First time heading to Shenzhen? There's always a pile of questions: Do I need a visa? What do I fill in at the border? Should I bring cash? Below we've rounded up the Shenzhen FAQ for Hong Kong travellers, answering them one by one across five categories — read it once before you set off and you can relax.
1. Documents / Border Crossing
Do I need a visa to go to Shenzhen?
Hong Kong residents holding a valid Home Return Permit (Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents) can enter and leave Shenzhen freely — no visa needed. Non-Chinese Hong Kong residents will need to check whether they hold a valid visa or residence permit.
What is the "black code"? Do I still need to fill it in?
The "black code" is the mainland customs electronic health declaration (Customs Passenger Finger-tip Service). At present, only certain situations or designated checkpoints require the declaration; if needed, you can fill it in advance before crossing using the WeChat "Customs Passenger Finger-tip Service" mini-programme to save time. Policy can change at any time — refer to the on-site checkpoint arrangements and official announcements.
What if my Home Return Permit has expired or I've forgotten it?
The Home Return Permit is the only valid cross-border document — if it has expired or you've left it behind, you won't get through. Always check the expiry date before setting off (some checkpoints do not accept temporary documents).
2. Money / Payment
Do I need to exchange for renminbi?
The mainland is basically a cashless society — restaurants, supermarkets and even roadside stalls all use WeChat / Alipay QR code payments. We suggest bringing a small amount of cash (¥200–500) as a backup and relying mainly on e-payment. For exchange, you can go to a Hong Kong money changer or a mainland bank — compare rates and handling fees.
Can I use e-payment without a mainland bank account?
Yes. With WeChat Pay HK / AlipayHK linked to a Hong Kong credit card, you can spend in the mainland without opening a mainland account. Only if you want the full range of features (collecting government subsidies, linking a mainland card) do you need a mainland account.
Do merchants accept cash?
Cash is legal tender and can be used. Large shopping malls and chain stores usually accept it, but some small shops find giving change a hassle. The official policy direction is to require merchants to support multiple payment methods including mobile payment, bank cards and cash.
3. Language
Can I get by without speaking Mandarin?
Many service staff in Shenzhen understand a little Cantonese, but Mandarin is the main language. Don't worry if you don't speak it: use a translation app on your phone, communicate by text (WeChat), or simply show a QR code to order; most restaurants have scan-to-order menus, so you can manage without saying a word.
4. Internet / Phone
Can I use my Hong Kong SIM card in Shenzhen?
Yes, just turn on roaming — but it's expensive. Money-saving options: buy a mainland data card / SIM card, or use your Hong Kong card's "Greater Bay Area data plan".
Is Wi-Fi easy to find?
Most shopping malls, restaurants and hotels have free Wi-Fi, but some require a mainland phone number to receive a verification code before you can connect — so having a mainland SIM card is the most convenient.
5. Transport / Checkpoints
How do I get from the checkpoint to the city centre?
Luohu and Futian checkpoints have metro stations right outside — scan your ride code to enter the gates and off you go; Shenzhen Bay checkpoint requires a shuttle bus or a ride-hailing car. All three checkpoints have peak periods (weekend mornings, long holidays) — best to avoid them.
What are the checkpoint opening hours?
They differ from checkpoint to checkpoint. General reference: Luohu 06:30–24:00, Futian 06:30–22:30, Shenzhen Bay 06:30–24:00, Liantang 07:00–22:00, Huanggang 24 hours. Some checkpoints may change due to works, holidays or policy adjustments — before setting off, always refer to the latest announcements from the Hong Kong Immigration Department and the Shenzhen Port Office. (For example, Shenzhen Bay checkpoint once briefly adjusted cross-border vehicle arrangements due to works.)
7. Quick Reference (Emergency + Daily Life)
- Emergency numbers: Police 110, Fire 119, Ambulance 120; if Hong Kong travellers are involved in a major incident, they can call the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs global consular protection hotline on +86-10-12308 for help.
- Tipping culture: Basically no tipping is expected on the mainland; restaurant bills already include a service charge (stated on the bill if applicable).
- Waste sorting: Shenzhen operates waste sorting, with bins divided into "recyclables / other waste" etc. — just follow the instructions and you won't go wrong.
- Indoor smoking ban: Smoking is completely banned in indoor public places in Shenzhen, including restaurants, shopping malls and public transport — offenders are fined.
- Toilets: Shopping malls, metro stations and large parks all have toilets; metro station toilets are mostly inside the paid area; bringing your own tissues is safer.
- Tap water: Not recommended for drinking straight from the tap — buy bottled water or drink the water provided in shopping malls / hotels.
8. A Suggested 3 Days for Your First Trip North
For your first trip, don't cram in too much: Day 1 enter via Luohu / Futian checkpoint, walk around Dongmen, KK Mall and Shopping Park, and get used to payments and the metro; Day 2 head to Coastal City in Nanshan and Shenzhen Bay MixC, and try Didi ride-hailing along the way; Day 3 pick one theme (a museum, a park or a nearby day trip) and head back to Hong Kong in the evening. After three days you'll basically have mastered the basics of travelling to Shenzhen, and can mix and match itineraries freely afterwards.
6. Other Common Questions
Do I need to declare anything when returning to Hong Kong?
Bringing personal-use items back to Hong Kong is generally fine, but there are import restrictions on tobacco, alcohol, milk powder, meat and fresh fruit — check Hong Kong Customs rules before setting off.
Is Shenzhen safe?
Shenzhen is generally very safe, but as in any big city, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid remote areas and don't scan random QR codes.
Where should I go on my first trip north?
For beginners, we suggest starting from Futian / Luohu — direct metro access, concentrated shopping malls and plenty of facilities for Hong Kong travellers. If you want to explore newer districts, head to Coastal City in Nanshan or the Shenzhen Bay MixC area, which are less crowded.
Should I download apps in advance?
We suggest installing WeChat, Alipay / AlipayHK and Amap while still in Hong Kong, and completing identity verification; once you cross the border you'll immediately need your ride code, ride-hailing and navigation.
Can I use Hong Kong's Octopus card in Shenzhen?
No. Shenzhen mainly uses Shenzhen Tong or mobile ride codes — Octopus is not accepted in Shenzhen.
What documents do children need to cross the border?
Children must have their own Home Return Permit or valid travel document — they cannot cross using an adult's document; remember to check the expiry date before setting off.
The above information is for reference only. Checkpoint hours, charges and policies change from time to time — it's best to confirm the official announcements once more before setting off.
— Compiled by the HKSZ Life editorial team, your guide to travelling to Shenzhen. Border-crossing policy, checkpoint hours and charges are subject to the latest official announcements from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs and the Shenzhen Port Office.
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