Where the money goes, and where it doesn't

Hotels are the expensive part; everything else can be cheap. Transit is a few dollars a ride, the museums in Tsim Sha Tsui (the Museum of Art, the Science Museum) have free days and low admission, and the temples, markets, and harbor walks cost nothing. Eat at dai pai dongs and food courts rather than hotel restaurants. Tipping isn't expected beyond the 10% service charge that many restaurants add; check the bill before adding more.