Lai see (利是) giving is an important tradition during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. As an expat, understanding the customs and appropriate amounts shows respect for local culture and helps you navigate social situations smoothly.

Basic Principles

Who gives lai see: Married people traditionally give lai see to unmarried people and children. As an expat, you’re generally expected to participate if you’re married, regardless of your cultural background.

Who receives lai see: Unmarried colleagues, friends, domestic helpers, building staff, children, and service providers you regularly interact with.

Recommended Amounts (2025)

For colleagues and friends:

• Close unmarried colleagues: HK$50-100
• General office colleagues: HK$20-50
• Unmarried friends: HK$50-100

For service providers:

• Domestic helper: HK$100-500 (depending on relationship length and salary)
• Building security/cleaning staff: HK$20-50
• Regular taxi drivers, doormen: HK$20-50
• Hairdresser, regular shop staff: HK$20-100

For children:

• Close friends’ children: HK$50-100
• Acquaintances’ children: HK$20-50
• Relatives’ children: HK$100-500

Important Guidelines

Use crisp, new banknotes: Banks provide new notes before Chinese New Year specifically for lai see. Avoid coins or old, wrinkled bills.

Stick to auspicious amounts: Use even numbers and avoid amounts with “4” (unlucky). Good amounts include HK$20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 800.

Red packets matter: Buy proper red envelopes (available everywhere before CNY). Write your name on the envelope if giving to colleagues.

Timing: Give lai see during the first few days of Chinese New Year, typically when you first see people after the holiday.

Cultural Considerations

Don’t overthink it: Locals appreciate expats participating in the tradition. The gesture matters more than the exact amount.

When in doubt, ask: Trusted local colleagues can guide you on appropriate amounts for your specific workplace.

Budget accordingly: Factor lai see into your Chinese New Year budget – it can add up quickly if you have many recipients.

Reciprocity: If you’re unmarried, you’ll receive lai see. It’s polite to express gratitude, but you don’t need to give back immediately.

Practical Tips

• Prepare envelopes in advance with different amounts
• Keep small bills handy during CNY period
• Don’t open lai see in front of the giver
• A simple “Gong hei fat choi” (congratulations and be prosperous) greeting accompanies the giving

Remember, lai see giving strengthens relationships and shows cultural integration. Most Hong Kong people will appreciate your effort to participate in this meaningful tradition.