Hong Kong is a former British colony that turned into a modern business and tourism hub in Asia. Moving to Hong Kong is an excellent decision if you want to upgrade your career in various industries, especially finance.
In this article, we will share 9 legendary protips to help you prepare yourself before living in Hong Kong. You will also find crucial information like the pros and cons of living in Hong Kong, the cost of living in Hong Kong, how to get around, and tips to prepare for your relocation.
1. Learn The Pros And Cons Of Living In Hong Kong
Living in Hong Kong can be a fun experience for many people. This island is packed with opportunities in careers, education, and options for leisure.
However, Hong Kong comes with both pros and cons that you should prepare yourself for. Below are the pros and cons that you need to know before moving to Hong Kong.
The Pros Of Living In Hong Kong
Vibrant City With Leisure Options And Nightlife
You will not run out of options to have fun in Hong Kong. You can find entertainment in bars, clubs, and music gigs.
On the other hand, you will also find cultural sites such as temples and cultural events like festivals.
Great Selections Of Restaurants And Food
Another good thing about Hong Kong is the diversity of its dishes. Many foreigners living in Hong Kong have added to the uniqueness of the food scene. It is easy to find dishes from all over the world here.
Of course, you will also learn to enjoy more local food such as fish balls, pineapple buns, egg tarts, dim sum, and the famous milk tea. Connecting with the locals is easier to do over Chinese dinner and lunch.
Easy To Network With Expats
Expats in Hong Kong are easy to find, especially in the finance, property, and law sectors. There is an expat community in almost every office.
Usually, if you meet an expat, they will introduce you to other expats or locals. That’s why networking for business, hobby, or career is pretty easy in Hong Kong.
The Cons Of Living In Hong Kong
Lack Of Spaces Lead To High Rent
Shortage of land in Hong Kong has resulted in the city being densely populated and property prices skyrocketing..
As such, we strongly suggest preparing for a post-moving budget that includes housing and living expenses for the first two or three months. Preparing this budget will help you financially, especially when you need to buy essentials for your home during the early months in Hong Kong.
Local Language
You can survive with English in Hong Kong. Most people, including the locals, can speak English well.
However, it is still better to learn Chinese before heading to Hong Kong. This way, you will give a good impression to your local friends. Besides, being able to speak Chinese will give you a better chance during your job hunt.
2. Get Familiar With The Weather In Hong Kong
The type of climate in Hong Kong is subtropical, which means this island experiences four seasons.
The summers are hot and humid, with temperatures as high as 91°F (33°C), while winters are dry, with temperatures ranging from 64°F (18°C) to 50°F (10°C).
These temperatures are considered friendly, even for people from tropical countries. If you are from areas with freezing winters, Hong Kong’s climate will be lovely for you all year long.
3. Do Your Research To Find The Best Neighbourhood For Your Lifestyle
Hong Kong has neighbourhoods that will accommodate your needs. This city has it all, including an expat-friendly neighbourhood or a family area.
To help you search for the perfect neighbourhood, here are some of the best areas for your reference.
Kowloon Tong
This area is perfect for expats living with children since it is home to some international schools. Your children will have an easier time adapting to the new environment by enrolling in one of these schools.
In addition, Kowloon Tong also offers shopping centres and connections to the city centre via MTR (Mass Transit Railway). You will also find options of accommodations such as the low rise and high rise apartments.
Happy Valley
Happy Valley offers proximity to the shopping and nightlife hub of Causeway Bay. This area is perfect if you want some peace and quiet as well as easy access to green spaces and the vibrant city centre.
You can also find low rise complexes and high rise apartments throughout the area. Some accommodations are also available for short-term rent.
Wan Chai
Wan Chai is a business district that offers amenities such as bars, restaurants, shops, wet markets, and MTR stations. Many expats live here due to the options of accommodations available and the proximity to the business area.
You can find accommodations in various forms and at different price points. This area offers a variety of housing options, from cheap to luxurious serviced apartments. Therefore, you need to determine your budget while doing a home search here.
4. Try These Tips To Survive The Cost Of Living In Hong Kong
The living expenses in Hong Kong are pretty high, especially the housing. Therefore, you need to find information about the average cost of living in Hong Kong to make a budget.
The estimated monthly expense for a family of four is 63,061 HKD (8,045.08 USD), and for a single person is 45,555 HKD (5,811.73 USD). To calculate the overall cost of living, you’ll need to add the average housing cost to the monthly expenses.
The average rent for an apartment is 30,890 HKD. If you choose to rent an unfurnished apartment, the average rent is around 18,000 HKD.
To survive the high cost of living in Hong Kong, you can try the following tips:
- Making a habit to pay with cash will make you more conscious of your spending.
- Get a water filter for your tap to avoid buying bottled water.
- Save money on lunch by cooking your meals and bringing your lunch box to work.
