Hong Kong Airport Info and sand mites (niknik) prevention

Question

Is it possible to access Hong Kong international departure area from international arrival area?

And also is there any pharmacy, drug stores, or shop that sells insect repellent with 20% or more picaridin (also known as icairidin) that is accessible from international arrival area?

Any other info or recommendations regarding how to deal with sand mites (also known as niknik?) within hotel room or hong kong disneyland will be very much appreciated.

Answer

Regarding access between the international arrival and departure areas at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA):

Once you arrive on an international flight, you must clear immigration and customs to enter the arrival hall. From there, you cannot directly access the departure gates without checking in again for a departing flight. Essentially, the departure area (airside) is separate from the arrival area (landside), so you cannot move freely between the two without a valid boarding pass for a departing flight.

About purchasing insect repellent with 20% or more picaridin (also known as icaridin):

There are pharmacies and convenience stores in both landside (arrival hall) and airside (departure gates) areas of HKIA. For immediate access from the arrival area, you can check:

Mannings and Watsons – these are common drugstore chains in the arrival hall. They usually stock insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin; availability of picaridin ≥20% can vary, so check in-store.
Airport convenience stores – limited selection, but some carry travel-sized insect repellents.

Other tips for dealing with sand mites (niknik) in Hong Kong, including hotels and Disneyland:

When staying in hotels, inspect bedding and mattresses. Shake out bedding before sleeping and consider bringing a travel-sized mattress protector or sleeping sheet if sensitive.
Use insect repellents containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin, especially in grassy or sandy areas where sand mites are likely.
After returning from outdoor areas, wash clothes and take a shower promptly to remove any mites.
At Disneyland, sand mites are rarely a major issue, but avoid sitting directly on sand or grassy patches; use provided seating or picnic mats where available.
If any bites occur, clean the area with soap and water and use an anti-itch cream or oral antihistamine if necessary.

Overall, prevention is mostly about using repellents, avoiding direct contact with sand or grass, and keeping personal bedding clean.

Hong Kong Airport Info and sand mites (niknik) prevention

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