19 18 Credit Cards and digital wallets Credit cards are generally accepted in chain stores, shopping malls and most of the restaurants in Hong Kong. Most major banks offer credit cards to students. Payment methods via digital wallets including Apple Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, PayMe, are also widely accepted. Some of the canteens in HKUST do not accept credit cards. Octopus Card The Octopus card is a convenient, electronic-stored value card that can be used on most forms of public transport as well as in convenience stores and restaurants. Card values can be topped up at subway station, convenience stores, supermarkets and many other places. On campus, you can top up at the cashiers in the supermarket and convenience stores, and most of the eateries. Money Exchange We recommend that you do not carry large amounts of cash. Instead, carry a mixture of cash, bank drafts, checks or travelers’ checks in order to safeguard your finances when entering Hong Kong. Currency The basic unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar which is pegged at approximately HKD7.80 to USD1.00, and consequent rates of exchange to other currencies. The Hong Kong dollar is divided into 100 cents and notes in denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 are issued by HSBC, the Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank. The government also issues $10 notes. Please be aware that there are different designs for notes of the same denomination. Hong Kong Monetary Authority Website https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/key-functions/money/ hong-kong-currency/notes/ LIVING IN HONG KONG POSTAL SERVICE The Hong Kong Post provides a fast and reliable local and international global service. For courier service, in addition to the Hong Kong Post, international services including FedEx, UPS, DHL, and SF Express are also available in Hong Kong. On campus, post boxes are located outside the lobby of Lift 31/32 on 2/F and the driveway outside LT-F and LT-L. Mailing service is available at Room 2615 (Lifts 31-32). FOOD ON CAMPUS There are many eateries on and around campus. They are a great place to catch up with your friends as well as fill your stomachs. Canteens The student canteens located in Lower Ground Levels 1 and 7 and at the Business School Building are the largest canteens on campus. The canteens mainly serve Chinese dishes, with some noodles, pastas and sandwiches. There is also a McDonald’s on campus. Passion Serves salads, pizzas, pastas, pastries and other Western, hot entrees. Pacific Coffee Serves breakfast including muffins and different types of pastries, as well as lunch/dinner including paninis and packed salads. They also serve a variety of gourmet coffee. Starbucks HKUST students can enjoy 30% discount by presenting HKUST Student Identity Card. Subway Sandwiches prepared on a variety of freshly baked breads, with your choice of cold cuts or Veggie Delite. UniBistro & Bar The UniBistro serves a Western menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The adjacent Uni-Bar is the bar on campus.
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