- Buy frozen meat or fish for a lower price.
5. Dive Into Hong Kong’s Job Market And Find Better Job Opportunities
Hong Kong is an attractive work destination for people from mainland China and other countries.
You can find various industries are growing in Hong Kong. The job opportunities here are open for people with various industry backgrounds and expertise.
To help you get an insight into the job market, below are the main sectors that have been providing significant economic growth and employment in Hong Kong:
- tourism,
- trading and logistics,
- financial service, and
- professional services.
In addition to the above sectors, IT and creative industries are also growing on this island.
When you get the job offer, please remember to clarify with your employer what they need to proceed with your work visa and health insurance.
6. Find Out How To Explore Hong Kong By Public Transport
Exploring Hong Kong by public transport is quite convenient. You will find various options for public transport such as MTR, taxis, buses, minibuses, tramways, and ferries.
After arriving in Hong Kong, it is best to buy an Octopus card immediately. This card is the best way to pay for the transportation fare since it is cashless. You can also use the card to pay at stores, restaurants, and cafes.
7. Participate In Festivals And Never Get Bored In Hong Kong
Hong Kong is rich in culture as it is a place with a long history. You can enjoy the vibrant festivals in Hong Kong every year.
Below are some festivals you cannot miss if you want to get closer to the local culture:
- Chinese New Year Celebration,
- Cheung Chau Bun Festival,
- Dragon Boat Festival, and
- Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair.
These festivals offer great moments that you would want to capture with a camera. The moments will be even more special if you enjoy the festivals with your new friends and colleagues.
8. Get Around Hong Kong And Visit These Iconic Places
Hong Kong island is a modern place with many interesting places to visit. You can find both modern and cultural landmarks here.
To help you fill up your bucket list, below are some iconic places to visit around Hong Kong:
- Victoria Peak (The Peak),
- Ocean Park,
- Dragon’s Back Hike,
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel,
- Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, and
- Hong Kong Park.
When you get more familiar with Hong Kong and its public transport, you can try to visit somewhere further. For example, you can take a boat ride to Macau for a day trip.
9. Check Out The Following Tips While Preparing For Your Relocation To Hong Kong
Relocating to another city or country needs preparation. If you cannot manage your preparation stage well, you will foresee many obstacles in the future.
We share the following practical tips to help you with your preparations for your relocation to Hong Kong.
Make A Relocation Checklist
Making a relocation checklist may seem simple, but it is the most practical way to organise your relocation. Below are some categories that should be included in your checklist:
- essential documents,
- things to buy (moving essentials),
- things to pack,
- items to donate or sell,
- relocation budget (preparation, trip, post-moving),
- travel precautions, and
- important contacts.
Having a checklist will help you to track your moving progress without having to rely on memory.
Engage A Professional To Ship Your Belongings
A moving company like Sanelo has the expertise and experience to make your relocation less stressful.
Especially if you are moving from overseas, engaging Sanelo to ship your belongings will be a smart decision. This way, you won’t have to deal with heavy luggage or excess baggage fees.
Conclusion On Moving To Hong Kong
If you think your hometown lacks things to do and opportunities for your career, Hong Kong can be your destination. Living in Hong Kong will take you closer to vibrant nightlife, plenty of leisure activities, excellent neighbourhoods, and better career opportunities.
Hong Kong also offers a good transportation network that will connect you to this island’s areas and the neighbouring places such as Macau and Mainland China.
To have a smooth relocation process, you should make a relocation checklist that contains things to do regarding your moving process. This checklist will help you to remember all the crucial things.
It is also best to engage a professional like Sanelo to ship your belongings to Hong Kong. You will not have to worry about carrying heavy luggage if you take advantage of our service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Hong Kong
Is It A Good Idea To Move To Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is an excellent place to work and live. It is also perfect for expats and their families to settle in.
Remember to have your job, apartment, and health insurance ready before moving to Hong Kong.
Can I Move To Hong Kong Without A Job?
You can visit Hong Kong with a job. However, if you want to live in Hong Kong for a long period of time, you need to have a visa, and getting a job is a way to earn a permit.
If you move to Hong Kong as a student or dependent, you do not need to secure a job beforehand. Check out the immigration page for the types of visas you can use to live in Hong Kong.
How Much Do I Need To Live Comfortably In Hong Kong?
You need to earn HK$30,000 annually to live comfortably in Hong Kong. This salary is enough to afford basic needs, housing costs, and leisure, and leaves a portion of savings as well.
Can Sanelo Help Me With My Relocation To Hong Kong?
Yes, Sanelo can ship your belongings from your home country to Hong Kong. Our team has years of experience handling both local and international relocations.
If you need more information, please contact us, and our team will walk you through the process. You can also consult your relocation needs before starting your quote.
We have more information and tips about relocation that you can find in the following articles: