What is the currency in Hong Kong? 

If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, city of neon skylines, double-decker trams, dim sum dreams and the world’s most photogenic harbour, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: What is the currency in Hong Kong? And trust me, it’s a good one to get sorted early. Between markets, Michelin star street food and the occasional impulse purchase (yes, those lucky cat souvenirs count), you’ll want the right cash in hand. 

In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the currency in Hong Kong, from what it’s called to how it came to be, how much of it you can carry, and the easiest ways to get yours before jetting off. Let’s make your travel money knowledge as smooth as an egg tart fresh from the oven. 

Currency in Hong Kong 

So, what exactly is the currency in Hong Kong? It’s the Hong Kong dollar, commonly shortened to HKD and often written simply as HK$. If you see $ printed around Hong Kong, don’t panic, you're not suddenly in the United States. Locally, the Hong Kong dollar reigns supreme, and the currency code HKD is your trusty indicator when checking rates or making purchases. 

The Hong Kong dollar is one of the world’s most traded currencies thanks to Hong Kong’s status as a global financial centre. It’s also famously stable because it’s pegged to the US dollar under Hong Kong’s linked exchange rate system, meaning that although it's free, flowing in your purse or wallet, it stays within a carefully maintained value band. 

Whether you're sipping milk tea in Mong Kok or taking in the skyline from Victoria Peak, the Hong Kong dollar is the note in your pocket making it all happen. 

Hong Kong dollar denominations 

Hong Kong’s currency is a fascinating mix of colours, designs and even issuing authorities, three separate banks are licensed to print banknotes here, which makes your wallet look like a rainbow of international collaborations. Let’s take a closer look. 

Hong Kong dollar banknote denominations 

Hong Kong’s banknotes come in the following denominations: 

• HK$10 

• HK$20 

• HK$50 

• HK$100 

• HK$500 

• HK$1,000 

A fun quirk: the HK$10 note sometimes appears as a coin instead (more on that in a moment), and banknotes are issued by HSBC, Standard Chartered, and the Bank of China, each with their own design flair. It’s like Pokémon cards for grown, ups, collect them all! 

Hong Kong dollar coin denominations 

Coins are used frequently in Hong Kong, especially for transport, vending machines, and quick snacks. They come in these denominations: 

• 10 cents 

• 20 cents 

• 50 cents 

• HK$1 

• HK$2 

• HK$5 

• HK$10 

The HK$10 coin is bi, metallic and quite distinctive, perfect for the coin collectors among us or anyone who just enjoys shiny things. 

The history of Hong Kong’s currency 

Hong Kong’s money story is as eclectic and dynamic as the city itself. Over nearly two centuries, its currency has evolved from foreign silver coins to a fully-fledged modern money system. 

Below, we break down the key chapters of this journey. 

The Spanish and Mexican silver dollar 

Before Hong Kong introduced its own currency, the city relied heavily on the Spanish and Mexican silver dollar, which circulated widely across Asia from the 16th to 19th centuries. These hefty silver coins were trusted, widely recognised and comparatively stable, so traders used them well into the early days of Hong Kong’s development. 

Hong Kong wasn’t alone in this, much of East and Southeast Asia conducted trade with these silver dollars, which formed the backbone of regional commerce. Their use in Hong Kong lasted from the 1840s through to the late 19th century, when the territory began moving towards its own currency system. 

The Hong Kong silver dollar 

In the 1860s, Hong Kong attempted to introduce its own coinage, including the Hong Kong silver dollar. This move was meant to replace the foreign silver coins in circulation, but local merchants weren’t entirely convinced. Many preferred the familiar Spanish and Mexican dollars, so Hong Kong’s version never fully caught on. 

Still, it marked the first attempt to create a Hong Kong, specific currency and would later set the stage for more permanent monetary solutions. 

The Hong Kong dollar (current currency) 

The real transformation came in 1935, when Hong Kong formally adopted the Hong Kong dollar as the official currency. This decision aligned the territory more closely with the British monetary system and created a stable, unified means of payment. 

Over the 20th century, the Hong Kong dollar evolved significantly. Banknote issuance was delegated to authorised banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered and later the Bank of China), and in 1983, the government introduced the linked exchange rate system, pegging the Hong Kong dollar to the US dollar to maintain financial stability. 

This peg remains in place today and is a major reason travellers experience such reliability when dealing with currency exchange in Hong Kong. 

Currency exchange in Hong Kong 

Now that we’ve covered the “what” and the “why”, let’s get practical, how do you actually get your hands on Hong Kong dollars before (or during) your trip? 

Where to buy Hong Kong dollar 

That’s where Travelex steps in to save the day. 

You can buy your Hong Kong dollar easily through Travelex online, with the option of home delivery, perfect if you want to tick “travel money” off your to, do list without leaving the sofa. Depending on availability, you may also be able to Click & Collect from selected Travelex stores across the UK. 

Prefer a card over cash? You can also load HKD onto the Travelex Money Card (where available), which gives you a secure, convenient way of spending abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees. 

So yes, your Hong Kong adventure can start with a smug feeling of financial preparedness. 

Which countries use the Hong Kong dollar? 

The Hong Kong dollar is primarily used in, no surprises here, Hong Kong. However, it’s also widely accepted in Macau, especially in shops and casinos, even though Macau has its own official currency (the Macanese pataca). 

Some border regions in southern China may also accept Hong Kong dollars informally, particularly in tourist, heavy areas, though this shouldn’t be relied upon. 

So while your HKD won’t take you around the entire continent, it does have regional influence in the Pearl River Delta. 

How much currency can I take to Hong Kong? 

Travellers can bring up to HK$120,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) into Hong Kong without any declaration. If you're carrying more than that, you lucky thing, you’ll simply need to declare it on arrival using Hong Kong’s official cash declaration system. 

For most holidaymakers, this limit is more than enough. Hong Kong is famously card, friendly, but having cash on hand is extremely useful for markets, taxis, local eateries and smaller vendors who don’t always take cards. 

How much cash can I take out of Hong Kong? 

When leaving Hong Kong, the rules are similar to entering. You can take up to HK$120,000 (or equivalent) out of the territory without needing to declare it. 

If you’re carrying more, you must fill out a declaration form with Hong Kong Customs when you depart. Again, pretty straightforward, and most travellers won’t come anywhere near this limit unless they’re a high, rolling casino visitor or travelling with a suitcase full of red envelopes. 

Final thoughts 

From its colourful banknotes to its fascinating financial history, the currency in Hong Kong is as much a part of the city’s identity as its skyline or street food. Whether you were wondering “What is currency of Hong Kong?” or trying to brush up on denominations before you fly, you're now equipped with everything you need. 

Ready to buy some Hong Kong dollars? 

You’ve read the guides, had the daydreams, planned the holiday and now you’re ready to buy some Hong Kong dollars. 

Buy Hong Kong dollars online and get free home delivery on orders over £500 or choose to click & collect from any of the hundreds of convenient locations around the UK, including most major airports. 

Get great rates and pay no commission when you buy online now.  

Travelex Money Card 

The Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard, is the secure, easy way to spend abroad. You can load up to 22 currencies, including Hong Kong dollars, and it’s not linked to your bank, so your account stays safe while you spend abroad.   

You lock in your exchange rate before you travel, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuations. And it’s accepted at millions of locations around the world, wherever Mastercard prepaid is accepted. Get yours now.