Many stores will accept rmb on the spot, though not always at favorable rates... I seem to recall that exchanging rmb was not in anyway a problem.
the Kowloon mansions on nathan road have lots of cheap places of varying quality. Maybe 200 rmb for a passable double. That range, anyway.

Well, yeah that one, and the ones north or south... couldn't recall the names, but they are easy enough to find. Just take the subway to nathan rd. [stop name....tsim shu ta [sp?]]

Of course, that's part of the icky appeal of the place, in a way. Depends on how much of a stomach you have for Chungking... I can't be bothered anymore. Like all the Indian shops downstairs, tho, and tons of places to get curries of varying quality and prive.

As for advance bookings, I've never had a prob with that any time I've stayed in HK or Kowloon, but I guess it might depend on what's happening in town when you show up.

Is there a direct train to HK? I think you have to go to Shenzhen first...

anyway, it will take days!!! Travel by train is interesting, but I can't stand the toilet on trains, ... and no shower for days in summer? I think the flight ticket might be even cheaper than the soft sleeper on the train.

someone mentioned that you could buy a return flight ticket for rmb850 on elong!

I dont even recognize the New Territories as part of HK. Too remote . anywyz, thx.

flights to hk are pretty cheap these days. however, if you cannot find a special offer, try flying to shenzhen and then take the train to hk.

i recommend chungking mansions, never had any problem there and it's hk on the cheap.

for the visa issues, when i went to the china immigration, i asked one girl where exactly i need to go. the lady said "well, depends, if you have all necessary papers, you can draw a number and wait and apply, otherwise i suggest you go downstairs around the corner to that agency, they can arrange them for you." i had all documents, but it did not seem to be too difficult to obtain them on the spot.

Yes Hong Kong is nice and reat even though the living standard is a little bit higher than the other China cities.

Most of the tourists areas are located in Kowloon and HK island like Lamma Island, Central, Mong Kok , Tsim Sha Tsui, Stanley.

Some tourists dont stay in the hotels but prefer some special accommodation like staying on Lamma Island where is near Central, take 20minutes to and from Lamma Island. With convenient and comfortable environment
http://www.involvementstay.com/

Hong Kong is great as most of the people can speak English and almost all of the things have English version, so it is good for westeners

totally agreed..

Don't miss to take a public bus throught the mountains (not buy the tunnel which is much faster!) on HK Island to go to Repulse Bay. You'll get some beautiful mountain and see views and end up in a great getaway from the big city.

from shenzhen train station to HK, only 2 minutes walk, across the border. but then 1 hour to 'downtown' HK on the subway/train system, MTR. If really poor, try 'couchsurfing.org' for a free couch or bed for a few nights. housing, food, and transportation the expensive items in HK. duh, maybe nightlife also expensive, esp the booze. lots of 'girls' to be found, same price at mainland. many from Thailand, save a trip to bangkok.