Follow these steps and you'll feel less alone and less like a stranger in bustling, bustling Hong Kong.
Take a taxi
When hailing a taxi, hold out your arm straight, then use only your hand and wrist to call. Be decisive and clear.
Chat
When talking to people, whether you are speaking English or any other language, add Cantonese (the language spoken mainly in Hong Kong) suffixes la, ar, wor, gar.... For example: Hong Kong is so awesomela!
Hong Kong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Photo:CNN.
Take a photo
Hong Kong people love to take photos when dining out and post them online to share with friends. So always ask your dining companions if they want to take photos before enjoying your meal.
Tips
While in China you don't need to tip, in Hong Kong it's almost an important part of social courtesy. For every 500 HKD bill, you can tip another 5.50 HKD.(1 HKD = 2,700 VND).
Order
Hong Kong people often describe the food they want specifically and clearly. For example: "A cup of lemon tea with little sugar, no ice and a few slices of lemon" or "A bowl of noodles without vegetables, a lot of beef". So when you go to a restaurant, order exactly what you want.
Acronym
Hong Kong people also have a habit of using abbreviations or shorthand. 7-Eleven convenience stores are often shortened to Seven, Circle K is shortened to OK. People also like to say "sorry" as "sor".
Hong Kong has a bustling nightlife. Photo:CNN.
