LAI SEE RULES FOR GIVING AND RECEIVING RED PACKETS IN HONG KONG:
Who should give lai see red packets?
- Only married people are expected to give out red packets to people who are single and younger than them. However, it's always a nice opportunity to show your gratitude to people around whether you are married or unmarried.
When to give lai see red packets?
- People give out red packets during the first 15 days of CNY.
Who and how much to give lai see red packets?
From the security guards at your place, cleaning ladies, to your colleagues, give out red packets to anyone who you'd like to thank. It's also a good idea to include your helper in the festivity. You can think of splitting a yearly bonus throughout the year over CNY, Christmas, and birthday.
- It's always quite tricky to determine how much you'd like to put in the red envelopes. Give HK$20-50 to any services you usually use, and HK$50-500 to your relatives, colleagues and friends.
Is it okay to use old red envelopes from last year?
- It depends on the design of the envelopes but most of them are reusable.
What to say?
The most common ones are "Gong Hey Fat Choy" for a prosperous year ahead, or "Sun Nin Fai Lock", for a happy new year.
What else?
As red packets are usually given from the senior to the junior, some might find it rude if you let your kids hand them to older people. Also, give red packets with both hands to show your respect.
- No matter who it is, never give out coins or crumpled banknotes. A lot of people would try to get brand new crisp banknotes before CNY, so call ahead if you don't want to spend time lining up at the bank.
- Teachers usually are not allowed to accept lai see from parents.
- One important note: do not give increments of 4 in lai see, ang pao, or hong bao, because of the pronunciation of 4 sounds similar to death in Chinese.
