Compared to other areas in Asia, living in Hong Kong can be an expensive experience. It’s no secret that living in the city is a luxury, and you can expect to spend a large percentage of your salary on housing and other expenses. In fact, the average Hong Kong citizen spends more than half of their monthly income on rent.

The cost of living in Hong Kong can vary greatly depending on your location and choices. A family living in a rented apartment can expect to pay about HK$40,000 to HK$50,000 a month, depending on the size of the apartment. If you choose to rent a luxury villa, you will have to pay more.

A good starting point is to choose a location that is easy to access by public transport. There are three main areas to consider: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Although the Hong Kong Island is the most populated, the Kowloon and New Territories are quieter than the city center, making them ideal for families.

The New Territories have beautiful beaches and hiking trails, as well as some minibus routes that connect to the MTR stations in the New Territories. The New Territories are also home to the Outlying Islands, which offer scenic views and dog owner heaven.

Hong Kong’s public transportation is inexpensive and reliable. You can walk, bike, or take a bus to get around the city. It’s also easy to leave your car at home. There are also taxis and ride-hailing services. Public transportation is also a great way to get to know the city.

There are a number of international schools in Hong Kong. Most of them follow the British curricula, while others use an American or Australian curriculum. You can also choose to send your kids to one of the many private international schools. If you plan to send your kids to school, make sure that your salary package includes enough funds to cover the costs.

Aside from the expense of living in Hong Kong, you will need to prepare for the fact that the city is very densely populated. The population of the city is estimated to reach seven million people in 2020. With so many people living in so little space, finding a place can be challenging. If you are unsure where to live, consider a temporary apartment for a few months to get a feel for the area before making a final decision.

Although Hong Kong is a modern city, there are still a number of traditional Chinese practices. If you don’t speak Mandarin, you can get around by using sign language. You can also learn some Cantonese, which is slightly easier than Mandarin. This can be especially helpful for liaising with mainland colleagues.

Although you can find a number of top quality apartment complexes in Hong Kong, they are also expensive. Choosing the right apartment can be difficult, especially if you don’t speak Chinese. But if you choose an apartment in the Kowloon district, you can expect to pay less than in the city center.

Getting around Hong Kong is easy with the city’s efficient public transportation system. You can take buses, ferries and taxis, or opt for the MTR subway system. You should buy an Octopus Card, which is a reloadable card that you can tap to board buses and trains. Using the card allows you to avoid the hassle of changing money and allows you to travel on any MTR line.

The Hong Kong Transport Board is a great source of information. They have information centres located in airports and at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry pier. You can also purchase an Octopus Card at customer service kiosks, which you can use for every ride you take. If you are visiting Hong Kong for the first time, it may be worth asking a local guide for advice. They will be able to guide you to some of the best attractions.

Hong Kong is a great place to explore by foot. Street markets and sidewalks are always bustling and offer some of the city’s best shopping and people watching. It’s also worth visiting small alleys. Some of these alleys may have shops that offer traditional Hong Kong food. The best time to visit is during the day.

For a unique Hong Kong experience, consider taking a funicular ride to the top of Victoria Peak. You’ll get a breathtaking view of the city and will also be able to explore the city’s history. If you’re looking for more options, you can also take a trip to the Lantau Islands or the New Territories. These islands are less touristy and offer a different perspective on the city.

There are some good hotels in Hong Kong, but you can also save money by choosing one of the many cheap hotels in the city. However, these hotels can be quite dirty and unsafe. A good way to avoid these problems is to book in advance. During the peak tourist season, it can be difficult to book a hotel in the city, especially during typhoon season. You can also save money by staying in hotels that are near an MTR station. This will help you avoid having to pay for expensive taxis and buses.

Hong Kong is a major financial hub. You’ll find lots of banks and ATMs around the city. You should also make sure to bring enough money with you. In Hong Kong, there is a very high likelihood of heavy rainfall during the summer months. You should also check the weather before you go hiking.

Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures and a blend of Chinese and Western influences. The locals speak Cantonese, which is the main language of most parts of the city. In some places, this can be a challenge for non-Chinese speakers. You should also be aware that supermarkets and department stores don’t allow haggling.

It’s also important to know that you can only get change for the exact amount of coins. This makes bus travel difficult for non-Cantonese speakers. Buying an Octopus Card is the best way to pay for your rides. You can also use Google Maps to get to your next destination.

