Singapore's high cost of living wiped out the money I had been saving for months. We had a plan to escape north once the weather warmed up, and our next stop was Hong Kong. In this article, I explain our flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Hong Kong step by step: how we prepared at the airport, whether you can stay overnight at Changi, how entry into Hong Kong went, and how to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city for the cheapest price. There is also that first night of returning to the underpass where I left my bag in Hong Kong four months ago.
Watch the Video: From Singapore to Hong Kong
Before the Flight: Pack Your Bags Smartly
We were traveling with two people and two bags. Before check-in, we redistributed our belongings: we put electronics and breakables in the carry-on, and clothes in the checked luggage. The two bags together did not exceed 20 kilos. Mine was around 13 kg, and Hyeyeon's was around 4 kg.
- Carry your electronics, batteries, and power banks in your carry-on bag. Lithium batteries cannot be carried in checked luggage.
- Do not take knives, pocket knives, or cutting tools into the cabin. There is a second security check at the gate just before boarding at Changi. I had a pocket knife in my bag and had to take it out.
- Check your baggage allowance in advance. Low-cost airlines strictly enforce carry-on weight limits.
Can You Stay Overnight at Changi Airport?
Yes. Changi is one of the most comfortable airports in the world and a really good overnight stop for travelers:
- It is open 24/7. Those waiting for night flights can sleep in corners. There are carpeted areas and lounge chairs; if you lay out your mat and sleep, no one bothers you.
- Free and unlimited Wi-Fi.
- The waiting area is also comfortable. The gate areas after passport control are also carpeted and quiet.
The only downside is the prices. The hamburger and chicken with rice we bought from the market at the airport were 3.5 dollars each. If you arrive without having had breakfast, it is cheaper to buy your food in the city before you come.
Exiting Singapore: You Barely Talk to Anyone
Exit procedures in Singapore are done through automated gates. You scan your passport and pass through; your passport is not even stamped. There is a line with an officer for those having trouble, but most passengers use the automated gates directly. The system is similar when leaving Hong Kong.
Our flight took about 3.5 hours. I thought Singapore and Hong Kong might be in different time zones, but in fact, both are UTC+8, so there is no time difference. The difference with Turkey is 5 hours.
Entry into Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the easiest borders I have ever crossed. The officers look at your passport, and if there are no issues, you pass through in seconds. As of the date this article was written, Turkish citizens could enter Hong Kong visa-free for tourist purposes. Since visa rules can change, check official sources before you go.
Cheapest Transportation from Hong Kong Airport to the City Center
Hong Kong Airport is far from the city, on an island. There are three ways to get to the city:
| Option | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Express train | Most expensive | Fastest (approx. 25 mins to Hong Kong station) |
| "A" buses (e.g., A21) | Moderate | Approx. 1 hour, direct to Kowloon |
| "E" buses (e.g., E21) | Cheapest | Longer, stopping at stops |
We took the E21 and paid 14 Hong Kong dollars at the time; that is, less than 2 US dollars. The price of the Airport Express was several times that. If you are traveling on a budget, use buses starting with "E". No change is given on the buses, so have coins or an Octopus card ready.
The first thing to do after landing was to exchange money and connect to the internet. When I first came to Hong Kong four months ago, I couldn't do either and went hungry. That's why I install an eSIM before every trip now. You can check out Yırtık eSIM's Hong Kong and Asia packages here.
Return to Our Old Underpass
We had come to Hong Kong this time to earn money and show ways to live on a budget. I got off the bus and walked to the place where I left my bag four months ago. The people who distribute food to the homeless there every night were still there; the homeless guy I met back then was still in the same corner.
In the evening, we met with my friend Wing, who had shown me around Hong Kong before, and I introduced her to Hyeyeon. At the end of the night, we set up a tent under the bridge. This time Hyeyeon was with me; she wanted to try this life too. I explain how our days passed living on the streets in Hong Kong in my next article.
I do not recommend staying on the streets in Hong Kong. You can check out my accommodation guide for budget accommodation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it allowed to sleep at Changi Airport?
Yes. The airport is open 24/7, has free Wi-Fi, and passengers can sleep in the lounge areas.
How many hours is the Singapore-Hong Kong flight?
Approximately 3.5-4 hours. There is no time difference between the two cities.
How to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city for the cheapest price?
By city buses starting with "E". We went with the E21. A faster but more expensive option is the Airport Express train.
Is a visa required to enter Hong Kong?
Turkish citizens could enter visa-free for tourist purposes as of the date this article was written. Check the current rules before you go.
My previous stop was Singapore. If you are curious about the electronics prices there, you can check out my article on phone and computer prices in Singapore.
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