25 Top Hong Kong Packing List Items for 2025 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Hong Kong is a truly magical place. The perfect intersection of East & West, it has long been a center of commerce for the entire world and has moved between hands throughout history. From its world-renowned food to its notorious cityscapes, Hong Kong is utterly mesmerizing.

Making the most of your trip to Hong Kong requires bringing along the right tools to allow you to focus on your trip and capture the most from your experiences. From items to help you pack and stay organized, to daily must-haves, this guide will help you come prepared for the trip of a lifetime!

What to Pack for Hong Kong – 25 Essentials

1. Packing Cubes

To make packing a breeze and stay organized during your trip, we strongly recommend using packing cubes. They allow for easy separation and categorization of your clothing, toiletries, electronics, or anything else you might want to bring along on your trip. Especially during that last-minute opening of your luggage, you’ll thank yourself for using this lifesaving item!

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2. Daypack

Whether you’re traveling around the city, or hiking the famous Dragon’s Back, you’ll need something to help you hold and protect your possessions. This is why we suggest an all-purpose daypack that has room for your everyday carry for the city, and your outdoor necessities for days spent hiking or hanging out at the beach.

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3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

In a hyper-connected place like Hong Kong, protecting your digital safety is even more important than ever. Connecting to local public networks from airports to hotels can put you at serious risk of having your information stolen, especially since there are thousands of attempted cyberattacks per day in Hong Kong.

To stay safe and protect yourself online, make use of a virtual private network (VPN) to cloak your IP address and remain anonymous while online. It’s the most affordable way to stay safe and minimize online censorship, which will be plentiful in Hong Kong. Free speech is greatly restricted here, sadly worsening since 2020, and many sites that you use back home will be blocked without a VPN.

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4. Universal Travel Adapter

From using a mobile translator to navigating public transportation to finding local recommendations – you will need your phone and computer fully-charged. To keep your devices ready to go, you’ll need a universal travel adapter capable of supporting you on your trip to Hong Kong as well as for all your future travels. This one works in 200+ destinations and has a built-in fuse protector plus a lifetime warranty.

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5. Neck Wallet

For long international travel days, keep your passport within reach. While Hong Kong is far from a dangerous place, it’s always a good idea to take extra steps to protect your most important items. This typically means protecting the contents of your wallet, which is why we recommend using a neck wallet with RFID-blocking material to stop e-theft. It keeps your valuables close by and can even be worn under your shirt if you don’t want it seen – way better than a wallet hanging out of your back pocket! It allows you to enjoy your trip without fear of vulnerable passports, cash, cards, and IDs.

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6. Travel Insurance for Hong Kong

We never travel internationally without travel insurance – remember that your domestic provider will not cover you outside of the country, and accidents happen all the time.

At 3-5% of your total trip cost, it’s a small expense for a huge pay off. We use Faye since they’re a virtual support system for issues like flight delays, cancellations, baggage loss, medical transfers and treatment, pet care, and more. The last thing you want is to injure yourself in a place like Hong Kong and wind up paying out-of-pocket for a huge hospital bill!

Faye is made for travelers by real humans, not the boring insurance providers that you’re used to. With 24/7 support, they’re on-call day and night for any questions you have while overseas. If you end up needing to cancel your trip, it’s paid for itself. That peace of mind is really priceless to us!

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye

7. Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

While it’s easy to forget, Hong Kong is an island state, which means there’s plenty of water that risks damaging your sensitive and expensive electronic devices. This is especially true of your cellphone, which is one of the few devices that will likely come with you to the beach, or out in the rain. Protect your phone with a universal waterproof phone case and assure the safety of your digital lifeline.

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8. Floating Wrist Strap

As you kayak through Sai Kung or ride in a junk boat across Victoria Harbour – keep this flotation strap attached to your lifeline. It’s like a physical insurance policy, keeping your device buoyant against any drops or splashes. Way smarter than fishing out your phone with a net!

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9. Cooling Towel

The air can be thick in Hong Kong. This cooling towel makes all the difference when standing in outdoor lines or hunting through vibrant markets. Things move quickly in Hong Kong too, which can also make things warmer because the pace of life is anything but cold. These refreshing towels act as a little pick-me-up against the sweltering summer heat. We don’t visit anywhere warm without them.

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10. Water-Resistant Shoe Bag

I’d highly recommend this sanitary packing storage for the busy metropolitan streets of Hong Kong. For anything from muddy rainstorms to general street grime, these water-resistant bags keep the dirt from your shoes confined to one place in your suitcase. These are easy to shake out before washing, which means your luggage will remain as spotless as the day you bought it!

