Follow Hong Kong Investment Immigration and Hong Kong Living guides: Since the handover of Hong Kong, the number of people from the mainland traveling to and living in Hong Kong has increased year by year. However, due to the differences in the institutional systems between the two places, many of Hong Kong's operational functions are vastly different from those in the mainland, which has caused considerable inconvenience and misunderstanding for mainlanders coming to Hong Kong. To make your time in Hong Kong happier and more convenient, I would like to share my personal experiences with you.
1. Taxi Regulations
Hong Kong's transportation system is highly developed, and basically any place can be reached by corresponding means of transport. However, whether it is a minibus, bus, train, or MTR, transportation costs in Hong Kong are not cheap; it might be cost-effective for one person, but if you are in a group, taking a taxi is undoubtedly a way to save both time and money. According to Hong Kong law, a taxi can carry a maximum of 5 passengers. In taxis equipped with seat belts, passengers must wear them (both front and back seats). Passengers who do not wear seat belts in a taxi will be prosecuted and may be subject to a maximum fine of 5,000 HKD and three months' imprisonment.
2. Choosing the Right Taxi
In Hong Kong, there are three colors of taxis: red, green, and blue. Red taxis can operate in the New Territories, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island—they can go anywhere. Green taxis can only stay in the New Territories, and blue taxis are restricted to the remote Lantau Island and cannot leave that area. Therefore, tourists coming to Hong Kong must have a preliminary understanding of Hong Kong taxis to avoid taking the wrong one. The current starting fare for a red taxi is 16 HKD, and for a green taxi, it is 13.5 HKD.
3. Taking a Taxi at Designated "Taxi Stands"
When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I found "hailing a taxi" quite difficult. In the mainland, a simple wave of the hand would result in plenty of taxis scrambling to stop in front of you. Why don't Hong Kong taxis stop when you wave at them? Are they refusing business? Are they crazy? The Hong Kong government stipulates that areas marked with double yellow lines on the street are restricted zones for picking up passengers. Passengers should not hail taxis in these sections but should go to designated "taxi stands" to catch one. Hong Kong people are very particular about doing things; taxi stands are clearly marked and well-planned at major hotels, shopping malls, MTR and train station exits, and residential complex entrances. Tourists unfamiliar with Hong Kong taxi stands should not wander around and wave randomly. On one hand, most Hong Kong drivers will not stop illegally to pick you up; on the other hand, you will save some effort. You can ask the locals, and they will tell you where the nearest taxi stand is. The mainland habit of hailing a taxi anywhere is convenient, but after personal experience and comparison, I slowly discovered that by taking a taxi at a taxi stand, where both cars and passengers queue up, the more orderly it is, the higher the efficiency.
4. Queuing for a Taxi
The queuing spirit of Hong Kong people is what I admire and appreciate most about Hong Kong. Because my time in Hong Kong was tight, I was worried about not being able to get a car to go to a place. Later, facts proved that not only did I get on, but it only took a few minutes. Even if there are no cars on the road, pedestrians will not run red lights or walk across zebra crossings. It is hard to imagine what the situation would be like in such a crowded scene if everyone did not queue. The result of everyone scrambling is that only a few benefit, while the majority suffer—a total failure. Only by yielding to each other can the entire group benefit. Of course, this cannot be changed in Wuhan, where everyone scrambles for fear of being at a disadvantage.
5. Complaints
All taxis in Hong Kong are regulated by law, and drivers must display their driver ID on the dashboard inside the vehicle. The fare meter is also visible inside the cabin. To protect your rights, please ask the driver for a fare receipt. This way, if you lose items or have any disputes, you can identify the vehicle. Anyone who has any dissatisfaction or questions about taxi services should note down the license plate number and call the complaint hotline: 852-25277177.
6. Additional Fees
Taxis also charge additional fees such as cross-harbor tunnel tolls, tunnel fees, and luggage fees. Drivers usually do not return the small change, which is automatically treated as a tip. A quick word of advice: in Hong Kong, all luggage placed in the trunk is charged per piece. So please carry small luggage with you; otherwise, it is very unfair to be charged for a small bag.
7. Calling the Police is More Effective
Complaining in Hong Kong is very effective, but it is time-consuming and feedback can be slow. A Hong Kong driver once gave us a very effective piece of advice while chatting: if you encounter a driver who takes a detour, refuses service, or discriminates, you can call the police. Or, you can directly ask the driver to drive to the police station; this is much more effective than filing a complaint. In fact, for so many years, most Hong Kong drivers have been law-abiding, honest, and reliable. But remember, if you occasionally run into trouble: please call 999!
8. Language Barrier
Although Hong Kong has been returned to China for 12 years, some drivers in Hong Kong still cannot speak or understand Mandarin well. Therefore, when taking a taxi in Hong Kong, it is best to write down your destination on a piece of paper, as the drivers are often older and may take a while to recognize simplified Chinese characters.
9. Fare Adjustments for Short and Long Distances
This is a new policy recently promulgated in Hong Kong. Some vehicles have already adjusted their fare meters, but most have not. So when you see a driver pick up a government price adjustment table to compare and either increase or decrease your fare, please do not think you are being ripped off. They are not like the few drivers in Wuhan who specifically take detours or overcharge.
10. Calling a Taxi by Phone
The service of calling a taxi by phone in Hong Kong is very convenient. If you do not want to walk to a taxi stand or are afraid of waiting too long in line there, then call a taxi. They can often come to pick you up within 5 minutes. Different taxi companies may offer discounts of 20% to 40% for long-distance trips (such as to the airport). While calling a taxi is convenient, the only cost is that you need to pay a booking fee of about 5 HKD.
