Moving To
Hong Kong

MOVING TO HONG KONG? HERE'S HOW TO MAKE YOUR
RELOCATION STRESS-FREE!

Hong Kong is one such top famous expat destination in Asia, mainly with those in business,
banking, and finance, with numerous big international companies having their head office in
the city.

Hong Kong is also an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of Asia. On weekends and
vacations, expatriates frequently go to mainland China and Taiwan to cross additional
countries off their bucket lists. A work hard, play hard attitude is beneficial for individuals
who wish to enjoy Hong Kong the most.

Since the United Kingdom returned Hong Kong's sovereignty to China in 1997, the city has
had a bumpy journey. The Asian financial crisis, avian flu, and SARS struck the Special
Administrative Region within six years, causing enormous disruption and significant financial
losses.

LIVING IN HONG KONG AS AN EXPAT OR GLOBAL NOMAD

As an expat, living in Hong Kong may be a life-changing experience. Hong Kong, a former
British colony, has traditionally been a favorite destination for European expats. Low
taxation and a suitable living level have drawn individuals from all over the world in recent
years. Because of its status as Asia's financial hub, it has a sizable expat community of
around 100,000 people.

HONG KONG'S WEATHER

The climate of Hong Kong is subtropical. Summers are hot and humid, reaching roughly 32
degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Autumn is the best season, with temperatures
ranging from 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F). Winters are gloomy and chilly, with temperatures
dropping below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

COST OF LIVING

Monthly costs for a family of four, excluding rent, are projected to be around HK$30,000. A
person's monthly expenses, excluding rent, are expected to be HK$8,300.

LANGUAGE

The two official languages of Hong Kong are English and Chinese. Most Hong Kongers speak
normal Cantonese, with a lesser proportion speaking Hakka or Teochew since most of the
population fell from migrants from China's Canton Province.

SHIPPING TO HONG KONG

While you may purchase your furniture and other household things in Hong Kong, delivery is
quick and inexpensive. Imported personal home products are not subject to duty or tax, and
there is no restriction on how much you may bring in.

EDUCATION

Hong Kong boasts one of the world's most outstanding educational systems. The majority of
kids attend public schools with good academic standards. However, it is worth mentioning
that most of the public school curriculum is led in Cantonese. That may be a problem for
expats who only live in the country for a short time or whose children have passed when
they can quickly learn the language.

Parents may be concerned that public schools are known for putting rote learning at the
core of their curriculum. However, in recent years, changes to the curriculum have been
made to take a more holistic approach.

On the other hand, many expats opt to enrol their children in private international schools
to help them adjust to life in Hong Kong. Check out our post on finding an international
school for additional information.

CUISINE

You're permitted to bring a three-month supply of any prescription drug into the country,
but it's essential to check with the Canadian embassy in your home country first.

ESSENTIAL THINGS EVERY EXPAT SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
LIVING IN HONG KONG

Here are some things to consider before relocating to Hong Kong:

Because withholding work income is not required in Hong Kong, taxpayers pay tax in lump amounts rather than monthly. Furthermore, the initial tax installment will contain an undetermined amount for the next tax year. As a result, you should expect a hefty tax bill when you file your first tax return.
Residents of Hong Kong are required to carry a Hong Kong ID card at all times. If you stopped by the authorities and did not have one, you may face criminal charges.
Even though Hong Kong is part of China, crossing the border requires a separate visa. We can transport cars from Hong Kong to China (or vice versa) with an authorized license plate.
Hong Kong has 17 public holidays yearly, although they are not carried over to Monday if a holiday falls on a Saturday.
Because most Chinese cooking is done on a stove, most Hong Kong houses and flats need an oven.

PROS OF LIVING IN HONG KONG

1. A dynamic culture
2. A huge expat community
3. Excellent educational possibilities
4. Excellent public transit
5. Easy access to China
6. Financial Benefits
7. Economic freedom
8. Productive workforce
9. Liberal immigration policy

BEST EXPAT TIPS WHEN YOU ARE RELOCATING TO HONG
KONG

Before leaving, make sure you have all the necessary documentation and visas.
If you're moving with your children, applying for school spots as soon as possible is a good idea.
To get a rental home, have up to three months' rent-ready upfront.
Be aware that you must file and pay your taxes twice a year.
Examine life and health insurance options that are appropriate for your area. We've been providing foreign insurance to expats for almost 30 years.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, immerse yourself in the culture, and learn a new language.