Nervous mom of AA daughter going to HK: Questions!
May 15th, 2012, 06:06 PM
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Nervous mom of AA daughter going to HK: Questions!
Hello, I am the mother of an African American daughter who is going to Hong Kong for the summer. I have a few questions for a patient experienced traveler or resident.
1. How will she be received as an AA American person?
2. Are there any things she should be careful not to do or say?
3. How likely is it that she will be able to quickly and reliably call me on her cell phone if she gets a SIM card at the HK airport?
4. Will she be looked at as an easy target for cons/unscrupulous people/men?
5. She has been told to only take cash, and that her Debit cards won't be reliable. True?
6. Someone told her to drink tap water a little at a time to get used to it, as it is in most foods. True? Bottled water not widely used too?
7. She will be traveling on bus to work. Any advice here?
8. Will she absolutely be told what not to eat, and where not to go by residents?
OK, so I am a nervous nilly. Sorry, but this is a first for us! Thanks for any advice.
1. How will she be received as an AA American person?
2. Are there any things she should be careful not to do or say?
3. How likely is it that she will be able to quickly and reliably call me on her cell phone if she gets a SIM card at the HK airport?
4. Will she be looked at as an easy target for cons/unscrupulous people/men?
5. She has been told to only take cash, and that her Debit cards won't be reliable. True?
6. Someone told her to drink tap water a little at a time to get used to it, as it is in most foods. True? Bottled water not widely used too?
7. She will be traveling on bus to work. Any advice here?
8. Will she absolutely be told what not to eat, and where not to go by residents?
OK, so I am a nervous nilly. Sorry, but this is a first for us! Thanks for any advice.
May 15th, 2012, 06:21 PM
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First a couple of questions for you: How old is your daughter? What is the purpose of her trip?
1. Hong Kong is a truly international city. In business, in academics, in public service Hong Kong people are used to interacting with people of all races and culture, including Africans and African Americans.
2. No, general etiquette applies.
3. Don't know, but Hong Kong is one of the most communication friendly places on the planet.
4. No, not if she uses common sense.
5. Don't know about debit cards per se, but credit cards and ATM cards are WIDELY used.
6. Tap water in Hong Kong is borderline. I'd stick with bottled water, which is available everywhere.
7. Public transportation -- buses, subway and taxis -- are plentiful, cheap, safe and reliable.
8. Hopefully she will experiment with the various Chinese cuisines. If she doesn't like Asian food, there are plenty of Western options Eating is a group activity. Her work colleagues will educate her. If she doesn't like something it's okay to say no thanks.
Hong Kong for the most part is very safe. Again, common sense is the best approach.
1. Hong Kong is a truly international city. In business, in academics, in public service Hong Kong people are used to interacting with people of all races and culture, including Africans and African Americans.
2. No, general etiquette applies.
3. Don't know, but Hong Kong is one of the most communication friendly places on the planet.
4. No, not if she uses common sense.
5. Don't know about debit cards per se, but credit cards and ATM cards are WIDELY used.
6. Tap water in Hong Kong is borderline. I'd stick with bottled water, which is available everywhere.
7. Public transportation -- buses, subway and taxis -- are plentiful, cheap, safe and reliable.
8. Hopefully she will experiment with the various Chinese cuisines. If she doesn't like Asian food, there are plenty of Western options Eating is a group activity. Her work colleagues will educate her. If she doesn't like something it's okay to say no thanks.
Hong Kong for the most part is very safe. Again, common sense is the best approach.
May 15th, 2012, 07:27 PM
#4
Did anyone else think this was about a girl with a drinking problem??
Joslin88, Hong Kong is a very civilized place. Your daughter will be fine. I wouldn't recommend drinking tap water though. Bottled water and tea will be readily available. I think most of the residents also drink bottled or filtered water. Unless she is permanently moving there, why risk getting sick over a glass of water, when there are so many tastier ways if you feel lucky?
Joslin88, Hong Kong is a very civilized place. Your daughter will be fine. I wouldn't recommend drinking tap water though. Bottled water and tea will be readily available. I think most of the residents also drink bottled or filtered water. Unless she is permanently moving there, why risk getting sick over a glass of water, when there are so many tastier ways if you feel lucky?
