rebate.
- Ride the Iconic Tram "Ding Ding": A budget-friendly way to explore Hong Kong Island. It’s already cheap, but if you use a Visa card, you’ll get HK$1 off every ride!
- Hop on the Star Ferry: For those with an American Express credit card, rides are a steal at just HK$1 when tapping your card.
- UnionPay Transit Promo: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, enjoy HK$2 off on fares (minimum charge HK$3) for MTR, KMB, Citybus, Tramways, and ferries when paying with a contactless UnionPay card or app.
- Citybus Tap On-Tap Off Fare Scheme: On 20 specific routes, you’ll save on short-haul fares or get fare rebates (up to HK$9.4–HK$20). Just remember to tap your card or e-payment device when boarding and alighting. Check if your bus is part of this scheme here.
- Airport Express Discounts: Travel for just HK$25 with the Airport Express Morning Service from Kowloon or Tsing Yi between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
- Sign up to become a Cathay member: By joining their membership program, you’ll receive a welcome bonus of 3,000 miles when you fly before 31 December 2026, as well as access to special promos, deals, and exclusive offers. Don’t miss out on added perks tailored just for members!
- Explore the Best Taxi Apps in Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s taxi-hailing options have expanded significantly, offering smoother and more convenient rides. Some of the top apps include TADA, which features no surge pricing and discounts for first-time users, FlyTaxi, a reliable local app with transparent fares, and the newly launched DASH Taxi, offering exciting perks like a HK$50 joining reward and digital payments. For global convenience, Uber provides advanced family-friendly features like Family Profiles and Teen Accounts. Each app has unique advantages, so try a few to find the one that best suits your needs. Learn more about the best taxi apps in Hong Kong here.
By following these tips, you’ll not only navigate the city with ease but also save significantly on your daily commute!
- The Octopus Card: A must-have for every Hong Kong resident! Here’s how you can make the most out of it:
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Food And Groceries
How To Save Money On Food -
Shopping And Entertainment
Offers, Bargains & Student Discounts On Clothes, Books, Household ProductsShopping is a guilty pleasure for many, and with Hong Kong offering almost everything everywhere, it can quickly impact your budget. Here are some smart shopping tips to save money while still enjoying your favorite indulgences:
Shop Smart During Sales
- Timing Sales: Major sales events in Hong Kong include July (summer sales), November (Singles’ Day), and Christmas sales.
- Online Deals: If you're into online shopping, don’t miss Black Friday/Thanksgiving sales on platforms like Amazon or Taobao’s 11.11 sales for incredible offers.
Bargain Hunting
- Save money by visiting outlet malls like Citygate Outlets or Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau, where you’ll find big discounts on branded items.
- For trendy, high-end lifestyle products, check out OnTheList for massive markdowns.
- Don’t forget to use local reward apps like MoneyBack, or payment platforms like AlipayHK and PayMe to earn cashback rewards.
Shop Second-Hand
- Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, Retykle, The Hula, or events like Top Swop are great for scoring sustainable and affordable finds.
- For book lovers, check out Books for Love and Rebooked for budget-friendly reads.
Local Pharmacy Deals
- Shop at independent pharmacies for legit and cheaper products. Lung Fung Mall is a great spot for discounted cosmetics, health supplements, and daily essentials.
- Stores like Sasa and Colourmix also offer affordable makeup, perfumes, and personal care products.
Cinema Savings
- Special Discounts: Students, kids, and seniors enjoy great discounts at many cinemas. Make sure to click those offers!
- Early Showings: Watch the first screening of the day for cheaper tickets.
- Cinema Day: Remember this annual event when nearly all cinemas slash ticket prices to just HK$30—don’t miss it!
- Membership Perks:
- MCL Members: Save 10% on tickets and earn points for free passes.
- Broadway Circuit: Enjoy discounts with certain credit cards or memberships like bcinephile or MovieMovie.
- American Express Fridays: Redeem discounted or Buy 1 Get 1 tickets.
- Citi The Club Credit Card: Save 20% on regular-priced movie tickets.
- HSBC/BOC Chill Card Holders: Get 1-for-1 ticket deals and additional discounts.
Concerts, Shows, and Performances
- Stay Updated: Sign up for newsletters or follow social media handles to stay in the loop about early-bird discounts (up to 10% off) and exclusive group offers.
Apple Trade-Ins & Student Discounts
- Apple Trade-In: Save on new iPhones or iPads by trading in your old device in good condition.
- Exclusive Student Discounts:
- Take advantage of Apple’s Education Pricing or Samsung’s back-to-school bundles for great deals.
- Notebook Ownership Program: Local universities (e.g., HKU, CUHK) partner with brands like Lenovo, Dell, and Apple to offer great tech deals on platforms like HKNotebook.
- Fortress: Visit their Student Offer Page for discounted gadgets.
- Canon Education Store: Enjoy year-round offers, workshops, and even free black ink cartridges.
Travel Discounts
- Cathay Pacific Student Fares: Full-time students can enjoy up to 10% off light fares, extra baggage allowances, and complimentary flight changes by using promo code HKSTUDENT upon booking.
- MTR Student Travel Scheme: Eligible full-time students under 25 can enjoy half-fare travel by applying for a Personalized Student Octopus Card.
IKEA & Starbucks Discounts
- IKEA: Students can enjoy seasonal discounts (e.g., 10% off online orders). Check their Campaign Page for active promo codes.
