The increasing use of smartphones and apps while traveling is changing the information we have immediate access to. Downloading these apps ahead of your Hong Kong trip can make your travel a whole lot easier.
Whether you're looking for the quickest ways to get around while you're traveling Hong Kong, need a little bit of language help, or want to know where you'll be chowing on the best Hong Kong food, check out this list of the top 10 apps to have as a traveler in Hong Kong.
Language
1. Cantonese by Nemo (Free or Upgraded Version)
People in Hong Kong speak Cantonese (learn the difference here between Cantonese and Mandarin), and while English is prevalent it can be helpful to learn a little bit of the lingo ahead of your trip.
This handy language app is a great way to do that. It provides word packs for you so you only learn the true essentials, and you can work on your pronunciation with native speaker audio. The app is convenient whether you've got 5 minutes to study a couple of words, or are sitting down for an hour-long session on your plane journey to Hong Kong!
Transport
2. Uber (Free)
Uber is available in Hong Kong, for those looking to make their trip easier or if you are traveling with someone who isn't able to walk around for long periods of time.
The app works in Hong Kong even if you've downloaded it abroad. If you're newly downloading it, just link up a credit card and you've got access to a fleet of cars, whether you're looking for a regular car, a nice car, or a bigger 6-seater. The drivers in Hong Kong are extremely friendly, so getting an Uber is a pleasant experience.
3. Hong Kong Taxi Cards (USD 1.99)
Not all taxi drivers speak English (or want to speak English), and this handy little app will make your life a whole lot easier if you're getting around Hong Kong by taxi as a newbie. Pick from a huge collection of addresses and categories, such as buildings, hotels, tourist attractions, transport, clinics and hospitals, shopping malls and more.
Especially convenient if you're not a native English-speaking family and want to make sure you're able to get around.
4. MTR Mobile (Free)
Hong Kong's MTR Subway is definitely the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city. This app grants you access to a trip planner, a map to find certain locations inside the stations (such as a bank or a specific store), information about the different exits, and information about the airport express to Hong Kong International Airport. If you're changing lines it will even tell you which carriage to get in to make your transfer as smooth as possible.
You can also use the app for bus information around Hong Kong if you're looking for an alternative way around town.
5. Google Maps (Free)
Google Maps is the best comprehensive maps service throughout Hong Kong and China, as it is fully available in English and makes it easy to navigate around.
If you do plan on taking this app to the Chinese mainland, however, you'd better get a VPN before departure as Google services are blocked by a firewall. See the Best VPNs for Use in China (Free and Paid) for more information.
6. HK ImmD (Free)
Hong Kong's immigration queues can be a little overwhelming, and it helps to have an understanding of how long you'll likely be waiting at immigration to plan your travels in and out of the country. This is especially so if you're looking to go from Hong Kong to Guangdong Province.
HK ImmD gives accurate update of the queues at each of Hong Kong's points of entry, allowing you to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible!
Food
7. OpenRice
When looking for somewhere to eat in Hong Kong, OpenRice should be on of your first resources. Read other people's reviews (which often include photos of the food so as to get a better idea), get up-to-date address information, check out opening times, and book your table through the app.
As if that wasn't enough, OpenRice now also has the ability to pre-order food for takeaway, and you can share restaurant information with others easily.
8. Deliveroo
Even while on holiday, you might not want to venture out to explore Hong Kong's many foodie offerings. Instead, Deliveroo can bring them straight to your front door. And they do it quickly.
Deliveroo has a huge amount of options, and delivers everything from local favorites to fine dining concepts from around the area near you. You can place your order for right away, for later in the day, or even for the day after. We won't judge if you order delivery, but at least make it dim sum!
Weather and Air Quality
9. Hong Kong Observatory (Free)
The weather in Hong Kong can turn suddenly, being an island-nation in the tropics, and especially during the wet season from May to September. This time period is also when typhoons are more likely to hit. Hong Kong Observatory gives you everything you need to know about the current weather situation, as well as a great forecast. In times that typhoons do hit, you'll get all the weather warnings sent out to the public, as well as up to date information on when the typhoon is likely to pass.
Coming from the Hong Kong Observatory, this app is perfect for any meteorological nerds!
10. AirVisual (Free)
If you're worried about traveling in Hong Kong as a result of increased coverage of China's air pollution issues, it can be worth downloading AirVisual ahead of your trip.
The app shows real-time air pollution levels as measured at different points in the country, with an estimation for the next few days. This can be useful if you're traveling with someone who has a weaker respiratory system (although Hk has one of the least polluted skies of any major city in China).
The app's coverage isn't limited to Hong Kong and China though, you might be surprised that your hometown is more polluted than you thought.
Our Train Booking App and Tours
China Train Booking
We've designed an app to connect mobile users with our acclaimed English-language China train service. We cover the new high-speed services to China from Hong Kong, including ticket delivery, making it easier for foreign travelers in China to book train tickets. To read more (and download), see our China Train Booking app.
Hong Kong and China Tours
Our tours will guide you as much or as little as you need, so you won't even need to use any of these apps if we guide you through Hong Kong, as we'll take care of it all. For inspiration, check out our 2-day Hong Kong itinerary or our 3-day Hong Kong itinerary.
To get in touch with us about organizing a tour, use our Create My Trip page to tell us how many people are traveling, where you'd like to go, and what you'd like to see.
Further Reading
- If you're also heading to Chinese mainland, here's a list of the best China apps to download ahead of your trip there.
- For more information on traveling to Hong Kong, check out our Hong Kong travel guide.
- Internet access on Chinese mainland is not the same as back home, so make sure you know what you're doing before coming out here. For example, if your only email address is a gmail address, consider creating a hotmail or yahoo to stay in touch with friends.
- And if you're going to Shanghai, we've also compiled a list of apps for Shanghai travelers.