May 16th, 2012, 02:11 AM
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<i>1. How will she be received as an AA American person?</i>
While Hong Kongers are not the friendliest people on the planet, there is no especial prejudice against African Americans as far as I can tell. I will say that there are not a lot of African Americans here. There are a number of actual Africans (mainly men) from Nigeria and elsewhere who work on temporary assignments.
<i>2. Are there any things she should be careful not to do or say?</i>
Generally, no. It might be helpful to read up on Asian culture and the concept of "face". Confrontational, aggressive behavior is generally not the way people approach one another here. The word "no" does not exist in Cantonese; one would say "not yet" or "not ready" or "tomorrow" and by context and cultural understanding, one would know that you are being told "no". There is great respect for teachers, which she should bear in mind. This can run to the extent of not questioning what is taught by teachers, but that may not be the case in a graduate setting with other non-Asians.
You can get her a copy of the book "Culture Shock! Hong Kong" which gives a fairly comprehensive picture of culture and customs in Hong Kong. It is part of the Culture Shock series of books published by Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company . You can buy them on line from Amazon or your local bookstore should be able to order it for you.
Learning a few polite phrases in Cantonese like "hello" and "thank you" would be nice and she will then be complimented on her excellent Cantonese…
<i>3. How likely is it that she will be able to quickly and reliably call me on her cell phone if she gets a SIM card at the HK airport?</I>
Within moments, assuming her US mobile phone is "unlocked" and she can use a local SIM card in it. Otherwise she can buy a local phone cheaply and then use a local SIM card.
<i>4. Will she be looked at as an easy target for cons/unscrupulous people/men?</i>
Sorry, but is she looked at that way at home? If not, there is no reason to believe it would be any different here. Of course hanging out in the girlie bars of Wanchai may bring this on, but I have no reason to believe that she will want to do that, or that she would be a target even if she choose to do so. Hong Kong is far, far safer in general than most any US city or town.
<i>5. She has been told to only take cash, and that her Debit cards won't be reliable. True?</i>
My goodness, why would she want to have only cash? Use ATMs and credit cards. People have debit cards here, but they may be linked to local banks, so I can't say with certainty that a US debit card will work. But if she has an ATM and credit cards she should be fine. She can use credit cards virtually everywhere, from grocery stores to small shops. And the exchange rate is usually quite good, better than an ATM. You can also wire cash to the post office via Western Union if necessary.
<i>6. Someone told her to drink tap water a little at a time to get used to it, as it is in most foods. True? Bottled water not widely used too?</I>
I have lived here more than 10 years and have always drunk the tap water and I use it for cooking and ice. There is a myth (perpetuated somewhat locally) that the tap water is no good, that is not the case. It meets all international standards for safety. I think it tastes fine. But bottled water is widely available. Be careful of distilled water, which is also sold locally as drinking water, but which is not considered fit for drinking in most countries.
<i>7. She will be traveling on bus to work. Any advice here?</I>
Safe, reliable, cheap and efficient. If the US had transportation nearly as good, I might still be living there. She should get an Octopus card so she does not have to use cash on the bus. Where is she living and where is her work? I could give some transport options.
<i>8. Will she absolutely be told what not to eat, and where not to go by residents?</i>
Yes if she asks. I don't know that they will volunteer this infomation to an adult stranger, as people tend to keep to themselves. But if she asks, they will probably tell her that parts of Hong Kong are not safe. I don't find this to be the case. Relative to the US there is very little crime here, but if you have lived here all your life, your perspective is different and so people may tell her to avoid some areas. Parts of Central late a night (after 3 am or so). Part of Tuen Muen (a town in the New Territories where she is unlikely to go which does have some gang issues but which do not involve foreigners or non-gang members).
I can't think of anything that she should not eat. Food safety and cleanliness is generally of a very high standard. Many locals (including myself) avoid produce and dairy products from the PRC, as no one quite knows what it may have been treated with in terms of pesticides, or how it may have been adulterated. Products from other regions are widely available so it is not an issue. Organic produce and other foods are fairly widely available as well.
