Moving to Hong Kong

"My favourite thing about Hong Kong has to be the feeling of safety. I feel comfortable to walk the streets at any time. The police to population ratio is very high and the crime rate consequently low. It also helps that alcohol is not a big problem here, although sadly, it is increasing. What is your least favorite? - my least favourite thing is the lack of community. I have lived in the same block of flats for 5 years and still do not know my neighbours. We exchange greetings but that is all. This lack of community is exacerbated by the middle class habit of employing alive-in maid. I am just about the only person I know who does her own cleaning. This isolates me and makes me appear a bit of a freak," explained one expat living in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

"I actually rented all my furniture in HK... it was amazingly simple and comprehensive. The company even rented the curtains and light fixtures to me! Some say they rent, but there are only 2 that do: Home Essentials; and Indigo. Indigo has more locations , but Home Essentials has same quality, lower pricing, and easier terms," said one expat in Hong Kong.

"Expats should be aware that Hong Kong is a densely populated city with a high cost of living. It is important to research the different neighborhoods and find one that best suits your lifestyle. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. It is also important to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to Hong Kong. Lastly, it is important to research the healthcare system and find a suitable health insurance plan," said one expat who made the move to Hong Kong.

"Finding a place to live in Hong Kong can be a daunting task. The best way to start is to research the different neighborhoods and districts in the city to determine which one best suits your needs. You can also look into the different types of housing available, such as apartments, condos, and houses. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can use online resources such as property listings, classifieds, and real estate agents to find a place that fits your budget and lifestyle. Additionally, you can also look into short-term rental options such as Airbnb or hostels. Finally, it is important to consider the cost of living in Hong Kong, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the world," remarked one expat who made the move to Hong Kong.

"Choosing where to live is very personal. I used to live on a university campus where there was a great sense of community without the feeling of being in some sort of expat clique. I now live in a well-managed housing estate with excellent security and friendly staff but no sense of community. If you are an expat and want community, you may well have to accept being more separated from the local culture. It is a fact of life here that local people do not mix in the same way as back home. Do not be offended by this - it is a cultural norm, and not aimed at expats. My in-laws were truly shocked (not to mention my first next-door-neighbour, 16 years ago) when I went to the flat next door to introduce myself and invite the neighbours round for coffee. I still surprise them with my weird expat ways, but it doesn't matter - I decided long ago to be myself and to accept my neighbours as they were. It seems to work nicely all round," explained one expat living in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

"Expat homes and apartments in Hong Kong tend to be modern and luxurious, with high-end appliances and amenities. Many expat homes and apartments come with stunning views of the city skyline, and some even have access to private pools and gyms. Expat homes and apartments in Hong Kong are typically well-equipped with modern furniture and appliances, and often feature spacious living areas and bedrooms. Expats in Hong Kong also enjoy access to a wide range of services and amenities, such as concierge services, housekeeping, and security," said one expat who made the move to Hong Kong.

"I live in an apartment, which is typical for Hong Kong, but not for so many expats. Sadly, there are a number of what I can only call "expat ghettos", where well-healed expats choose to live, somewhat separated from the local culture. I find that a shame, but each to his own and all that. I am fortunate to live in a very large apartment. Compared with some of my Chinese friends I am very lucky - many families live in apartments of less than 1000 sq ft., and those in the public housing states are generally less than 500 sq ft. I have a friend in public housing who shares one room with her husband and daughter - they eat, sleep and ply there. There is no kitchen to mention, and the "bathroom" is a cubicle with a toilet, hand basin and shower."," explained one expat living in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

"Housing costs are much higher here. For the price of this flat, I could just about get a mansion in England. Our flat (3000 sq ft) here is not in one of the better locations, but it still cost 6,000,000 Hong Kong dollars in 1989. I am told I could get about 10 million for it now," said one expat in Hong Kong.

"The cost of housing in Hong Kong is generally quite high, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being around $3,000 USD per month. Prices can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the property, with some luxury apartments costing upwards of $10,000 USD per month," remarked one expat who made the move to Hong Kong.

"Buying a home in Hong Kong can be a great investment, as property prices in the city are generally high and have been steadily increasing over the years. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Hong Kong, which is also quite high. Renting a home in Hong Kong can be a more affordable option, as it allows you to live in the city without having to commit to a long-term purchase. Additionally, renting gives you the flexibility to move to a different area if your needs change. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Hong Kong depends on your individual circumstances and budget," replied a member in Hong Kong.

"We had friends living here who advised us well on what to bring. We did bring way too much furniture though. HK apartments are generally smaller than apartments/houses in the USA and you won't need as much furniture. Plus, it's fun to have furniture custom-made here, so you will want to be able to have room for that! DO bring your beds and bed linens, though. Leave all of your appliances in the USA - you'll need a transformer to work them and it's not worth it," explained one expat living in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

"When moving to Hong Kong, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Bring clothing that is suitable for the hot and humid weather, such as light, breathable fabrics. It is also important to bring items that will help you stay connected to your home country, such as books, music, and photos. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a few items that will help you adjust to the local culture, such as a phrasebook and a guidebook. Finally, don't forget to bring any necessary documents, such as your passport and visa," said one expat in Hong Kong.

"We actually brought our suitcases and rented furniture. It was easy, everything was new, and we even got to select fabrics and colors and sizes. Better, we were able to rent curtains (homes do not have them), televisions, and light fixtures (another bizarre element). There are 2 companies that rent - Indigo and Home Essentials. We chose Home Essentials as they were more flexible and lower priced for the same stuff," said one expat who made the move to Hong Kong.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Hong Kong. It is considered rude to point with your index finger, so it is best to gesture with your whole hand. It is also important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to eating. For example, it is considered polite to wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before beginning your own meal. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious beliefs and practices, and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly in public," replied a member in Hong Kong.

"probably! But can't recall them - I am not easily embarrassed. I tend to assume the best intentions in others, and so I guess i expect people to reciprocate and overlook any unintentional blunders. A smile, and a few cantonese words works wonders," commented one expat who made the move to Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, excellent job opportunities, and low taxes. The city is a major financial hub and offers a wide range of career opportunities in banking, finance, and other industries. Additionally, Hong Kong is a safe and secure city with a high quality of life, excellent public transportation, and a wide range of leisure activities. The city also offers a diverse range of international schools, making it an ideal place for expats with children. Finally, Hong Kong is a great place to explore and experience the unique culture of East Asia," replied one expat when asked about moving to Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all Hong Kong residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a wide range of medical facilities and services available. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Hong Kong can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local clinic and paying the applicable fees. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," commented one expat who moved to Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong doctors are quite good but they are lacking bedside manners and compassion in most cases," commented one expat who moved to Hongkong.

"Hong Kong has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services. The public healthcare system is comprehensive and accessible, with a network of public hospitals and clinics offering quality medical care. Private healthcare is also available, with a range of private hospitals and clinics offering a variety of services. The government also provides subsidies for certain medical services, making them more affordable for citizens. In addition, Hong Kong has a number of specialist medical centres offering advanced treatments and services," said one expat.