Ten things to do for HK$10 or less in Hong Kong – one of the world’s most expensive cities

Hong Kong is often ranked as the most expensive city in the world – our house prices are outrageous and something as simple as a cup of coffee can often hit you hard in the back pocket. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some good deals to be had – even HK$10 (US$1.30) can sometimes go a long way. To help get you started on some bargain hunting of your own, here are 10 things in Hong Kong that will cost you HK$10 or less. Drink at Club 7-Eleven Going out drinking in Hong Kong – particularly in Central – can really give your wallet a hangover. Western visitors are often surprised to see alcohol sold in our local 7-Eleven stores – grab a can of beer for HK$10 or less, kick back, and watch the world go by. Go racing at Happy Valley Everybody should experience Wednesday night at one of the world’s most iconic racetracks at least once in their lives. A bargain HK$10 gets you through the gate – bets are unfortunately not included. Use a shared bike Bike-sharing services are suddenly everywhere, and they offer a cheap and eco-friendly way to get around the city. Gobee, oBike, Ofo, HobaBike – a new operator seems to arrive every week, and the charges can be as little as HK$3 per half-hour. Buy a goldfish Life is cheap on “Goldfish Street”. While walking through the market at the northern end of Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok, visitors can pick up bags of several colourful critters, often for HK$10 or less. There’s nowhere in Hong Kong quite like Yau Ma Tei. This is its story Just please remember to take good care of your new friends. Visit a golf driving range Unless you have the right connections, you’ll never be able to play 18 holes at Deep Water Bay or the Shek O Country Club. But if you qualify for the concessionary rate, an hour of teeing off at the government’s outdoor driving ranges costs only HK$6 – and just HK$12 if you don’t. Eat a McDonald’s soft serve Eating beneath the Golden Arches is cheaper in Hong Kong than many other countries (just check our ranking on The Economist Big Mac Index), but perhaps the best bargain to be had is its soft-serve ice cream. Next time you need to cool down on a hot day, grab one for just HK$4.50. Drink coconut water It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, and an excellent source of hydration, but also quite expensive in many parts of the world. But not in Hong Kong, where a 350ml bottle or can will set you back HK$10 or less at many supermarkets. Take the Star Ferry or a tram Getting around the city on our most iconic forms of transport doesn’t just provide the best views of Hong Kong, it’s also incredibly cheap. What colour comes to mind when you think of Hong Kong? You could ride across Hong Kong Island on the tram (HK$2.30), take a return trip across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry (HK$2.20 each way), and still have change from HK$10. Visit the Museum of History Located next to the Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Museum of Historytells the story of Hong Kong from the Devonian period (400 million years ago) to the present day. It regularly offers special exhibitions and entry is a bargain at HK$10 for standard tickets. Buy some nail polish If you’re in need of a quick and cheap makeover, head to any of the budget cosmetics stores scattered throughout the city. There are loads of great deals to be had, but perhaps the best is the small bottles of nail polish – you can get a small handful for HK$10 or less. Made in Hong Kong: five companies that have stood the test of time The South China Morning Post You may be reading this article on your computer or phone, but not many things beat the smell of a freshly printed newspaper. The print edition of the South China Morning Post is available at news stands and convenience stores all over the city, and will set you back exactly HK$10.