Tipping Porters at Kai Tak

[GeezLouise1]

We're heading off to Asia for the first time. I know that tipping seems to be optional in Hong Kong for taxi drivers, but what about the porters who take your luggage at the cruise ship terminal at Kai Tak. Don't want our suitcases to end up in the harbour;).

[shireboi]

We're heading off to Asia for the first time. I know that tipping seems to be optional in Hong Kong for taxi drivers, but what about the porters who take your luggage at the cruise ship terminal at Kai Tak. Don't want our suitcases to end up in the harbour;).

 

 

Just a few points on getting on-board from Kai Tak...

 

1. it will be DAMNED busy around this bag collecting area !! There will be buses and taxis moving around there. There will be hundreds moving about - don't linger.

 

2. just wheel your bag to the area - you wont need any porters - you will see the general area where they are taking them and just leave it there. You honestly see the bag-handlers for all of 30secs.....

 

3. As for your taxi driver - please tip them for the trip - there can be a stack of traffic around that area which - - even just round the $HK up to the next 10 or 20 - compensates for the inconvenience of being in that traffic !

 

 

We had no hassles there a few weeks ago. Quick to drop of bags, however there were long lines to fill in a piece of paper you needs to fill regarding 'health questionnaire'. (* NOTE it's easy to go and grab this paper, then fill it in whilst you are waiting - rather than fill it on the tables - just get your position in line - and go and get someone to grab them)

 

ENSURE THAT WHEN LEAVING KAI TAK THAT YOU HAVE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT - IT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR YOUR CRUISE - - OTHERWISE YOU MAY BE FORCED TO LINE UP IN A MUCH LARGER LINE PRIOR TO CHECK IN !!

 

 

Just some further notes on Kai Tak:

 

- once you are in that bag collection / queue for checkin - there is nothing, no shops, nothing - so if you need water etc - then purchase before heading there.

Edited November 1, 2016 by shireboi

[GeezLouise1]

ENSURE THAT WHEN LEAVING KAI TAK THAT YOU HAVE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT - IT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR YOUR CRUISE - - OTHERWISE YOU MAY BE FORCED TO LINE UP IN A MUCH LARGER LINE PRIOR TO CHECK IN !!

 

Thank you for your comments. We will be sure to tip the taxi driver! I'm not sure what you are referring to in the above comment. Who would require the photocopy of a passport? We have always used the original for check in, would you mind clarifying? Health questionnaire is pretty standard at every check in. Actually, so are the long lines! Thanks,

[shireboi]

ENSURE THAT WHEN LEAVING KAI TAK THAT YOU HAVE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT - IT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR YOUR CRUISE - - OTHERWISE YOU MAY BE FORCED TO LINE UP IN A MUCH LARGER LINE PRIOR TO CHECK IN !!

 

Thank you for your comments. We will be sure to tip the taxi driver! I'm not sure what you are referring to in the above comment. Who would require the photocopy of a passport? We have always used the original for check in, would you mind clarifying? Health questionnaire is pretty standard at every check in. Actually, so are the long lines! Thanks,

 

Re comment

 

We were on the RC Voyager of the Seas a few weeks ago - with a visit to Sanya and 2 in Vietnam. At the check-in - a photocopy of your passport was required. Of course you need your original - the copy is kept by RC for visa purposes.

 

Those who didn't have a copy, needed to join another line - get a copy - and then proceeded to check-in. For the cost of 5c photocopy - it was either have that 'ready' to join a shorter queue at check in - or endure an additional 30-40min queue : up to you to 'decide'.

 

 

Here is an additional remark re the photocopy

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294217-d4759986-r394900808-Kai_Tak_Cruise_Terminal-Hong_Kong.html

Edited November 2, 2016 by shireboi

[GeezLouise1]

Re comment

 

We were on the RC Voyager of the Seas a few weeks ago - with a visit to Sanya and 2 in Vietnam. At the check-in - a photocopy of your passport was required. Of course you need your original - the copy is kept by RC for visa purposes.

Wow, that certainly sounds irritating! Thanks for the heads up, much appreciated. Thank you for your help!

[Cruisin at 17]

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