I make it a point to travel to Hong Kong in July every year since 2006. Yup, so I can proudly say that I'm very well versed having been to Hong Kong 5 years and counting. In the rest of this post, I'll share my tips so you can benefit too.
TIP #1
Go in July. Why July you might ask... Well, for obvious reasons because July is the time when the Summer sale happens. The period where the sale is held varies from year to year but having gone in June, July and August, I can pretty much say that the safest period to go get your wardrobe overhaul is in July. The earlier the better because if you haven't shopped enough to figure this out - the earlier you arrive at the sale, the more variety there is. The later part of the sale is good for 1 thing - better discounts. But consider this - if the items on sale can't even fit you, what's the point? So the final verdict is JULY. Yes, July. Go any later and you're just wasting your plane tickets.
One often heard comment is "You're going in July? Isn't it super hot in Hong Kong then?". Do not fret and do not let this affect your confidence. Think people, THINK! Isn't it hot in Singapore? What difference is it going to make in Hong Kong. Well, there are times when it gets a little scorching and the bad air in Hong Kong doesn't ease the stress on your lungs.. But are you going to be walking around in the hot sun? The answer is NO WAY. Who will do that? You will be (I repeat - you will be) in the shopping malls in the day time. So it doesn't matter whether its hot or its cold. The air-conditioning in Hong Kong is so much better than in Singapore, so you will feel cool in the shopping malls. You might be thinking - what about Temple Street and Ladies Market? Well, they open at night don't they? So that throws the HOT weather argument out of the window.
I rest my case.
Tip #2
Book early. You're probably embarking on a bargain trip so whether its fly budget or booking hotels, early is always better. This also applies to getting your Hong Kong Dollar as well. Monitor the exchange rates and buy when its in your favour. Since you already know you are going to Hong Kong, it will be to your advantage if you plan ahead. There are a few airlines that fly from Singapore to Hong Kong - Singapore Airlines (SQ), Jetstar Asia (3K), Tiger Airways (TR), Hong Kong Airlines (HX), Cathay Pacific (CX), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Thai Airways (TG), United Airlines (UA), Philippine Airlines (PR) & Royal Brunei Airlines (BI). There are about 270 flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok a week, so don't tell me you can't find any airtickets.
For hotels, try Agoda.com, Asiarooms.com, Hotels.com and Booking.com. Remember to check out the ratings of the hotels you're intending to book just to make sure you get something that is generally well-received. Personally, I will visit Tripadvisor to see the ranking of that hotel and what other fellow Singaporeans reviewed. Knowing how critical our fellow kinsmen are, you can't go wrong if you heed their reviews and base your judgement on them.
Tip #3
"How much money should I budget?" you may ask. As a guide, I recommend at least a hundred and fifty Singapore dollars a day. That's for someone like me who's going to shop and eat. No Disneyland, no Ocean Park, so lavish restaurants in Hong Kong. Just shopping and eating. If you think S$150 isn't enough, it doesn't hurt to bring a little more cash. The worst that could happen is that you don't use up all your HKD and you just gave yourself another reason to go back to Hong Kong next year. Right?
Remember that you're going to Hong Kong during the Summer Sale, so things are supposed to be cheaper. If discounts on average are at 40%, then your $$ is already buying you more than what you can get in Singapore. Lastly, on money matters, you can also consider bringing spare Singapore dollars just in case you bust your budget and decide to change more Hong Kong dollars. Whatever you don't use can be deposited into your bank account the moment you arrive in Singapore. However if you do need to get your spare Singapore dollars changed, look for a bank that you have an account with. Remember this... Membership has its privileges. If you are a DBS bank account holder, bring along your DBS card and your passport (note: foreigners changing money in the banks need proof of ID). If you are a HSBC account holder, do so likewise. The banks are likely to waive any transaction costs if you are an account holder. Make it a point to ask first to avoid any misunderstanding. Remember that you are a tourist, you need to ask questions.
Tip #4
Where to get your best exchange rates? I say Raffles Place. If its just too crazy to make a trip there (especially if you have to drive thru' ERP gantries and park at ridiculously expensive car parks), then any of your trusty neighbourhood money changers will suffice. Money changers at Parkway Parade and Chinatown have pretty good rates too.
I will share more in the upcoming posts. Stay tuned for more tips!
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