She will probably get asked a lot of she likes spicy food, and there will be surprise expressed if she does. There is a belief that Americans/Westerners do not eat spicy food.
<i>OK, so I am a nervous nilly. Sorry, but this is a first for us! Thanks for any advice.</I>
Hopefully you are planning on visiting so you can see for yourself that your fears are quite unfounded.
While Hong Kongers are not the friendliest people on the planet, there is no especial prejudice against African Americans as far as I can tell. I will say that there are not a lot of African Americans here. There are a number of actual Africans (mainly men) from Nigeria and elsewhere who work on temporary assignments.
<i>2. Are there any things she should be careful not to do or say?</i>
Generally, no. It might be helpful to read up on Asian culture and the concept of "face". Confrontational, aggressive behavior is generally not the way people approach one another here. The word "no" does not exist in Cantonese; one would say "not yet" or "not ready" or "tomorrow" and by context and cultural understanding, one would know that you are being told "no". There is great respect for teachers, which she should bear in mind. This can run to the extent of not questioning what is taught by teachers, but that may not be the case in a graduate setting with other non-Asians.
You can get her a copy of the book "Culture Shock! Hong Kong" which gives a fairly comprehensive picture of culture and customs in Hong Kong. It is part of the Culture Shock series of books published by Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company . You can buy them on line from Amazon or your local bookstore should be able to order it for you.
Learning a few polite phrases in Cantonese like "hello" and "thank you" would be nice and she will then be complimented on her excellent Cantonese…
<i>3. How likely is it that she will be able to quickly and reliably call me on her cell phone if she gets a SIM card at the HK airport?</I>
Within moments, assuming her US mobile phone is "unlocked" and she can use a local SIM card in it. Otherwise she can buy a local phone cheaply and then use a local SIM card.
<i>4. Will she be looked at as an easy target for cons/unscrupulous people/men?</i>
Sorry, but is she looked at that way at home? If not, there is no reason to believe it would be any different here. Of course hanging out in the girlie bars of Wanchai may bring this on, but I have no reason to believe that she will want to do that, or that she would be a target even if she choose to do so. Hong Kong is far, far safer in general than most any US city or town.
<i>5. She has been told to only take cash, and that her Debit cards won't be reliable. True?</i>
My goodness, why would she want to have only cash? Use ATMs and credit cards. People have debit cards here, but they may be linked to local banks, so I can't say with certainty that a US debit card will work. But if she has an ATM and credit cards she should be fine. She can use credit cards virtually everywhere, from grocery stores to small shops. And the exchange rate is usually quite good, better than an ATM. You can also wire cash to the post office via Western Union if necessary.
<i>6. Someone told her to drink tap water a little at a time to get used to it, as it is in most foods. True? Bottled water not widely used too?</I>
I have lived here more than 10 years and have always drunk the tap water and I use it for cooking and ice. There is a myth (perpetuated somewhat locally) that the tap water is no good, that is not the case. It meets all international standards for safety. I think it tastes fine. But bottled water is widely available. Be careful of distilled water, which is also sold locally as drinking water, but which is not considered fit for drinking in most countries.
<i>7. She will be traveling on bus to work. Any advice here?</I>
Safe, reliable, cheap and efficient. If the US had transportation nearly as good, I might still be living there. She should get an Octopus card so she does not have to use cash on the bus. Where is she living and where is her work? I could give some transport options.
<i>8. Will she absolutely be told what not to eat, and where not to go by residents?</i>
Yes if she asks. I don't know that they will volunteer this infomation to an adult stranger, as people tend to keep to themselves. But if she asks, they will probably tell her that parts of Hong Kong are not safe. I don't find this to be the case. Relative to the US there is very little crime here, but if you have lived here all your life, your perspective is different and so people may tell her to avoid some areas. Parts of Central late a night (after 3 am or so). Part of Tuen Muen (a town in the New Territories where she is unlikely to go which does have some gang issues but which do not involve foreigners or non-gang members).
