An Expat Talks about Living in Hong Kong, Hong Kong

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Hong Kong

How long have you lived there?

6 months

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

AWA, YMCA, look for baby groups if you have young children.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Most of the people living here are Chinese- something like 97%. We have found it hard to get into the local scene here. However the expat scene is very tight. All expats we have met have been very accepting of differences and open to new people. Language can be a barrier to getting to know local people. You can get around very easy just knowing English but you will have a harder time getting yourself in the local culture without knowing the language.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

All kinds of jobs. Most seem to be in the service and financial industries. I have heard it is hard to expats to get jobs here right now but I do think there are some website to help you along the way. Do some searches. jobsdb.com is one place to look.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Lives seem to revolve around work and money. People are here to work hard and earn as much money as they can.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Try and get out and meet people as soon as you can. I think that makes a big difference in your settling into any country. I would also recommend taking a positive attitude. The crowds, pollution and lifestyle can wear you down over time. Look at it as an adventure and a life time experience and it will be!

Here is a list of potential items to bring:

PERSONAL H&B PRODUCTS:

Allergenic soap substitutes (for people with eczema etc)

Bug spray is available but expensive

Cosmetics – most imported cosmetics are double here. Some brands that you will recognize are actually formulated differently for the Asian completion.

Deodorant /anti perspiring – epically non-fragrance ones

Razors for men and women

Sanitary pads

Suntan lotion

Tampons

Vitamin E Cream

Vitamins/supplements

MEDICAL:

Advil or Ibuprofen

Anti-bacterial cream, antacid, etc.

Cold / flu medicines

First Aid equipment -like savlon spray or cream, sulpha powder, dressings etc

Prescription drugs.

CLOTHING:

Athletic socks

Diapers (disposable ones) are very expensive. Cloth ones not available.

Panty-hose

Pictures of clothes styles that you as tailors are quite reasonable

Shoes – casual, dress, and sport

Sports clothes

Swimwear

Underwear (ladies’ and men’s)

STATIONARY – PAPER:

Art supplies (i.e. construction paper, glitter, Popsicle sticks, and pipe cleaners)

Books

Christmas cards

Dictionaries

Lots of "busy" work – jigsaw puzzles, games

Photos of loved ones

School supplies

Stamps from your country (if you send things through company mail)

KITCHEN PRODUCTS/TOOLS:

Blender, food processor, mixer.

Chicken stock (local product has MSG)

Cocoa powder - very expensive

Coffee or Coffee Beans and grinder! (Starbuck’s due June 2000)

Comfort food (i.e. cereal, pasta, spices, fruit roll ups, etc.)

Fondue pot/equipment

Garbage bags for kitchen made of plastic net (as in Japan)

Coffee machine

Pans for baking cakes or cookie sheets/tins, and muffin tins

Poppy Seeds

Raclette machine

Seeds to grow one's own basil or other herbs

Sesame seeds

Some kitchenware like peeler, spatulas, thermometers and whisks Packet mix for casseroles and dips, etc

Vegetable shortening for baking is available here but quite expensive.

Weber Grill

CD ROMs

Printer cartridges

Full Size bath towels

Nice sheets/linen