The Complete Guide to Lai See Etiquette in Hong Kong: Who Gives, How Much & When
, by Divya Chatani de Tourani, 9 min reading time
Master lai see etiquette in Hong Kong with our complete guide to red envelope giving. Learn who gives to whom, standard amounts by relationship, and navigate the unwritten rules of CNY red packets like a local.
Understanding Lai See: Hong Kong's Red Envelope Tradition
As Chinese New Year approaches, one question dominates Hong Kong conversations: how much lai see should I give? Whether you're a seasoned Hong Konger or new to the city's CNY traditions, navigating red envelope etiquette can feel like walking through a cultural minefield. This comprehensive guide breaks down the hierarchies, amounts, and unwritten rules that govern lai see giving in Hong Kong.
When to Give Lai See: CNY 2026 Key Dates
Timing matters when it comes to lai see. Here are the key dates for Chinese New Year 2026:
CNY 2026 Calendar
Chinese New Year's Eve: Monday, February 16, 2026
Chinese New Year (First Day): Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Second Day of CNY: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Third Day of CNY: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Public Holiday Period: February 17-19, 2026 (3 days)
The Lai See Giving Timeline
CNY Eve (Feb 16): Give to building staff, regular service workers, and household helpers before they finish work for the holiday. Many Hong Kongers distribute these packets in the afternoon or early evening.
CNY Day 1 (Feb 17): The primary day for family lai see. Visit parents and in-laws, give to children during reunion gatherings, and exchange with extended family. This is when the bulk of family lai see happens.
CNY Day 2 (Feb 18): Traditionally the day married daughters visit their parents' homes. Continue family visits and give to relatives you didn't see on Day 1.
CNY Day 3 (Feb 19): Extended family visits continue. Some families host larger gatherings on this day.
First Day Back at Work (Feb 20 or later): Office lai see happens on the first working day after the public holidays. Prepare packets for colleagues, staff, and anyone who visits your workplace during the CNY period.
Throughout the 15-Day Period (Feb 17 - March 3): The CNY period officially lasts 15 days until the Lantern Festival. You may give lai see anytime during this period when visiting friends, attending gatherings, or encountering children and unmarried people in social situations.
Important Timing Notes
- Prepare early: Have all your packets ready by February 15 at the latest. Banks will be packed in the weeks before CNY.
- Keep extras on hand: Carry spare packets throughout the entire 15-day period for unexpected encounters.
- Building staff timing: Give to security guards, cleaners, and management staff before they leave for CNY holidays, typically on February 16 or earlier.
- Workplace strategy: Coordinate with your office about the first day back. Some companies return February 20, others extend holidays longer.
The Golden Rule: Who Gives Lai See?
The fundamental principle is simple: married people give lai see to unmarried people and children. But like most Hong Kong traditions, the reality involves nuanced layers of hierarchy and relationship dynamics.
You Should Give Lai See If You Are:
- Married - This is the primary qualifier. Once you're married, you're expected to give lai see to unmarried friends, colleagues, and relatives regardless of age
- An employer or senior colleague - Even unmarried bosses typically give lai see to their staff during CNY
- A parent or grandparent - To your children and grandchildren, regardless of their marital status (though amounts may adjust once they're working adults)
- A homeowner receiving building staff - To security guards, cleaners, and management office staff who serve your building year-round
You Should Receive (Not Give) Lai See If You Are:
- Unmarried - Even if you're 40 years old with a successful career, unmarried status means you receive, not give
- A child or student - The primary recipients of lai see across all family gatherings
- A junior employee - Receiving from your married colleagues and supervisors
The Hierarchy of Lai See Amounts in Hong Kong
While there's no official lai see price list, Hong Kong has developed generally accepted ranges based on relationship and context. Remember: amounts should always be even numbers (except $10 notes), as odd numbers are associated with funerals.
Family & Close Relatives
Your Own Children: HKD $100-$1,000+ per child
Depends on your financial situation and the child's age. Many parents give more substantial amounts to older children.
Nieces & Nephews: HKD $50-$200
Closer relationships or godchildren might warrant $200-$500.
Parents & In-Laws: HKD $500-$2,000+
This reverses the traditional flow - adult children give lai see to parents as a gesture of filial piety and gratitude. Some families give significantly more, especially if parents are retired.
Grandparents: HKD $500-$2,000+
Similar to parents, showing respect and care for elders.
Younger Cousins & Extended Family: HKD $20-$100
Depends on how close you are and how often you see them.
Building Staff & Service Workers
Security Guards: HKD $50-$100
Those you interact with regularly might receive toward the higher end.
Cleaners & Management Office Staff: HKD $50-$100
Consider giving more if they've provided exceptional service throughout the year.
Regular Delivery Personnel: HKD $20-$50
For couriers, food delivery workers, or postal workers you see frequently.
Workplace Lai See
Your Direct Reports: HKD $50-$200
Senior management might give more, especially in finance and professional services sectors.
Office Support Staff: HKD $50-$100
Receptionists, cleaners, security - those who support your daily work environment.
Colleagues' Children (if they visit the office): HKD $20-$50
A polite gesture when coworkers bring their kids to CNY gatherings.
