Hong Kong & Macau
Hong Kong and Macau for mainland-China travellers: separate immigration, visa-free periods, high-speed rail, ferries, day trips, currency and customs.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · policies change — confirm the official sources before travel
Hong Kong and Macau are special administrative regions with their own immigration systems, currencies and internet. A mainland Chinese visa or visa-free entry does not automatically let you enter them, and a trip to Hong Kong counts as leaving the mainland. They are easy add-ons by high-speed rail or ferry, but the paperwork and border crossings need planning. This guide covers entry, transport, money and day-trip logistics.
Key points
The details that matter
Entry rules
Hong Kong and Macau are separate immigration jurisdictions. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for 30–180 days, but the periods differ by passport and by region. Check the Hong Kong Immigration Department and Macao Public Security Police Force for your nationality before booking. If you need a mainland visa, note that a single-entry visa is used when you enter the mainland; a side trip to Hong Kong or Macau and back may require a multiple-entry visa. Visa-free mainland entry does not automatically allow a return entry if your scheme is single-use — check the terms.
- Check Hong Kong and Macau rules separately from mainland rules
- Visa-free periods vary by nationality and can differ between the two cities
- A mainland single-entry visa may not cover a return after a side trip
- Carry your passport at both border crossings
Getting there
The high-speed rail link from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Shenzhen North and Guangzhou South is fast and convenient; you clear both immigration and customs at West Kowloon. Ferries connect Hong Kong’s airport and city with Macau and mainland ports; the HZMB bus links Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau. From Shenzhen, frequent trains and metro links cross to Hong Kong. From Zhuhai, the border gate to Macau is a short walk. Allow extra time at borders during weekends and holidays.
- Hong Kong West Kowloon: high-speed rail to Shenzhen/Guangzhou
- HZMB: bus between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau
- Ferries: Hong Kong–Macau, Hong Kong–mainland ports
- Shenzhen–Hong Kong: Lo Wu, Futian, Shenzhen Bay crossings
Money and payments
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar; Macau uses the pataca, though HKD is widely accepted at a 1:1 rate in many places. Alipay and WeChat Pay work in many Hong Kong and Macau shops, but not everywhere; Octopus is the local stored-value card for transport and convenience stores. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. ATMs are plentiful. Tipping is not expected in Hong Kong, though some restaurants add a service charge; in Macau, rounding up is common.
Internet and apps
Hong Kong and Macau have open internet access, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a mainland SIM. If you are using a mainland SIM, you may still be routed through the mainland firewall even in Hong Kong; switch to a local eSIM or Wi-Fi. Google Maps works well in both cities, unlike on the mainland. Ride-hailing: Uber operates in Hong Kong; Macau has local taxi apps and hotel shuttles. Octopus, MTR and ferry apps are useful.
Day trips and itineraries
From Shenzhen, a Hong Kong day trip is feasible: cross at Futian or Lo Wu, take the MTR to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, and return the same evening. From Hong Kong, Macau is a long day trip by ferry or HZMB bus; an overnight stay is better. From Zhuhai, Macau is a walking day trip. Hong Kong rewards two to three days: Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Kowloon, and a dim sum lunch. Macau is one full day for the historic centre and Cotai, or two if you want both.
Customs and practicalities
Hong Kong and Macau are separate customs territories. Mainland duty-free allowances do not apply in the same way, and returning to the mainland means mainland customs again. There are limits on tobacco and alcohol; check the current allowances. Hong Kong is a free port with no VAT, but mainland tax refunds do not apply. Keep receipts for high-value purchases. If you are returning to the mainland, declare goods above the allowance. Do not carry prohibited items across any border.
What works in practice
Check both Hong Kong and Macau entry rules for your passport
Count your mainland visa entries if you plan a side trip
Get an Octopus card in Hong Kong for transport and small purchases
Use Google Maps in Hong Kong and Macau; it works there
Book ferry and high-speed rail tickets ahead for weekends
Carry some cash for markets and small eateries
Mistakes to avoid
Assuming a mainland visa covers Hong Kong and Macau
Forgetting that a side trip uses a mainland entry
Using a mainland SIM and finding Western apps still blocked
Underestimating border queues on weekends
Planning Macau as a quick stop without checking ferry times
Frequently asked
Do I need a separate visa for Hong Kong or Macau?
It depends on your nationality. Many passports are visa-free for 30–180 days, but the rules differ between the two cities. Check the official immigration sites before booking.
Can I visit Hong Kong on a mainland visa?
A mainland visa does not cover Hong Kong. You need to meet Hong Kong’s own entry requirements. Returning to the mainland may require another entry, so check your visa type.
How do I get from Hong Kong to Macau?
By ferry from Hong Kong’s terminals or by bus across the HZMB bridge. The ferry is faster; the bus is cheaper. Allow for border formalities.
Does Google work in Hong Kong?
Yes. Hong Kong and Macau have open internet access. A mainland SIM may still route through the mainland firewall, so use a local eSIM or Wi-Fi.
Sources
Official and first-party sources used for the time-sensitive details on this page.
Questions about your trip?
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