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11. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Last year, Hong Kong logged a 165% rise in theft on inbound flights. Regardless of the risk, I always secure my bags with these TSA-friendly luggage locks. They deter thieves from even bothering and I place them on my checked bags, carry-ons, backpacks, or even city lockers. It’s great peace of mind when a bag is going to be out of my sight for many hours.

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12. Filtered Water Bottle

Honestly, Hong Kong can sometimes feel like a sauna, with its coastal beauty also bringing on the heat! Staying safe in Hong Kong means staying hydrated, which is often neglected in the city. To make sure you’re drinking enough water, we recommend bringing a water bottle suitable for any activity. This one has a built-in filtration system that will keep you safe from bacterial or viral infections. It’s a little pricier than a Brita, but so is a trip to the ER for E. coli or dysentery.

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13. Discounted Tickets to Hong Kong Attractions

Your memories wil be so much juicier with excursions booked to fill your days. We use Get Your Guide because of their giant range of activities to choose from (history lessons, food tours, culture experiences, day trips, and more).

In Hong Kong, you’ll absolutely want to cruise the Victoria Harbour, dine with the locals on dim sum, or visit Lantau Island. And if you’re traveling with children, it’s a MUST to stop at the iconic Disneyland theme park.

See all Hong Kong attractions at GetYourGuide.com

14. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Hong Kong is not known for being particularly spacious, including its hostels and hotels. This is especially true in the bathroom, where space is usually already quite limited. A hanging toiletry bag can make all the difference, leaving more counter space available for all your needs and making it easy to stay clean and organized.

This one has all the little details to really make it sing – elastic bands to hold your toiletry bottles in place during the long journey, external compartments for quick grab-and-go items, a 360-degree hook that can hang literally anywhere. It’s an immaculate design and the creators even give back a portion of all sales to the environment!

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15. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

While Hong Kong makes you think of cityscapes, it also gives new meaning to the phrase “concrete jungle”. No number of skyscrapers will change the fact that Hong Kong is a subtropical island, where it’s characteristically hot and humid. So, whether you’re in the city, or out on one of many of Hong Kong’s incredible hikes, a quick-dry towel can often come in useful for adventures like swimming at Shek O Beach, a sweaty hike to Lion Rock, or an unexpected rain shower.

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16. Deet-Free Mosquito Repellent Wristbands

One of the lesser-known complaints of Hong Kong is that the mosquitoes can be quite awful at certain times throughout the year. We don’t mess around with mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria. While you’re usually safe from their annoyance in the city, if you’re planning to spend any time outdoors, we recommend you bring some insect repellent to ensure your comfort. These are deet-free and wearable, which means you don’t have to worry about reapplying potentially harmful chemicals all day.

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17. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Especially if you’re planning to visit Hong Kong in the warmer months, you should come prepared to deal with a very wet climate. Of course, the first and most important piece of protection is a windproof umbrella. We recommend choosing an umbrella designed for travel that is easy to store and carry. I’ve used this one in rain or shine since it also acts as a fantastic sun barrier.

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18. Pollution Mask

While mask mandates in Hong Kong have eased, high-density crowds and public transit systems like the MTR still make wearing a mask a smart move – especially during flu season or when air quality dips. A high-filtration KN95 mask provides peace of mind in busy markets, on packed ferries, or during long-haul flights. It helps you to feel confident since the 95 means that it filters out 95% of air particles.

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19. Sunscreen

As for any tropical and subtropical destinations, sunscreen is a must. Especially if you’re planning to swim at the beach or explore Hong Kong’s more rugged countryside, sunscreen is an absolute necessity. Even if you plan to stay within Hong Kong’s concrete jungle, it’s still easy to be overexposed to the harsh sun and sunscreen should be applied regularly to keep yourself safe.

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20. "Just in Case" Bag

This is our favorite carry-on option. It’s made of a duffle material so it folds up compactly when you don’t need it. But it’s perfect for the overhead bin on the flight home, or long shopping days through vibrant markets, or any other place when you just wish you had a spare bag! I’ve used it to bring home souvenirs for all my loved ones, with some special gifts just for me in it too!

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21. Luggage Straps

Millions of bags are mishandled every year. Not to freak you out, but last year a report indicated that 36+ million bags suffered from poor handling. That’s why we always attach these adjustable luggage belts. They fit on nearly any case to secure it and ensure everything arrives safely. From the high-quality buckle to the fun prints that you can spot from across the terminal to quickly pick up your bags - they are the best!

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22. Hong Kong eSIM Data Service (Avoid Roaming Fees!)

