MONEY & CURRENCY Hong Kong has one of the least restricted economies in world and is basically duty-free. It is the world's 10th largest trading entity and 11th largest banking centre. The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. There is no central mint; instead, notes are issued by three separate private banks. The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of approximately US$1 to HK$7.79. The is no restriction controlling foreign exchange. Thus, visitors may bring in or take out an unlimited amount of cash of any currency, and transfer any amount of money in or out of the country. You can easily exchange virtually any foreign currency or traveler's checks in Hong Kong, such as the money changing desks at the airport in both the arrival and departure halls, as well as at a number of banks, licensed money exchangers, hotels, and even some shops. Denominations - Notes (Dollars) $10 - Green (old) / Purple (new); $20 - Bluish; $50 - Purple (old) / Green (new); $100 - Red; $500 - Brown; $1,000 - Orange. Denominations - Coins Cents: 10, 20, and 50 cents (all bronze); Dollars: 1, 2, 5 (all silver) and 10 dollars (nickel-bronze).