8 Apps You Need for Your Next Visit to Hong Kong

Shrouded in unwritten rules and characterized by its unwavering fast-footed population, Hong Kong is a city that is a tough city to acclimate to. Everyone out in the streets seems to know where to find their bus on the maze-like roads, falling asleep on the journey only to get up in time for their stop.

While these superpowers come with a wealth of time and experience, you too can get a better grasp of how to navigate our beloved city with the help of these convenient apps – available on iPhone and Android. With the help of these essential mobile apps, you'll be able to navigate through the city like a true local.

MTR

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the most efficient and affordable way to travel around Hong Kong. With the MTR app, you can plan your route from one station to another, check the fare, and real-time journey estimations. The app also provides real-time updates on train schedules and any service disruptions that may occur in the later hours of the day.

Octopus

The Octopus card is a must-have for any visitor. It's a rechargeable smart card that can be used to pay for public transportation, convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. By downloading the Octopus app; you can check your card balance, view your transaction history and stay on top of your spending, as well as top up your card from your device – which is especially helpful when there isn’t a 7-Eleven nearby.

OpenRice

Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise, and OpenRice is the go-to app for finding the best eats in town. With over 20,000 restaurants listed on the app, you can search by cuisine, location, and price range. The app also includes user reviews and ratings, so you can make an informed decision before heading out to eat.

Wi-Fi.HK

Stay connected with Wi-Fi.HK, a free Wi-Fi service available in over 34,000 hotspots across Hong Kong. The app provides a map of all the Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as information on the connection speed and duration of use.

Citybus

Citybus is one of the major bus operators in Hong Kong, and their app allows you to plan your route, check the bus schedule, and even track the location of your bus in real-time. You can also save your frequently used routes for easy access!

MyObservatory

Hong Kong's weather is unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out. MyObservatory is the official weather app of Hong Kong, providing up-to-date information on temperature, humidity, and rainfall. With typhoon warnings falling at the drop of a hat near monsoon season, it’s best to keep the MyObservatory close to your chest in case of sudden weather changes.

Hong Kong Taxi

If you plan to visit the villages where buses may not be as frequent, or if you’ve stayed out past the last train, the Hong Kong Taxi App is soon to be your best friend. The app allows you to book a taxi in advance, as well as track the location of your taxi in real-time. You can also pay for your taxi ride through the app.

Google Maps

Google Maps is an essential app for navigating any city. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and even information on public transportation. Plus, with Google Maps, you can download maps for offline use, so you can navigate even when you don't have an internet connection. Be warned though, cities as dense as Hong Kong can often get your live location wrong in highly populated areas – so pay attention to street names!