Hong Kong - credit card and cash
 

Got my ticket reserved. Visiting HKG for the first time for 3 days.

1. Does international credit card widely accepted, at least in the airport, hotel, restaurant, and larger stores?

2. I prefer using credit card as much as possible, but I would still plan to have some cash with me just in case. How much local HK$ is approprate? A range is fine.

3. Can I use an international credit card to pay things like the Octopus card, airline fee etc.

4. Is it recommended to get local currency before departure or at the airport?

Get your Hong Kong dollars upon arrival in Hong Kong to get the best rate. Credit cards are accepted at the places you list. My memory is that I couldn't buy an Octopus card with a credit card, but someone else can confirm or disconfirm this. I'd get a minimum of US$100 in Hong Kong dollars.

Whe using a credit card, is it required to show a form of ID? I don't think that it is convenient to carry a passport while sight-seeing, is a US driver's license considered an acceptable ID?

I've not been asked for ID when using a credit card in Asia... only in the US.

You can only buy the special tourist MTR cards (either the one-day MTR pass or the ones that come with one or two Airport Express rides). You cannot get a regular Octopus or to recharge one with credit card, as you can get cash out of the card anytime.

In general, no need to show ID when using a credit card.

Be careful, a few places have started to use dynamic currency conversion for foreign cards. Make sure you check the box for paying in HKD. [Unlike in China, the merchants will indeed charge you in HKD if you check the box.]

Cards widely accepted in Hong Kong are Visa, Mastercard, AE and JCB. Discover is NOT accepted there.

Sorry, what I mean is that you can use credit cards only for the tourist cards. You can get any type of card with cash.