Stay online wherever you go with eSIM. The antiquated method involved going to the airport or a kiosk, buying a physical SIM, inserting it, possibly losing it, or having to purchase a new one for the next location, and so on.

eSIM is the modern solution since everything is embedded in your phone for automatic activation upon arrival to your destination. Saily is a NordVPN company, which means you’re backed by a cybersecurity leader, and they operate in 200+ regions, so you can hop networks as easily as you hop borders.

Pick a data plan at Saily.com

23. Portable Charger

Hong Kong is a hub of science and technology, and in many ways gives us a look into cities of the future. With technology everywhere, you’ll want to make regular use of your devices, from scanning QR code menus to navigating public transportation. To make sure your electronic devices are always ready to go, bring along a portable charger, and make use of the technological conveniences across Hong Kong.

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24. Phone Tripod

One of the simplest yet most useful pieces of kit to improve your photography game is a small tripod for your cellphone. This allows you to pose for pictures without needing to rely on the photography skills of a stranger, take a timelapse of the organized chaos in the city, and avoid motion blur to produce the highest quality photos possible.

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25. Deodorant Wipes

I tend to sweat in these tropical locations and it’s nice to have a pocket-sized cleansing wipe to refresh along the way. Kind of like a French shower, which is dousing in cologne or perfume, except way more subtle. These smell very light and clean and balance your pH, which can really make a difference on a warm day. Slip a few into your purse, pocket, or wallet.

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Packing for the Seasons in Hong Kong

Warm & Wet Seasons – Summer/Spring – May, June, July, August, September, October

Hong Kong resembles many other tropical and subtropical countries in the region by also experiencing several months of warm weather, accompanied by regular heavy rainfall. However, just like those other countries, you are also rewarded for handling the heat. To stay comfortable, it’s recommended to wear light and durable clothing as much as possible. This includes athletic clothing and some basic outdoor equipment such as hiking shoes. To combat the heavy rain or even typhoons, it’s important to bring along your umbrella, rain jacket, and other water-resistant gear such as the universal waterproof phone case. Temperatures during these months have highs in the high 80°Fs (~30°C), with the hottest month being July with a high of almost 90°F (~32°C) and a low of only about 80 F (~27°C). The wettest months are from April to September, with a greater than 31% chance of rain each day. The wettest single month is in June, with an average of over 16 rainy days in the month.

Cool & Dry Seasons – Fall/Winter – November, December, January, February, March, April

One of the best parts of the tropics and subtropics is that even in the winter, it only gets so cold. The cooler months are often quite warm by the standards of much of the world, and you will likely be comfortable in many of the clothes you might also wear in the summer including jeans, a t-shirt, and a hat. That being said, if you’re planning your visit for the winter, we still recommend bringing some simple and relatively light warm clothing, such as a thin jacket and long pants. These cooler months are also much drier, requiring far fewer rain gear than in the warmer months. The coolest few months are from December to March, with average daily highs typically being below 70°F (~21°C), and the coldest single month being January with an average temperature of 58°F (~14°C). The driest months are from September to April, with an average number of rainy days of only 2.5 days.

What NOT to Bring to Hong Kong

1. DON’T Bring Too Many Warm Clothes

While it can get chilly in the winter months, Hong Kong is most often hot and humid, even in the supposed “colder months”. While it’s always best to come prepared for variable or unexpected weather, even in the coldest months you won’t be finding yourself needing more than a light jacket and long pants to stay warm. No need for the down winter coats, or thick mittens.

2. DON’T Bring Heavy-Duty Outdoor Gear

This includes diving, rock climbing, and similar activities which often require expensive and cumbersome gear. All you need is some standard outdoor equipment like hiking shoes, which is enough to leave you well equipped to take on most anything outdoors in Hong Kong.

3. DON’T Bring Food & Drinks

Some people like to travel with some safer food and drinks just in case they have any difficulties eating local foods, or to have handy in a pinch. While we understand the rationale, the food is so incredible in Hong Kong that you’re doing yourself an injustice by not taking every opportunity to enjoy it.

4. DON’T Bring Political Iconography

The political situation in Hong Kong is a highly debated topic, and people often hold very strong beliefs on this subject. While in Hong Kong, we recommend staying removed from the ongoing political debate and bringing items related to any relevant political situations.

5. DON’T Bring Sensitive or Expensive Items

Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, Hong Kong guarantees you an active experience. You won’t want to be bogged down by having to take special care of all your possessions and should come ready to be on the go without inhibition.

6. DON’T Bring Too Many Clothes

We understand this isn’t easy, as there is a lot you might want to bring for a trip to Hong Kong. However, we encourage you to carefully plan your trip so you can try to remove as many items as possible from your packing list and bring exactly what you need. And regardless of how much you ultimately choose to pack, packing carefully can make all the difference, which is why we recommend using items such as packing cubes to stay organized during your trip.

