Hi Bros,

I will be in HK soon and I am wondering would it be easier to exchange my currency in the States or when I get to HK? Does anyone know if the rate would be better in HK? If it is better in HK will there be a better exchange rate inland or at the HK airport? Any advice or thoughts on this topic would be much appreciated.

I just use an ATM.  If you go with a money changer, don't use the hotels.  There are exchange booths everywhere.  Just walk around and compare the rates.  When I'm switcing out NON USD,  I use one in TST frequently because they honor best rate within a reasonable past.  Its on one of the corners between canton and nathan road.

I agree with Stu. I usually do the same. Just walk on nathan rd (around holiday inn golden mile side) and , and you will find many small stalls which will do the currency exchange. Rates are usually 50 cents better than hotel exchange rates. If you are doing a large exchange, then will give you few cents better rate. Also you will see many small stalls selling sim cards in the same area.

Thanks bros I am assuming that the airport exchange rates are overpriced and I should avoid them? The reason why I am asking is I need HK dollars to get to my hotel. I can exchange some here and then use those stalls that you are recommending. Thanks again

when buying currency you will always get a better rate at the local currency.
so i wouldn't buy HKD in U.S.
There should be an atm in the HK airport. That's what i usually do.

Of about 770 per 100 usd.  I got 775 at one place in tst.

My bank of America ATM came out to 757 after the ATM fees.  It would've been 780 before fees.  You will definitely want to check with your bank first.  

But, the ATM could server as a safety mechanism not to have to carry so much cash.

Actually, you dont need HK dollars at all for your ride to the hotel from airport. Just use your credit card to buy tickets for the airport express train. assuming you are going to TST, you will get off Kowloon station, and grab the appropriate bus to the hotel. (you don't need any money for the bus fare either, as it is included in the airport express ticket.)

check the link below.

http://www.hongkongairport.com/e ... irport-express.html

[ Last edited by  ulebsari at 9-12-2011 10:28 ]

General rules:
1. Never change in your own country unless you need a minimum taxi money
2. Never change at airport.  rates are not good
3. Never change at you hotel.  Rates are even worse than airport
4. walk around at money exchange kiosks on nathan rd.  You can compare and get the best rate

Good advice, the best place for exchange is inside the ChungKing mansion, there are quite a few stalls there and their rates are very competitive. If you are in central, you can go to

Berlin Company Exchange Limited
Room 1703 Chinese Bank Bldg
61-65 Des Voeux Road

I was there last month, their rate is quite good also.

The USA is so provincial in so many ways that it is not easy as you think purchase HKD/RMB. It is best to get these currencies here.

If you are coming from the USA, then I suggest that you open a HSBC or Citibank account if you already don't have one. These two banks have many atms all over the main shopping/financial districts, malls, airport, train stations in HK. I think you have to open a premier account to enjoy free international atm service from their machines.

As for the other banks found in the USA, you may (just maybe) be able to find their atms only in their branches in Central. Stick with HSBC and Citibank.


If you are bringing large amount of cash or want to convert back to USD, the Berlin Company Exchange as recommended in #9 moming's report is a great place. They can get you forex from practically everywhere. They are better than a bank. Moming forgot to give you their number which is : tel: 2523 2549. Do be aware because they serve the business community their hours are limited, M-F : 9.30am - 4.00pm and Sat : 9.30am - 12.00pm.

Other times go to Chungking Mansion in TST.

Current Dollar to HK$ exchange rate in TST HK highest is 7.7.
Money Changers buy  US$ at 7.7 and sell  US$ at 7.8.
Others even buy at 7.3 and sell as high as 7.85.

[ Last edited by  devilgodspeed at 9-12-2011 18:21 ]

"...Other times go to Chungking Mansion in TST...."

I believe we aer talking about the same place in TST. A lot a south Asian bros hang out there as well. This place has 3-4 stalls where they just do money exchange, so rates are very competitive. As I said before there are stalls to buy sim cards and refill cards...

Thanks for all your help on this as every little bite help. I will try to carry as much little cash as possible and use a combination of all the above threads from the pro bros. Look forward to going there as I will be traveling there for work atleast 4 times a year so every bit of info helps. I should be a pro soon and thanks for the advice to all!

If your coming from the states you might want to look into Citibank.  They are pretty big in asia and the last time my friend did a conversion with them at a local atm he wasn't charged an atm fee/conversion fee and the exchange rate was 7.78HKD to 1 USD.  If you have relatives in HK they can exchange your USD to HKD at any bank for you with no fees just remember to bring crisp bills

i have a citibank account, but for traveling i recommend capital one since they have no FX fees.

I know capital one cc cards have no FX fees when used, but wouldn't they charge you atm fees if you used it to withdraw money from your account oversees?

Do any bros know if there are any Bank of America's or Wells Fargo Banks in HK? I can open a citibank account but there are not too many branches in California so it would just be temporary. I can always use my AMEX as I think they have no FX fees.

no. they never charge ATM fees, but the ATM where you withdraw might have fees.

Yes there is boa.  Post #6.  

I took 2000 hkd out and it came with like a 8usd total fee

In the Phil,  Peso to US dollar exchange rate is close to 44.
i wonder whats the exchange rate now of US$ to HK$ in Hong Kong.