The Hong Kong dollar is the official currency of Hong Kong. It is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, 500, and 1000, while coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.
Before 1841, only foreign currencies circulated in Hong Kong, with no local currency. The main currencies were Indian rupees, Spanish, Mexican, and Chinese coins. In the early 20th century, the British pound became the main currency in Hong Kong. However, after World War II, despite Britain’s efforts to maintain its currency in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong dollar gained popularity and eventually replaced the pound sterling.
In 2019, the Hong Kong dollar became the ninth most traded currency in the world. It is not the only place using the dollar; neighboring Macau also unofficially uses the Hong Kong dollar.
