As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, along with three major banks—HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, and Bank of China (Hong Kong)—has announced the availability of new banknotes for public exchange. This service will be available from January 14 to January 28, 2025.
To streamline the exchange process, the banks will implement several measures. For the first three days of the exchange period, from January 14 to 16, branches will open earlier at 8 AM. Additionally, a specific time slot from 8 AM to 9 AM will be set aside exclusively for the exchange of notes. Starting January 7, customers can book appointments online to exchange new banknotes as well as “lucky money” notes, with more details to be released by the banks.
In light of the growing popularity of digital transactions, the Monetary Authority encourages residents to consider using electronic payment methods for distributing lai see. Options such as the Faster Payment System (FPS) and various e-wallets offer convenient and sustainable alternatives to physical cash, reducing dependency on traditional envelopes and banknotes.
For those who prefer cash, the Authority advises checking for any remaining new banknotes at home before visiting the bank. The three issuing banks are committed to maintaining an adequate supply of new banknotes throughout the exchange period, ensuring that citizens do not need to rush to branches during the initial days.
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