Today’s question is: Is Hong Kong Safe To Visit in 2023? If you’re one of the short-fused people that doesn’t have the patience to read the entire article through, then the short answer is YES! But let’s discuss this along with some valid Cantonese words. Let’s begin!
Hong Kong is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city bustling with energy, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This city has everything from towering skyscrapers to ancient temples, high-end shopping malls, street markets, stunning beaches, and scenic hiking trails. But what about safety?
Well, here’s the good news: Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates. The police are efficient, well-trained, and responsive; you’ll see them patrolling the streets 24/7. The public transport system is also highly safe and reliable, and you’ll find it easy to get around the city by bus, train, or tram.
The moment you land the Hong Kong airport, you’ll be greeted by the HKID (Hong Kong Immigration Department), who they will do a quick interview about your intentions for flying into their country. Although it may take some time before you successfully pass through this, I feel it is necessary to demonstrate Hong Kong authorities’ commitment to keeping their country safe. While waiting, you’ll also learn more about the local laws through the posters and videos played in their LEDs.
If you search online, you’ll see several posts of foreigners describing their Hong kong experiences,; some might make you feel scared to visit the country altogether. But trust me, this country is amazing! From crowded places with lines of street food kiosks to spectacular tourist places, it’s impossible not to enjoy your stay in the country!
I know this from personal experience, having traveled through the city alone for two weeks and never once feeling insecure or threatened. I wandered through busy streets, visited crowded markets, hiked up steep mountains, and strolled along picturesque beaches – and I never once felt unsafe. I found the locals to be friendly and welcoming, and I met many other solo travelers along the way.
Now, of course, I have to acknowledge that, as a man, my experience may be slightly different from a woman’s. But from what I’ve seen, heard, and read, it seems like women travelers can expect the same level of safety and security as men.
Traveling solo can be daunting, especially if you’re used to traveling with friends or family. But believe me. Hong Kong is one of the easiest and most rewarding cities to explore. And if you’re a woman traveler, don’t be put off – with a little extra caution, you can have just as much fun and adventure as any solo male traveler.
Is Hong Kong Safe To Visit Alone In 2023?
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, this is pretty and all, but let’s talk numbers: what about the crime rate?” And trust me, I can’t blame you for thinking about that. As seen on TV, the Hong Kong police may be very strict, especially with non-Hong Kong residents, but that doesn’t mean you should be scared of booking a flight to this country. Just think of it this way, you’re a foreigner, and they demand you follow their strict laws. That’s all! If you do just that, then you’ll be good to go.
First of all, let’s put things in perspective. Hong Kong has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities on the planet. Trust me, you’re more likely to encounter a friendly local than a pickpocket. In fact, according to a statistic made by Crime Index and Numbeo, from 142 countries analyzed, Hong Kong is the 6th safest country with the lowest crime rate.
And what about those famous triads and all those illegal drugs you hear so much about in the movies? Let’s just say they’re not quite as prevalent as Hollywood would have you believe. They exist, but you’re unlikely to encounter them on your travels. Most locals I spoke to were surprised that I even asked about them.
So, what kind of crimes occur in Hong Kong? Like any big city, there are some issues with petty theft and scams, especially in touristy areas. But if you use your common sense and keep an eye on your belongings, you should be fine.
Don’t let the hype scare you off! Hong Kong is a safe city with a low crime rate. And hey, if you encounter any trouble (knock on wood!), just remember: you’re in a city with some of the best dim sum in the world. So why not drown your sorrows in some delicious dumplings? Trust me. It’ll make everything better.
Tips To Keep You Safe On Your Next Trip To Hong Kong
Despite being a very safe place, there are still some crimes. There is still a chance you might steal your wallet while looking away. So, it is always worth remembering some things during your trip. To help you have both a safe and incredible journey to this great nation, here are five tips that I think are fundamental for every traveler traveling not only to Hong Kong but everywhere in the world:
- Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
While Hong Kong is a safe city, it’s still a big city, and you never know what might happen. Keep your wits about you and stay alert, especially if you’re walking alone at night.
- Keep your valuables close.
This is an essential tip for any big city, but it’s essential in Hong Kong. With so many people, you’ll be very close to someone everywhere… every time! Don’t carry all your cash and credit cards with you, and keep your phone and camera close to your body. Make the life of pickpockets hard, and avoid carrying them in your jeans pockets.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
This is a tip that I should not need to tell you. If you’re unsure where or how to get somewhere, just ask someone for directions. Hong Kong locals are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and they’re always happy to help out a lost tourist.
- Stay away from dark, deserted areas.
The golden rule for every traveler, should go without saying, but it’s worth repeating. If you’re walking alone at night, stick to well-lit areas with plenty of people.
- Use your common sense.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but getting complacent when you’re on vacation is easy. You’re relaxed and don’t want to be overthinking things, but sometimes we need to be suspicious. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone seems sketchy, they probably are. Trust your instincts, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Learn Some Cantonese Words
Lastly, another helpful tip is to learn a few essential Cantonese sentences that might be useful during your trip. You never know when you need to ask for help, talk to the police or even ask for directions, so if you can remove that language barrier is one less thing to worry about.
Emergency Vocabulary If You’re Ever In Need
Now, I’m sure you’re all feeling much more confident about your trip to Hong Kong, but let’s not forget that it’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. And what could be more surprising than finding yourself in an emergency without knowing how to communicate with the locals? Fear not, my friends, because I’m here to teach you some emergency words in Cantonese.
Don’t Be Scared To Visit Hong Kong
The overall message of this article is that visiting Hong Kong doesn’t need to be a scary experience. This beautiful country is safe, modern, and overwhelmingly beautiful, so pack your bags, charge your camera, and let’s head out!
Wait! One more thing! Before you hop on your airplane and start exploring this bustling city’s streets, you must learn some vocabulary to help you understand yourself through the local people. Lucky for you, I’m going to tell you a secret tool that will make you the most fluent Cantonese speaker among your friends traveling to Hong Kong!
Learn Cantonese With Ling App
It is called Ling, a language learning application that will teach all the ins and out’s of any of the 60 languages available. Yes, I said it right, 60!
There are no boring lessons, no big textbooks, and no feeling of being in school! With Ling, you learn while having fun, which is our main goal. We use games, puzzles, and quizzes to help you stay engaged with the journey!
So, download the app, learn some Cantonese words, and you’re arriving at Hong Kong International Airport ready to explore the city!