FAQs about Hong Kong

1. How expensive is Hong Kong?

One of the few pain points of visiting Hong Kong is the cost, as prices for meals, activities and almost everything else are often quite expensive. However, as with any destination, it all depends on what you plan to do, and how well you plan your trip! The savvy traveler can have a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hong Kong on a modest budget.

2. Is Hong Kong Safe?

Like most of East Asia, Hong Kong is notoriously safe. Violent crimes and crime, in general, are extremely uncommon. While the political situation may be tense, it rarely leads to dangerous events, and you will have the means to avoid such situations even in the case they do occur. Rules of common sense apply, but the vast majority of visitors have a safe and friendly experience in Hong Kong.

3. Is it easy to travel to mainland China from Hong Kong?

While geographically close, traveling from Hong Kong to China can be difficult. This is because the entry requirements for Hong Kong are largely different from mainland China, even though they are technically the same country. If you’re planning to continue your travels in China, be sure to have the appropriate visa, and that you meet all of the other travel requirements.

4. What exactly is there to do outdoors?

Hong Kong is most famous for its skyscrapers and urban jungle, but it offers much more than this. In fact, most of the island is largely undeveloped and has ample beaches and hiking trails to enjoy. This includes Dragon’s Back, a winding hike along a ridge overlooking the water, and ending at a beautiful beach. There are also hikes to religious sites including The Big Buddha. If you’re planning to enjoy any of these experiences, be sure to bring along some sunscreen, hat, and water bottle to stay safe in the often sweltering Hong Kong heat.

5. Where should I stay in Hong Kong?

While the thought of as a small island nation, Hong Kong is deceptively large. Especially because of its island geography, your destination may only be a few miles away but take as long as an hour to reach. For this reason, we suggest choosing where to stay based on where you expect to spend most of your time, rather than choosing the most scenic spot in the city.

6. Are there any health risks in Hong Kong?

With much of the region requiring various inoculations and medications, people often ask if Hong Kong has any of the same requirements. Thankfully, Hong Kong is clear of many of the diseases and illnesses that are all too common in many other countries, and won’t have to do anything to prepare for your visit.

7. What is there to eat in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise, offering some of the best food on the continent. The food is both unique to Hong Kong as well as influenced by cultures around the world. Some classics include dim sum, steamed buns, and xiaolongbao. We encourage you to try as much different food as you can and explore this culinary wonderland.

8. What are the best gifts to get for family and friends in Hong Kong?

Just like with food, Hong Kong is also a shopping haven. From offering luxury goods from famous brands from around the world to a small hole-in-the-wall store with treasures that must be uncovered. Additionally, as a cultural and historical center of the region, there are so many wonderful gifts to bring back to friends and family. This includes teas, art, and clothing.

25 Top Hong Kong Packing List Items for 2025 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Table of contents

What to Pack for Hong Kong – 25 Essentials

1. Packing Cubes

2. Daypack

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

4. Universal Travel Adapter

5. Neck Wallet

6. Travel Insurance for Hong Kong

7. Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

8. Floating Wrist Strap

9. Cooling Towel

10. Water-Resistant Shoe Bag

11. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

12. Filtered Water Bottle

13. Discounted Tickets to Hong Kong Attractions

14. Hanging Toiletry Bag

15. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

16. Deet-Free Mosquito Repellent Wristbands

17. Windproof Travel Umbrella

18. Pollution Mask

19. Sunscreen

20. "Just in Case" Bag

21. Luggage Straps

22. Hong Kong eSIM Data Service (Avoid Roaming Fees!)

23. Portable Charger

24. Phone Tripod

25. Deodorant Wipes

Other Hong Kong Packing List Items Not to Forget

What to Wear in Hong Kong

Packing for the Seasons in Hong Kong

Warm & Wet Seasons – Summer/Spring – May, June, July, August, September, October

Cool & Dry Seasons – Fall/Winter – November, December, January, February, March, April

What NOT to Bring to Hong Kong

1. DON’T Bring Too Many Warm Clothes

2. DON’T Bring Heavy-Duty Outdoor Gear

3. DON’T Bring Food & Drinks

4. DON’T Bring Political Iconography

5. DON’T Bring Sensitive or Expensive Items

6. DON’T Bring Too Many Clothes

FAQs about Hong Kong

1. How expensive is Hong Kong?

2. Is Hong Kong Safe?

3. Is it easy to travel to mainland China from Hong Kong?

4. What exactly is there to do outdoors?

5. Where should I stay in Hong Kong?

6. Are there any health risks in Hong Kong?

7. What is there to eat in Hong Kong?

8. What are the best gifts to get for family and friends in Hong Kong?

Asher Fergusson

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