Before travelling to Hong Kong, Macau, or indeed any destination, it is good practise to check the travel advice pages of your own government’s website for up to the minute advice on travel and especially for specific threats to your safety based on your nationality, gender, race, religion or sexual persuasion.
Aside from the usual precautions recommended for global travel generally, there are no indigenous terrorist threats in Hong Kong or Macau.
Earthquakes are unknown in Hong Kong and Macao, but mild and non-damaging tremors can occasionally be felt from seismic events with epicentres in China Taiwan and the Philippines.
Typhoons originating in the South China Sea can occur between April and November, with a direct hit causing flooding and landslides. Both locations do, however, have excellent early warning systems in place.
Tourist crime is relatively low and usually takes the form of the theft of portable technology, handbags and luggage, purses, wallets and passports. Violent crime against tourists is very rare.
Caution is recommended when visiting Macau’s casinos late a night. In Hong Kong, wariness should be exercised with drinks, which should never be left unattended, as a few instances of drugging foreigners as a prelude to robbery have occurred. Drinks offered by strangers should be avoided.
Be careful where you point your camera. Never photograph the police, military personnel and installations, or demonstrations, which you should in any case avoid.
Never use illegal drugs. Possession can lead to imprisonment.
Homosexuality is legal in both Hong Kong and Macau. Some protective rights exist, but same-sex couples do not enjoy legal recognition.