Top 10 Things For A New Arrival To Hong Kong

Don't Drink the Water

Street market I'm not joking. It's not that it will make you ill, it just smells and tastes bad.

If you're here short-term, buy bottled.

Look Both Ways Before Crossing Any Street

Traffic drives on the left side of the road. Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Need I spell it out further?

Buy An Umbrella

Watch the weather reports. If there's a chance of rain, bring it with you. If it doesn't rain, no harm done. But if it does rain — and rains hard — and you're caught without one, you'll either be drenched or you'll end up buying another umbrella.

From 7-11... which is why so many 7-11 umbrellas are out there.

Go Easy On Your Stomach

You just got here. Avoid eating anything too funky for a while, until your intestines get used to the food. Your colon will thank you for it.

Use your discretion, and if in doubt, ask.

Grow Eyes in the Back of Your Head

No, you're not likely to be mugged. But if you're not streetwise, you might find your wallet missing.

"... just throw your wallet at the first guy you meet and say, 'Here, take it.'"

For the love of all things holy, do not stick your wallet in your back pocket! If you do this out of habit, just throw your wallet at the first guy you meet and say, "Here, take it."

Beware of the Heat

Remember that heat + humidity = a Heat Index. Stay hydrated, and wear a hat if you're going to be out in the sun, unless you like your brains scrambled and you enjoy flopping about on the concrete like a wounded fish.

Buy A Book-Map

It's called Hong Kong Guidebook, by Universal Publications Ltd. I get the new edition every year. It costs little and is chock full of useful information. If you want to travel about the territory, this will ensure you never get lost.

It even has the bus routes laid out.

Get An Octopus Card

The MTR issues these for travel on their trains, but they can be used in many other places. They're handy for use on buses, since digging out coins for the fare is always such a pain in the ass.

If you're leaving, you can return the card for a refund of the deposit.

Don't Walk Around with Large Amounts of Cash

I shouldn't have to tell you this.

Beware of Tourist Traps

Avoid places with no prices on the items. Watch out for bait-and-switch tactics. Check the warranty coverage. Inspect what you expect.

For Heaven's sake, don't buy copy watches—they're junk.

That is all.