Welcome to Hong Kong, the bustling city that never sleeps! From the iconic Victoria Harbor to the busy streets of Mong Kok, Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures and experiences. And since the city offers an abundance of growth opportunities for professionals looking for employment in a dynamic economy, you’ll find yourself progressing in no time.
However, as a new resident, you may find yourself overwhelmed by this fast-paced metropolis’s sights, sounds, and smells. So, to help you settle in, we’ve compiled a list of Hong Kong’s essential living tips.
Relocating your household goods
Moving to Hong Kong is simple because of its cosmopolitan atmosphere and minimal bureaucratic barriers. And since locals can easily communicate in English, you’ll feel at home. But we recommend you familiarize yourself with the local rules and regulations for a smooth transition.
The smarter thing to do would be to start afresh. But if you’re moving in from a nearby Asian city or country, or don’t want to give away household items you love, you can bring in your stuff mostly duty-free. After customs officials inspect everything and review your paperwork, you’re good to go. Once here, you can keep your larger items in a Hong Kong storage unit until you find the right place to stay. These units are known for their cleanliness, good ventilation, and security.
Finding accommodation at the right place
According to several surveys, Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world. So, you might have to pay a significant chunk of your income towards rent and other living expenses. The expenses vary from one neighborhood to another. It depends on factors like accessibility, features, and convenience. For instance, you can expect to pay HK$100,000 per month for a three-bed apartment in The Peak. It is because this hilltop residential district offers breathtaking views of the city.
But if you move towards the more budget-friendly areas like Kowloon and the New Territories, your monthly living expenses will be close to HK$30,000. Here, you’ll find plenty of smaller, more affordable apartments.
Discovery Bay is a popular spot for families with school-going children. You’ll find plenty of ex-pat schools and communities in this area. The rent here is between HK$40,000 and HK$50,000.
Management fees and government taxes can add 12-15% to your monthly living expenses.
Tips on finding a job and building your career
Hong Kong is the global center of finance, commerce, and trade. It, in turn, has created an abundance of openings for ex-pats across various industries – from banking and finance to education, fashion, and hospitality.
To kick-start your career, you can browse through job portals such as Jobable and JobsDB. You may also network with professionals in your field or even ask around through mutual contacts.
If you don’t have a Hong Kong “Right of Abode” or “Right of Land,” you’ll need a work visa. The visa process can take between six and weeks. So, the most efficient route is to have your company sponsor issue one.
When it comes to salaries, the minimum wage of $37.5/hour is much lower than in the US. But the average monthly wage is higher. Men can expect HK$19,100, whereas women can get $14,700. Financing jobs pay the best salaries.
You’ll need a Hong Kong ID card
All Hong Kong residents aged eleven or more must have a local identity card. If you plan on staying for more than six months, you must send an application for the card within the first thirty days of landing. To ensure that your visit to the Immigration Office is hassle-free, make an appointment online before you arrive. Unscheduled visits can often turn chaotic, and securing a booking onsite isn’t always guaranteed.
The card has a chip and contains all your data. You can use it for government services like medical insurance and bus travel. And keep your card with you at all times. The police here have the authority to stop you and ask for your identity. So, better safe than sorry.
Currently, Hong Kong citizens are obligated to apply for their new smart identity cards at Smart Identity Card Replacement Centers (SIDCCs) before 3 March 2023. It is a part of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise. So, make sure to keep this in mind when planning your stay here.
Opening a bank account in Hong Kong
Since Hong Kong is one of the biggest financial cities in the world, opening a bank account is fairly easy. You can choose from a list of financial institutions, ranging from HSBC to Citibank and Bank of China.
The best part is that your visa status doesn’t stop you from having a bank account in Hong Kong. So, even if you’re a non-resident, you can still open one. However, check the bank’s requirements and policies before doing so. Generally, you must be physically present in Hong Kong to open a bank account.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an ATM card, which you can use to access funds and make payments. You will also be given a unique bank account number for online transactions.
Healthcare in Hong Kong
The city’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world. The government funds public hospital care and subsidizes a handful of private hospitals. You only need HKID to access it. Non-permanent ex-pats can benefit from it too. It means you’ll either receive free care, or there’ll be a small fee associated with certain treatments.
You must sign up for a Hong Kong health insurance plan as soon as you arrive. You can either take out an individual or employer-sponsored plan. Most employers offer health insurance packages as part of the employee benefits scheme.
Conclusion
Living in Hong Kong can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With numerous growth opportunities, skyscrapers, and cultural hotspots, there is something for everyone. But it’s important to familiarize yourself with the culture and customs before you start your journey. Most importantly, secure your visa and identity card before anything else.
Once you’ve settled, you’ll soon realize why the net migration rate is steadily growing. So, prepare your documents and start planning your journey.
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