Living in Hong Kong can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Not only does it offer excellent career opportunities, but it’s also an incredibly culturally diverse city. With a vibrant social scene, it’s not difficult to meet and network with like-minded people. Often these friends will become life-long companions and you’ll be glad you chose to live in Hong Kong.
The weather in Hong Kong is a big draw for many expats: it’s renowned for its temperate climate. It has hot, humid summers and milder winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.
It’s also an ideal location for outdoor activities as it boasts 70 per cent green space, a network of hills and over 250 islands. With a wide range of outdoor activities available including walking, hiking and cycling, you’re sure to find something to suit your interests.
You’ll be surprised to learn that there are also plenty of water sports on offer too! From sailing and windsurfing to kayaking and junk boat trips, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
The city’s compact size and fast pace of life are also appealing, as are the many public transport options to get around. The bus, metro and ferry are all easily accessible from your home, with all routes passing through central Hong Kong.
Most people choose to live in the central part of Hong Kong Island which is home to the bustling financial district and popular shopping areas such as Mong Kok, Wanchai and Causeway Bay. The area is home to some of the city’s most famous tourist attractions as well as many of its top restaurants and nightlife spots.
It’s easy to see why the city’s population has increased to 7.5 million, making it one of the world’s most densely populated cities. There are more than 30,000 people per square kilometre, and most apartments in Hong Kong are surprisingly small, with average sizes ranging from 470 sq. feet to 750 sq. feet, according to the latest census figures.
There are lots of things to love about living in Hong Kong, but it can be tough adjusting to the city’s infamous crowds. It takes a while to get used to living in a city of this size, so you should give yourself plenty of time to get used to the traffic and the hustle and bustle.
Another thing that can make life difficult is the pollution. Although it’s improving, the air quality in Hong Kong is still considered a problem and it’s common to find yourself breathing a thick layer of haze.
Expats in Hong Kong can benefit from a number of tax breaks. This includes the lowest taxes in the world on salaries, which are based on four tax brackets: 2%-7%, 12%-12% and 17%-17%, plus allowances for private healthcare, education and dependent family members.
A smart ID card is essential to live in Hong Kong and it’s free to get. You can obtain a card from your local registration office and it’s important to keep it with you at all times.