Living on a Budget as an International Intern in Hong Kong

Quick answer: Hong Kong is expensive mainly because of rent, but you can keep everyday costs low as an intern. Get an Octopus Card for public transport, eat at small local shops and street stalls, buy groceries at supermarkets and markets, and enjoy the free sights and student discounts. Prices below are rough, so check current fares and rates before you go.

Life as an international intern in Hong Kong can be pretty costly, as Hong Kong isn’t the cheapest place to live.

Hong Kong’s economic prosperity also results in a relatively high cost of living.

According to a CNN report on a 2018 ranking, Hong Kong was the most expensive city, followed by Tokyo, Zurich and Singapore. Rankings change from year to year, so treat this as a rough guide.

However, you will find it surprising that living a frugal life in Hong Kong isn’t impossible.

While it is true that the cost of living in Hong Kong is quite high when compared with other bustling metropolitan cities, this is only partially true.

It is likely that Hong Kong’s high standard of living shown in most surveys is chiefly due to the skyrocketing prices of property.

In that same ranking, New York came thirteenth and London nineteenth, so day-to-day life in Hong Kong can be cheaper than you expect.

This is because Hong Kong also offers a plethora of bargains.

So, if you are a bargain hunter like us, follow this guide and you will find a significant amount of money you could save during your international internship in Hong Kong.

Take the Public Transportation and Get the Mighty Octopus Card

Just like any other tourist-packed cities, public transportation in Hong Kong is splendid!

The Hong Kong Trams on Hong Kong Island are very affordable, with a fare of roughly HK$3 (about 40 US cents). Check the operator’s website for current fares.

If you want to cross the Hong Kong harbor, the iconic Star Ferry costs only a few Hong Kong dollars, with the lower deck slightly cheaper than the upper deck.

Yet, the most convenient and rapid means of transport is the MTR, Hong Kong’s metro.

With its vast and interconnected network of stations, you can get on and off the MTR and pop up anywhere around the city.

So, why take a costly cab when you can roam around the underground passageways and do not even have to worry about the traffic above.

However, the ultimate money-saving advice is to get the Octopus Card.

The Octopus Card is a smart card for easy payments.

It is equivalent to London’s Oyster Card and Tokyo’s Pasmo Card. Most Hong Kongers possess the Octopus Card because of its convenience of not having to buy a single ticket, and it works on multiple modes of transport including the MTR, buses, minibuses, ferries, trams and Airport Express.

Moreover, the Octopus Card carriers will have benefits such as a discount on fares for using the card instead of a single ticket.

This all-purpose card costs roughly HK$150 (about US$20) at the time of writing, so check the official Octopus website for the current price.

Part of that price is a refundable deposit, and the rest is stored value you can spend.

The Octopus Card can be easily purchased and returned at MTR stations.

Likewise, keep in mind that if you have some time once you land the Hong Kong International Airport, you can purchase an Airport Express Travel Pass which provides the normal Airport Express fare to Hong Kong Station as well as a few days of unlimited use of the MTR.

After that, you can top up the card and continue using it.

When you’re in Hong Kong, Eat like Hong Kongers

When you’re in Hong Kong, you eat like a king, and pay very little for it.

Hong Kong is a paradise for food.

There are plenty of places where you can have such amazing, unique and world class food, at such an affordable price.

Look Out for Old-Fashioned Shops

Opposite to a fancy restaurant, you may find a local food shop just around the corner, packed with locals and lineups.

That’s the right place for you.

Hong Kong is full of cheap and cheerful restaurants where you can indulge yourself with homemade wonton and noodles at affordable prices from roughly HK$30 to HK$40 (about $4 to $5).

Not a big fan of noodles? Hong Kong offers a variety of rice dishes as it is the staple food of the local residents.

The prices are similar to noodles and they are ubiquitous around the city.

Yet, the quality of food may vary.

The tip for you to get the best food, in terms of budget and quality, is to look for shops that seem old-fashioned because they most likely have been operated for generations and continue in the present day because of their ancestor’s secret recipes and the quality of the food.

Shops that are hidden in side alleys are usually cheaper than those fancy-looking ones facing the main road as well.

Try the Various Street Food

Hong Kong is home to some of the world’s best street food.

During your internship in Hong Kong, you will come across countless street vendors as they are all around serving different types of dishes.

However, most of them aren’t proper meals, but more like grab-and-go snacks.

Whether it is an afternoon or midnight snack, you will be able to find them at anytime and they will save you from having to pay for an excessive dish.

Freshly cooked pork dumplings and delicious black tea served in a porcelain cup can be purchased for roughly HK$8 (about $1) each.

Check out the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Wellington Street on Hong Kong Island where you can find a variety of incredible street food at every corner.

Supermarkets and Local Markets Are Your Best Friends

The ultimate way to save money on food is to buy from supermarkets or local markets.

Wellcome, City’s Super and Taste are big supermarkets popular among locals, as they are similar to Walmart and Carrefour.

You will find pretty much all you need for daily life with a fair price.

Don’t forget to check these supermarkets out late at night because there will be affordable pastries on offer.

Stock up some snacks and carry them around during the day as this will save you from hunger cravings.

If you’re confident enough to take your grocery shopping to another level, visit local markets where you can find even cheaper and fresher food and snacks.

The language barrier may cause some difficulties, but Hong Kongers are always eager to welcome and communicate with foreigners.

Don’t be afraid and get your first-hand experience of the local lifestyles in order to make the most of your internship in Hong Kong, and of course still on budget!

Apart from food, you can also check out Charmaine's tips on how to furnish your accommodation on budget.

Enjoy All the Free Sightseeing Hong Kong Has to Offer

You will be pleasantly surprised at how much you can enjoy Hong Kong without a price tag!

This city is no doubt pedestrian-friendly.

So, not only strolling around will save you money but also it is a great way to explore the city and local ways of life.

Hong Kong boasts an impressive skyline.

From taking a stroll through the hustle and bustle of Central to the Avenue of the Stars by Victoria Harbour, you will notice plenty of picturesque spots for instagramming.

And, yes they are free of charge.

Also, keep in mind that if you’re a student, Hong Kong offers numerous students discounts.

Carry your student card with you and receive all the benefits, including discounts of up to half price at places such as the Science Museum and the Wetland Park. Check each venue for current student rates.

FAQs

Is Hong Kong expensive for interns?

It can be, mostly because of housing. Food, transport and sightseeing can be very affordable if you eat local, use public transport and take advantage of free attractions.

What is the Octopus Card?

It is a rechargeable smart card that works on the MTR, buses, minibuses, ferries, trams and the Airport Express. You can buy and return it at MTR stations, and part of the price is a refundable deposit.

How can I save money on food in Hong Kong?

Eat at old-fashioned local shops, try street food, and shop at supermarkets and local markets. Check supermarkets late in the evening for discounted pastries.

Are there student discounts in Hong Kong?

Yes. Many attractions, including the Science Museum and the Wetland Park, offer reduced prices for students, so carry your student card and check each venue for current rates.

Are internships in Hong Kong paid?

Most international internships in Hong Kong are unpaid, so plan your budget for food, local transport and personal spending on top of your program costs and flights.

Thinking about interning in the city? See our Hong Kong internship page for fields, visas and housing.