Social & Casual Contexts
Friends' Children: HKD $20-$100
Close friends' kids might warrant $50-$100, acquaintances' children $20-$50.
Shopkeepers You Frequent: HKD $20-$50
Your regular cha chaan teng server, newspaper vendor, or local shop owner.
Hairdresser, Beautician, Massage Therapist: HKD $50-$100
Service providers you see regularly throughout the year.
The Unwritten Rules Every Hong Konger Knows
1. Always Use New, Crisp Bills
Banks are packed before CNY for a reason. Hong Kongers queue for fresh bills because giving worn or folded money is considered disrespectful. Plan ahead and exchange your notes at least a week before CNY.
2. Even Numbers Only (With One Exception)
Give even-numbered amounts: $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1,000. The exception is $10 notes, which are acceptable for casual giving. Avoid: $30, $70, $90, or any odd-numbered combinations.
3. Never Give $40 or Amounts With '4'
The number 4 (四, sei) sounds like death (死, sei) in Cantonese. Avoid $40, $140, $240, $400, $1,400, etc. This is non-negotiable in Hong Kong culture.
4. The Two-Hand Rule
Always give and receive lai see with both hands as a sign of respect. When receiving, don't open it immediately in front of the giver - wait until you're alone.
5. Prepare More Than You Think You'll Need
You'll inevitably encounter unexpected recipients: colleagues' visiting relatives, friends' new babies, building staff you forgot about. Keep extra $20 and $50 packets in your bag throughout the CNY period.
6. The First Work Day Back Requires Strategy
The first day back at the office after CNY holidays involves complex lai see choreography. Married colleagues give to unmarried ones, bosses give to teams, and everyone navigates the social dynamics carefully. Prepare your packets the night before.
Modern Lai See Dilemmas: Contemporary Questions
"I'm in a long-term relationship but not married. Do I give?"
Traditional etiquette says no - unmarried means you receive. However, some couples in decade-long relationships choose to give together as a practical matter. Read the room with your specific family and social circle.
"I'm divorced. Do I still give?"
Yes. Once you've been married, you're expected to continue giving lai see even after divorce. The marital status that matters is whether you've ever been married, not your current status.
"What about same-sex married couples?"
Married is married. Same-sex couples legally married (whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere) follow the same lai see giving expectations as heterosexual married couples.
"I'm unmarried but earn more than my married friends. Should I give?"
Traditionally, no. Lai see isn't about wealth - it's about marital status and hierarchy. However, some high-earning unmarried professionals choose to give to children of close friends as a personal choice, not an obligation.
"How do I handle the awkward 'Are you married yet?' questions?"
CNY is peak season for this question in Hong Kong. A polite "Not yet, still enjoying my freedom!" with a smile usually deflects. Remember, the upside of being unmarried is receiving lai see without the expense of giving.
Budgeting for Lai See: What to Expect
A typical married Hong Kong couple might spend HKD $3,000-$10,000+ on lai see annually, depending on:
- Size of extended family
- Number of nieces, nephews, and friends' children
- Workplace size and position
- Building staff and service workers
- Social circle and community involvement
Senior executives, those with large families, or people in client-facing roles might spend significantly more. Budget accordingly and start preparing packets in early January.
Elevate Your Lai See Presentation
While the money matters, presentation shows thoughtfulness. Consider:
- Premium red packets - Choose elegant designs that reflect your taste
- Personalized packets - Some Hong Kongers order custom-printed envelopes with family names
- Accompanying gifts - Pair lai see with small luxury items for close family: premium teas, artisan chocolates, or elegant home accessories
- Presentation trays - Serve lai see on beautiful trays during home visits, showing extra care and hospitality
At Casa Duniya, we curate Year of the Horse gifts perfect for pairing with lai see: elegant serving trays, auspicious gold tableware, and prosperity-themed home décor that elevate your CNY hosting and gifting.
The Spirit Behind the Tradition
Beyond the amounts and rules, lai see represents:
- Blessings for the year ahead - Sharing good fortune and prosperity wishes
- Strengthening relationships - Acknowledging the people who matter in your life
- Respecting hierarchy - Honoring elders, rewarding service, supporting the next generation
- Community connection - Maintaining the social fabric that makes Hong Kong unique
Whether you're giving your first lai see as a newlywed or you're a seasoned veteran navigating complex family dynamics, remember that the gesture matters more than the exact amount. Thoughtfulness, respect, and genuine good wishes are what make lai see meaningful.
Your CNY 2026 Checklist
✅ Early January: Start budgeting and planning your lai see list
✅ By February 10: Exchange for new bills at the bank (avoid the last-minute rush)
✅ By February 12: Purchase red packets in various designs
✅ By February 14: Calculate and prepare all packets by category
✅ February 16: Give to building staff and service workers before CNY
✅ February 17-19: Family visits and lai see giving
✅ February 20+: First day back at work - office lai see
✅ Throughout CNY period: Keep emergency packets in your bag
✅ Before CNY: Prepare your home for guests with elegant CNY entertaining essentials
Gung Hey Fat Choy! May the Year of the Horse bring you prosperity, health, and joy. 🐴🧧