Living in Hong Kong

Living in Hong Kong

Known as “Asia’s World City”, Hong Kong’s compact size, buzzing nightlife, natural scenery and friendly international community all combine to offer the best expat living in Asia.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is located on China’s south coast, surrounded by the South China Sea and the borders of Shenzhen, China. The territory’s area consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 200 offshore islands and nice beaches. Its climate is subtropical, yet seasonal. Spring is temperate with some rainfall and summers are hot, humid and rainy. Temperatures are lower in fall when the weather becomes warm and sunny while winter is cooler and dry. The average temperature of Hong Kong is between 14 to 31 degree Celsius (57 to 88 degree Fahrenheit).

Hong Kong is a bustling cosmopolitan city which is frequently described as a place where “East meets West”. Cantonese is the official dialect in Hong Kong, but English is also widely spoken throughout the city. The fusion of east and west also characterizes Hong Kong’s cuisine, where dim sum, hot pot, and fast food restaurants coexist with fancy cuisine.

Hong Kong offers a wide range of entertainment despite its limited land area. There are major multipurpose venues like the Hong Kong Coliseum and MacPherson Stadium for concerts and sports events. Hong Kong’s steep terrain and extensive trail network with expansive views attract hikers, and its rugged coastline provides many beaches for swimming. Shopping can be done everywhere from train stations to malls, night markets to an endless additional variety of other types of stores. The great variety of stores and having no sales taxes levied make Hong Kong a shopping paradise.

The public transportation network in Hong Kong is highly developed and it is the best way to commute throughout the city. The Octopus card, a stored value system, can be used to pay for fares on almost all railways, buses, and ferries. Taxis are also widely used throughout Hong Kong and are another affordable way to travel.

Personal taxation is comparatively low in Hong Kong. ​You can calculate your tax liability by using a simple Tax Calculator from the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department. Please note that you are advised to check your own tax liabilities in your country for working overseas.

Further information about living in Hong Kong can be obtained from these websites:
Hong Kong Government
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department
The Expat Guide to Living in Hong Kong