I can't think of anything that she should not eat. Food safety and cleanliness is generally of a very high standard. Many locals (including myself) avoid produce and dairy products from the PRC, as no one quite knows what it may have been treated with in terms of pesticides, or how it may have been adulterated. Products from other regions are widely available so it is not an issue. Organic produce and other foods are fairly widely available as well.
She will probably get asked a lot of she likes spicy food, and there will be surprise expressed if she does. There is a belief that Americans/Westerners do not eat spicy food.
<i>OK, so I am a nervous nilly. Sorry, but this is a first for us! Thanks for any advice.</I>
Hopefully you are planning on visiting so you can see for yourself that your fears are quite unfounded.
May 16th, 2012, 05:28 AM
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Cicerone has it basically all covered. Just a few points.
1, 2, 4 & 8. There is really not much to worry about in Hong Kong. It's a safe place and no problem with being a black, though since Hong Kong is 90+% Chinese and not too many black visitors, she may get a few glances in some areas, but that's about it. Just use common sense, and no areas to avoid.
3. Prepaid 2G and 3G SIM cards are both easy to get in HK and inexpensive. However, like Cicerone says, her US phone has to be unlocked; and for 2G calling, must also have 900 and 1800 GSM. (In the US, AT&T and T-Mobile uses GSM, but uese 850/1900MHz, so a quad-band phone is required; Sprint and Verizon 2G phones use CDMA, and won't work in HK). So, do some homework about her phone before the trip.
5. Visa/MasterCard are widely accepted in HK, AE a bit less so. But many merchants do have minimum charges of usually HK$100 (US$13) to use one. If she's going to use a debit card, check with her bank/issuer about whether a pin is required for purchase, or if it works just like a credit card. ATMs are everywhere, and most do not charge a fee. However, HER BANK in the US may, so again, do ask. For example, I know personally that with a Bank of America ATM/debit card, I can get HK Dollars at China Construction Bank ATMs with ZERO fees, and ZERO exchange rate surcharge.
The easiest and quickest way to pay for small items in Hong Kong is with the Octopus card. It's a stored value card that works on most public transportation AND supermarkets, convenient stores, vending machine, etc. HOWEVER, one has to add value to it using CASH only (unless she has a local HK bank account for automatic top-up). So, she will indeed need cash - not really in her wallet, but on her Octopus card.
In fact, one of the first two things she should get upon arrival into Hong Kong is to get an Octopus, right outside the customs exit. The other is a SIM card.
6. Water is an interesting and controversial subject in Hong Kong. Tap water is indeed safe to drink, but most locals won't do it as a habit, as years ago, bateria were known to be a problem at the fresh water tanks for some highrise buildings. So, traditionally, locals boil their water before consumption; and more recently, some are okay with filters.
Bottled water, as Cicerone says, is another controversial matter. One can easily find distilled bottle water in HK, but not drinking water; and many locals DO only drink these bottled distilled water. But of course, by definition, distilled water are stripped of all minerals. Whether that's actually healthy or not is debatable, and you sure can get different opinions.
1, 2, 4 & 8. There is really not much to worry about in Hong Kong. It's a safe place and no problem with being a black, though since Hong Kong is 90+% Chinese and not too many black visitors, she may get a few glances in some areas, but that's about it. Just use common sense, and no areas to avoid.
3. Prepaid 2G and 3G SIM cards are both easy to get in HK and inexpensive. However, like Cicerone says, her US phone has to be unlocked; and for 2G calling, must also have 900 and 1800 GSM. (In the US, AT&T and T-Mobile uses GSM, but uese 850/1900MHz, so a quad-band phone is required; Sprint and Verizon 2G phones use CDMA, and won't work in HK). So, do some homework about her phone before the trip.
5. Visa/MasterCard are widely accepted in HK, AE a bit less so. But many merchants do have minimum charges of usually HK$100 (US$13) to use one. If she's going to use a debit card, check with her bank/issuer about whether a pin is required for purchase, or if it works just like a credit card. ATMs are everywhere, and most do not charge a fee. However, HER BANK in the US may, so again, do ask. For example, I know personally that with a Bank of America ATM/debit card, I can get HK Dollars at China Construction Bank ATMs with ZERO fees, and ZERO exchange rate surcharge.