- Starbucks Discounts: Campuses with Starbucks outlets often offer 10%-30% off to staff or students with valid IDs.
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Banking And Rewards
Best Credit Cards In Hong Kong To Get A Bang For Your BuckHong Kongers love to shop, and we recommend signing up for rebate programs—they actually work and can return money to your pocket as you spend! Whether it’s through credit cards or rewards apps, here’s how you can save even more:
- Credit Card Cash Rebates & Perks - Hong Kong banks offer lucrative credit card rewards. These cards provide rebates on groceries or dining. There are so many to choose from and these are our recommendations:
- Citi Cash Bank Card:
- Rebate: 2% unlimited cash back on local dining and foreign currency spending; 1% on local retail spending.
- HSBC Red Credit Card:
- Rebate: 4% cash rebate on all online spending and 1% on local spending.
- Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card:
- Rebate: Up to 5% cash back at designated merchants like HKTVmall, 7-Eleven and ParknShop.
- Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard:
- Perks: Cardholders earn Asia Miles directly from everyday spending. Miles are automatically credited to the cardholder's Cathay membership account with no conversion fees.
- DBS Eminent Card:
- Rebate: Up to 5% cash back on designated categories like dining, fitness centres and medical services.
- ZA Bank:
- American Express Explorer Card:
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- Perks: You earn rewards as you spend and unlock miles that you can use. Points can either be converted to cash or miles.
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- Citi Cash Bank Card:
- Reward Apps - Use loyalty programs like yuu, Shopback, or MoneyBack to accumulate points on everyday supermarket and convenience store purchases to redeem points.
- Credit Card Cash Rebates & Perks - Hong Kong banks offer lucrative credit card rewards. These cards provide rebates on groceries or dining. There are so many to choose from and these are our recommendations:
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Dining And Nights Out
How To Save Money In Hong KongNights out in Hong Kong ain't cheap! But we can help you ease the spending a bit by suggesting some cheaper ways to have fun with your bunch.
- Smart Dining Apps - Make the most of Hong Kong's dining scene by utilizing discount platforms like Eatigo for off-peak restaurant deals.
- Dining Deals - There are many restaurants that offer awesome dining deals (check out our Taco Tuesday guide)! From steak nights and taco nights to buffets. Many hotpot, Korean, and Japanese spots with buffets offer special prices at specific dining hours. The earlier or later you dine, the cheaper you'll pay per person. Steak nights are also a thing where you'll feast on unlimited steak at a great price. There are so many to check out.
- Happy Hour Deals - Hong Kong has an amazing bar scene, and many offer great boozy deals throughout the week. We are fans of Honky Tonks' Wednesday all-night happy hour, or head over to Cadillac where drinks start from HK$19 at 2 pm and go up by HK$10 every hour til 7 pm!
- Dine Local - Cha chaan tengs serve amazing portions at great prices! Read our guide on the Best Cha Chaan Tengs In Hong Kong.
- Find Budget-Friendly Lunch Spots - Eating out doesn't have to be expensive, and we've got a great guide on Affordable Lunch Deals In Central.
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Outings And Activities
Save Money With Museum Passes & MoreThinking about doing something fun but don't want to spend much?
- Museums - Affordable, educational, and fun! Full-time students get major concessions. Families can also get an annual museum pass giving limited entry to museums.
- Fan of M+ museum but find it pricey? Get their annual membership, and you'll be granted unlimited access, exclusive lounge entry, free entry to M+ events at night for each season, and more!
- Green & Free Activities - Take advantage of Hong Kong's unparalleled nature trails and country parks instead of pricey gym memberships or indoor entertainment. Use apps like AllTrails to find free hikes right in your district.
- Go On A Picnic - Picnics are fun, everyone can chip in, and you don't have to spend a lot for this.
- Go Running/Outdoor Fitness Equipment - If you don't want to spend much on a gym membership, you can find smart fitness facilities and stations in parks and public areas. Hong Kong also has an amazing running trail by the harbour, or try joining a run club.
- Museums - Affordable, educational, and fun! Full-time students get major concessions. Families can also get an annual museum pass giving limited entry to museums.
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Daily Spending
Change Your Daily Habits To Save MoneyOur daily habits affect our budget and spending, too. Here are some ideas on what you can do to cut down and save some money for a rainy day.
- DIY Your Daily Coffee - Skip the daily lattes from coffee shops, and you won't believe how much money you'll save. If you think that you can't make your own, there are a lot of content creators who provide amazing coffee recipes that are easy to make at home.
- Bring A Water Bottle - Something we tend to forget but makes such a huge difference! Did you know that there are a few MTR stations that have water dispensers where you can refill your water bottles?
- Bring Your Own Lunch/Meal Planning - Prepping food or bringing leftovers to work for lunch most days will make a huge difference!
- Automate transfers - Set up automatic transfers to send a small amount of money to your savings account on payday.
- Skip the Taxis/Ubers - Most of us have a habit of relying on Uber or a taxi to get from place to place, and by using more of what Hong Kong public transportation has to offer, from the MTR to the ding ding, you'll spot a huge difference.
- Second-hand markets - Use platforms like Carousell to buy and sell second-hand furniture, electronics and clothing. Join Top Swop and getredressed events where you can shop or exchange for second-hand clothes, giving you a fresh wardrobe.
- Electronics & Gadgets - Head to places like Apliu Street in Sham Shui Po for second-hand electronics and equipment for a fraction of retail prices.
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