We had returned to Hong Kong to save money. Our plan was simple: set up a tent under a bridge, live for a few weeks on the bare minimum, and sell handmade bracelets on the street to cover our travel expenses. But things didn't go as planned. I got sick on the fifth day, Hyeyeon's legs were covered in mosquito bites, and on the ninth morning, the police showed up at our tent. In this post, I share those days we spent on the streets and the budget lessons I learned while living on very little money in Hong Kong—lessons that will be useful for everyone.
Watch the Video: Living on the Streets of Hong Kong with a Korean
Let Me Be Clear: I Do Not Recommend Living on the Streets
The life you see in this video was an experiment, and the cost was heavy. Due to poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and the humid weather, we both got sick. Camping in public areas in Hong Kong is prohibited; the police came one morning and made us leave. Selling things on the street without a permit can also cause trouble. However, most of the budget tips below are useful even if you are staying in a hostel. You can check my budget accommodation guide to find an affordable bed in Hong Kong.
What Was a Typical Day Like for Us on the Streets?
The spot under the bridge where we stayed was a place I knew from when I first came to Hong Kong four months ago. Back then, it was surrounded by trees, but now everything had been cleared. We would wake up in the morning and clean up in park restrooms, survive throughout the day on cheap meals—mostly oatmeal—and try to sell bracelets in the evenings. One day, sitting from 11 AM to 7 PM, the two of us earned a total of about 300 Hong Kong dollars. That might sound good, but in Hong Kong, that money barely feeds two people.
During this time, we also spent time with Ensar Sevindik, a Turkish traveler I met on the road. He had been traveling for years, making and selling handmade bracelets to get by. We were surprised by the number of foreign travelers selling on the streets; but as I said, this work is not as easy as it looks.
10 Ways to Live on Very Little Money in Hong Kong
1. The Cheapest Hot Meal: McDonald's
One of the most expensive items in Hong Kong is dining out. Back then, we could get full at McDonald's for 25 Hong Kong dollars (about $3). Many branches are open 24 hours and have Wi-Fi.
2. Explore Bakeries and Supermarkets
A small peanut butter bun was around 6 Hong Kong dollars, and instant noodles were about 7-8 Hong Kong dollars. Making your own sandwich with tuna bread, lettuce, and corn is much cheaper than eating out.
3. Oatmeal, Milk, Bananas, and Honey
This was what we ate most to survive for a long time on the least amount of money. It is cheap, filling, and easy to prepare. But it is not enough on its own. I think we got sick because we were lacking vitamins. Even if you are living on a small budget, don't neglect fruits and vegetables.
4. Don't Buy Water, Refill
Bottled water is expensive in Hong Kong. There are free drinking water fountains in the parks. Carry an empty bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
5. Use Laundromats
There are self-service and staffed laundromats. We paid 30 Hong Kong dollars for 1–6 kg of laundry at a staffed one. They weigh it, and you go back at a specified time in the evening to pick up your clean clothes.
6. Cafes for Internet and Electricity
We charged our phones and computers in cafes with outlets like Starbucks and used the internet at McDonald's. If you have your own data, this is even easier. Installing an eSIM before you land in Hong Kong is one of the cheapest ways to find your way around the city. You can check out Yırtık eSIM's Hong Kong and Asia packages here.
7. Cheap Snacks
When we finished our first week, we rewarded ourselves with a large Toblerone. Back then, it was about 9 Hong Kong dollars, which is around 1.2 US dollars. It was even cheaper than the price in Turkey.
8. Turkish Restaurant: A Hot Cup of Tea
There is a Turkish restaurant in Hong Kong called Ottoman 1453. Turkish travelers who have been on the road for a long time somehow find their way there. The owner offered us hot tea. A familiar face and a cup of tea in a foreign city really boost one's morale.
9. Keep Your Valuables Close
Hyeyeon had left her bag with me while she explored the city. I was sick and couldn't carry two bags, so I left them at the corner of the homeless man I knew. When I returned in the evening, everything was in place; but that was luck, not advice. On my first visit to Hong Kong, I had dropped my wallet, money, and passport in this area. Carry your passport and cards close to your body. Leave your large bag in lockers at hostels or train stations.
10. Octopus Card for Transportation
In Hong Kong, you can pay with an Octopus card on buses, subways, ferries, and even in supermarkets. It is much more practical than carrying cash, as buses do not give change.
Police Raid
At 9 AM on the ninth day, the police were at our tent: "You can't camp here." That same day, they also cleared out the elderly men gambling under the bridge and a homeless person sleeping nearby. They checked our passports, verified that we were not illegal, and asked us to leave. They even asked who Hyeyeon was.
The next morning, the gambling men were in the same place again. Enforcement of rules can be inconsistent, but this does not mean that camping in public areas in Hong Kong is permitted. We moved our tent under another bridge.
What Did I Learn from This Experience?
I asked Hyeyeon, "Do you want to live my life? There you go," and despite everything, she didn't give up. But our health and the price of this experience were not worth the money we earned. After this trip, I started planning my journeys better and setting out with a small emergency budget. I explain healthier ways to save money for travel in my travel savings guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum daily budget needed in Hong Kong?
Excluding accommodation, you can get by on a few hundred Hong Kong dollars a day by eating very simply and using public transport sparingly. Accommodation is the most expensive item in Hong Kong.
Is camping in Hong Kong allowed?
No, not in public areas within the city. Pitching a tent outside of designated campsites can lead to police intervention.
Is there free drinking water in Hong Kong?
Yes. There are drinking water fountains in many parks and public areas.
Where is the cheapest place to eat in Hong Kong?
Based on our experience, McDonald's, local bakeries, and supermarkets. You can also find affordable lunch menus at local cafes called "cha chaan teng."
I shared how we came to Hong Kong in my Singapore to Hong Kong post. After these difficult days, we ended up in Macau; I will explain why the police pulled us into a room at the border in my next post.
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