The easiest and quickest way to pay for small items in Hong Kong is with the Octopus card. It's a stored value card that works on most public transportation AND supermarkets, convenient stores, vending machine, etc. HOWEVER, one has to add value to it using CASH only (unless she has a local HK bank account for automatic top-up). So, she will indeed need cash - not really in her wallet, but on her Octopus card.
In fact, one of the first two things she should get upon arrival into Hong Kong is to get an Octopus, right outside the customs exit. The other is a SIM card.
6. Water is an interesting and controversial subject in Hong Kong. Tap water is indeed safe to drink, but most locals won't do it as a habit, as years ago, bateria were known to be a problem at the fresh water tanks for some highrise buildings. So, traditionally, locals boil their water before consumption; and more recently, some are okay with filters.
Bottled water, as Cicerone says, is another controversial matter. One can easily find distilled bottle water in HK, but not drinking water; and many locals DO only drink these bottled distilled water. But of course, by definition, distilled water are stripped of all minerals. Whether that's actually healthy or not is debatable, and you sure can get different opinions.
May 16th, 2012, 06:50 AM
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What a wonderful opportunity for your daughter!
I don't know who has told you all these things about Hong Kong, but what terrible information. Let me add just a bit about money/banking issues to the excellent information above.
If you daughter is not going to have a local bank account, she needs to get a good US bank account before she goes - one that won't charge her US$5 per ATM use plus 3% foreign exchange premuim, which are the typical charges of large US banks. Some small banks, many credit unions and brokerage accounts often do not charge for use of foreign ATMs and many refund any use charges of the local ATM. Also, many of these also charge only 1% foreign exchange premium. SHe should also look at what her credit card charges. Most charge a 3% foreign exchange premium, but a few charge only 1% or some from Capital One have no foreign exchange premium. She will be using her credit card a lot for day to day expenses. If her debit card has a Mastercard or Visa logo, it should work in Hong Kong. BUT - debit cards do not have the same fraud protections that credit cards do. I never use debit cards because of this. Someone can empty your bank account and it takes time and effort to get your money back. If your credit card is used fraudulently, you can have those charges suspended immediately. I mention this not because it is less safe in Hong Kong, but because it is an issue everywhere.
I don't know who has told you all these things about Hong Kong, but what terrible information. Let me add just a bit about money/banking issues to the excellent information above.
If you daughter is not going to have a local bank account, she needs to get a good US bank account before she goes - one that won't charge her US$5 per ATM use plus 3% foreign exchange premuim, which are the typical charges of large US banks. Some small banks, many credit unions and brokerage accounts often do not charge for use of foreign ATMs and many refund any use charges of the local ATM. Also, many of these also charge only 1% foreign exchange premium. SHe should also look at what her credit card charges. Most charge a 3% foreign exchange premium, but a few charge only 1% or some from Capital One have no foreign exchange premium. She will be using her credit card a lot for day to day expenses. If her debit card has a Mastercard or Visa logo, it should work in Hong Kong. BUT - debit cards do not have the same fraud protections that credit cards do. I never use debit cards because of this. Someone can empty your bank account and it takes time and effort to get your money back. If your credit card is used fraudulently, you can have those charges suspended immediately. I mention this not because it is less safe in Hong Kong, but because it is an issue everywhere.
May 17th, 2012, 05:38 AM
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Grad student will gets lots of advice and companionship at the U. This is only China on paper. In many respects half asian/half western so is a very interesting place, compared to USA. I have found esp, the public transport highly commendable, safe and cheap. Best not to infect daughter with your fears but let her fly.
May 17th, 2012, 05:43 PM
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I've observed in eating places a lot of Hong Kongers have the habit of washing their bowls, plates and utensils with hot tea/water. Singaporeans stopped this practice years ago. Anyway, I think it's more a habit than necessity.
May 17th, 2012, 06:13 PM
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KMLoke - It's just a habit. It is actually more prevalent now than 25 years ago. Back then, people only did it at low-end establishments where they perceived the rinsing as inadequate. Now, people do it at even mid-priced establishments. At the same time, more and more people in HK has become germaphobe, especially after he SARS episode in 2003.
