These three numbers can really show off your local know-how: six, nine and 10 (left to right).
Count with your hands —
These three numbers can really show off your local know-how: six, nine and 10 (left to right).
CNN
The importance of the umbrella to Hong Kongers can't be overestimated. Rarely exalted, often abused, regularly left at a bar or in a car, the underdog tool is the Hong Konger's best friend, come rain, shine or, more recently, pro-democracy demonstrations.
Love thy umbrella —
The importance of the umbrella to Hong Kongers can't be overestimated. Rarely exalted, often abused, regularly left at a bar or in a car, the underdog tool is the Hong Konger's best friend, come rain, shine or, more recently, pro-democracy demonstrations.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
In a Cantonese restaurant (cha chaan teng) it's OK to be picky. Really picky. As in: "I want that sandwich with triple scrambled egg, beef slices in satay sauce and bread not grilled. And iced lemon tea with less sweetness, no ice and lemon slices on the side. Thank you."
Go ahead, be fussy about your food —
In a Cantonese restaurant (cha chaan teng) it's OK to be picky. Really picky. As in: "I want that sandwich with triple scrambled egg, beef slices in satay sauce and bread not grilled. And iced lemon tea with less sweetness, no ice and lemon slices on the side. Thank you."
Jason Beerman/CNN
The conversations between these gentlemen might go like this. Customer: "Cheaper la." Vendor: "Very cheap ga la." (Meaning it's already very cheap!)
End every sentence (even in English) with a Cantonese final particle —
The conversations between these gentlemen might go like this. Customer: "Cheaper la." Vendor: "Very cheap ga la." (Meaning it's already very cheap!)
DALE de la REY/AFP/Getty Images
Six ... five ... four meters from the turnstile. Takeout your Octopus card out now!
Do not mess up the flow of MTR traffic —
Six ... five ... four meters from the turnstile. Takeout your Octopus card out now!
Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
A service charge is almost always included in the bill, so Hong Kongers don't bother tipping unless the waiter does something extraordinary -- like lion dancing. Tipping is more about getting rid of loose change.
Don't sweat the tip —
A service charge is almost always included in the bill, so Hong Kongers don't bother tipping unless the waiter does something extraordinary -- like lion dancing. Tipping is more about getting rid of loose change.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Will this cab "dive"? Extend one arm in front of an oncoming cab and use the hand and wrist to make an ocean wave motion, indicating that you want the cab to metaphorically brave the harbor waters.
Hail a cross-harbor cab the right way —
Will this cab "dive"? Extend one arm in front of an oncoming cab and use the hand and wrist to make an ocean wave motion, indicating that you want the cab to metaphorically brave the harbor waters.
Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
For shielding pollutants or blowing your nose, as an honorary Hong Konger, you'll always have a pack of tissues -- most likely Tempo, the dominant brand -- ready.
Always carry tissue (not Kleenex) —
For shielding pollutants or blowing your nose, as an honorary Hong Konger, you'll always have a pack of tissues -- most likely Tempo, the dominant brand -- ready.
TED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images
"Wha? Cupcakes for lunch? Must Instagram!"
Photograph all food —
"Wha? Cupcakes for lunch? Must Instagram!"
CNN
Cha chaan teng orders can be lengthy (see slide #2), making waiters and counter clerks kings and queens of abbreviation. We ordered four complicated combos with drinks including "soupy rice with handmade pork balls, salted egg and baby Chinese cabbage." This was simply rendered "Ball-salty-babe" on the second line of the receipt above.
Abbrev. like a pro —
Cha chaan teng orders can be lengthy (see slide #2), making waiters and counter clerks kings and queens of abbreviation. We ordered four complicated combos with drinks including "soupy rice with handmade pork balls, salted egg and baby Chinese cabbage." This was simply rendered "Ball-salty-babe" on the second line of the receipt above.
CNN