Cash, Cards, ATMs and Taxis - Hong Kong

Hotels, larger retailers and many restaurants welcome international cards, while Octopus handles a remarkable number of smaller payments. Cash remains useful at markets, traditional eateries, some small operators and whenever a machine, network or foreign card refuses to cooperate. The goal is not a large reserve; it is a reserve you can actually spend.

The quick answer Use one low-fee card as the main payment method, store a second card separately and keep roughly HK$300-500 in HK$20, HK$50 and HK$100 notes. Withdraw from a bank-operated ATM, read every fee and keep the transaction in HKD when offered a choice. Since 1 April 2026, Hong Kong taxis must offer at least one QR and one non-QR electronic payment method, while cash remains usable.

Hong Kong's three-layer wallet

BANK CARDHotels, retail, larger billsOCTOPUSTransport and quick tapsSMALL HKDMarkets and payment gaps

Turn one ATM visit into a useful pocket

THE HONG KONG BACKUPCARD + OCTOPUS + HK$300-500

Main cardLow-fee and contactless

Backup cardStored somewhere else

Cash mix20s, 50s and 100s

ATM screenReview fee and choose HKD

A large note can create a small problem

HKTB notes that merchants may refuse HK$500 or HK$1,000 notes. This is not proof that a note is invalid; it is usually a change and risk problem. If an ATM dispenses a high denomination, break it at a bank, hotel or larger purchase rather than presenting it for tea or a market snack.

The ATM has two separate prices

Your home bank may charge for the withdrawal, and the local ATM may disclose its own access fee. A third offer can appear when the machine proposes charging your account in home currency. That is an exchange-rate choice, not a convenience required to receive cash. Compare it with letting your card network convert the HKD amount.

Hong Kong taxis changed in April 2026

Taxi drivers must now provide at least two electronic payment methods: one QR option and one non-QR option. The accepted logos should be visible on the vehicle. QR methods can depend on having a compatible wallet, so visitors may find the non-QR option or cash simpler. Ask about any platform service fee before confirming the payment.

The meter is still the centre of the taxi bill

The taximeter records the fare in Hong Kong dollars and cents, with official extras applying in the stated circumstances. Electronic payment does not replace the meter. Check the displayed fare, legitimate surcharges and the requested total before tapping, and ask for a receipt when one matters.

The linked dollar is stable, not fee-free

Hong Kong operates a Linked Exchange Rate system around HK$7.80 to US$1, with official convertibility boundaries of 7.75 and 7.85 for licensed banks. A traveller's card or cash exchange rate still includes the provider's pricing and possible fees, so do not expect every retail conversion to equal the central link.