If you’re an avid shopper, Hong Kong is a must-visit location. From trendy malls to hip boutiques, from multipurpose stores to street markets, Hong Kong has it all. Even non-shoppers are attracted by the city’s impressive shopping scene. The flashy neon advertisements, high-end brands’ flagship stores, and sale signboards draw people in.

One of Hong Kong’s hidden shopping districts is Sham Shui Po, which is famous for its amazing deals. Keep in mind that most shopkeepers do not speak English, so bargaining can be a little tricky. Among the most popular items sold here are cloth items and leather apparel. This neighborhood has even been dubbed the “fabric market” of Hong Kong.

The Central District is another great place to shop. Here, many top designers from New York have set up shop. You’ll find stores such as Harvey Nichols, Lane Crawford, Louis Vuitton, Alberta Ferretti, Diane von Furstenberg, and Gucci. Other great locations include Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, St John, and Polo Jeans Co.

If you love cute souvenirs, try G.O.D., which sells quirky souvenir gifts and lifestyle household items. Many products are based on Hong Kong’s lifestyle habits and common sights. The store has a few locations in Hong Kong, including one near the airport. Its merchandise is often packaged in attractive packaging, which makes it convenient to bring home.

Causeway Bay is another area popular with tourists. It features a wide variety of shopping malls and brand stores, as well as numerous restaurants. Causeway Bay is also home to SOGO, Hong Kong’s largest department store. There are also several outlets in the area, allowing shoppers to find popular products at lower prices than they would have paid in street markets.

Mongkok is less glamorous than the Causeway, but it’s still a popular shopping district for budget-minded shoppers. There, you can find just about everything, from clothes to electronic items, without breaking the bank. Just be aware that there’s no warranty on items purchased here, and shopkeepers are unlikely to entertain any complaints you have.

If you’re looking to buy souvenirs from Hong Kong, try haggling. You can also buy Chinese antiques to take home. In Hong Kong, you can also buy fortune cats – cute waving cats that are said to bring good luck to their owners. The cats are usually priced low enough that they can be purchased for a couple of dollars.

Dining in Hong Kong is an experience that is full of etiquette, so there are certain dos and don’ts to follow. For example, it is unacceptable to leave bits of food on your plate, which can be embarrassing for the people hosting you. Another important tip is not to stick your chopsticks vertically into your food. You should also never point your chopsticks at other diners. Finally, never lay your chopsticks across each other while eating. Ideally, you will lay your chopsticks across your plate when you are finished.

If you are dining with a group, it is also important to follow proper table etiquette. In traditional Chinese restaurants, people eat together. They typically sit at long tables of 10 or 12 people, with the food in the middle. The host will often serve each person by using a large spoon or the opposite end of their chopsticks.

You can also save money by ordering set lunches. Most restaurants offer these at a reduced price. Typically, you’ll get an appetizer, main course, and side dish. You can even find some expensive restaurants offering lunch buffets, including Michelin-starred restaurants. Just remember that Hong Kong restaurants have limited space, and if you’re seated at a table for two, you’ll have to share the table with other diners.

While it is customary to tip in Hong Kong, it’s still not necessary to leave a significant amount of money. You can leave a tip if you feel that the service was outstanding. If the service was really excellent, you might want to tip more than usual. If you’d like to tip the driver, round up your fare to an even number and leave a small tip.

Another important tip to remember is to make reservations. You can use the Hong Kong directory or the Hong Kong Dinning Guide to plan your meal. Many restaurants require reservations, especially if you’re dining during lunchtime. You can also call directory enquiries on 108-1 to verify phone numbers. You can also check out which restaurants are accredited under the QTS scheme.

Dim sum is an important part of the Hong Kong dining culture. Hong Kong boasts over 1,000 varieties of these bite-sized dishes, which are often served at teahouses. As with any tradition, dim sum is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea. The menus include everything from braised chicken feet to shrimp-filled har gao.

Another great Hong Kong dining tip is to try snake soup. It is a delicacy known for its nutritional value and medicinal benefits. It is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago. Unlike the name, snake soup does not actually resemble a snake at all; it is more of a chicken soup. A good restaurant in Hong Kong serving snake soup is She Wong Lam.

Another great way to experience old Hong Kong is to try dim sum. Whether you prefer Chinese or Cantonese cuisine, dim sum can be a great way to experience Hong Kong cuisine. You can also sample traditional street food, such as pork chop. This is a delicious dish that is often served alongside rice, instant noodles, or cornstarch.