Frequently asked questions about living in HK

1. What's it like to live in Hong Kong?
2. Do I need a visa to live and work in Hong Kong?
3. What are the accommodation options?
4. What about education for non-Chinese speaking children?
5. Is the standard of health care good?
6. Is Hong Kong an easy place to live?
7. Is Hong Kong a safe city?
8. Do I need special protection to secure my home?
9. Can I bring my pet to Hong Kong?
10. How close-knit is the expat community in this area? How do I get involved with it?
11. What is the best way to make social connections outside of work?
12. Where can I meet other singles in this city?
13. Are there any unique networking opportunities for accompanying partners?
14. How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?
15. Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?
16. What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?
17. What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?
18. What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?
19. Are there any organisations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?
20. I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?


1. What's it like to live in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong offers a stimulating, dynamic and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Of Hong Kong's population of around 7 million, approximately 5 percent or 350,000 are of non-Chinese descent, so there's a definite expat scene. English is widely spoken and it is one of the two official languages of Hong Kong (the other being Chinese).

Hong Kong's excellent dining, bar and clubbing scene offers the widest range of choice and variety in Asia, catering to all tastes.


2. Do I need a visa to live and work in Hong Kong?
Generally, foreign nationals must obtain a visa before coming to Hong Kong to work, invest or remain in Hong Kong. If you want to stay in Hong Kong for the long term, you need to obtain either:

1. A work visa for employees
2. A visa through investment (the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme)
3. A dependency visa

A visa is granted on condition that the applicant keeps to the original purpose of the visa when it was issued.

Every adult (and child aged 11 years and above) who is permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card within 30 days of arrival. By law, you should carry this with you at all times. This also allows you to benefit from the government health system.


3. What are the accommodation options?
Residential rentals are in line with those in major international cities such as London and New York. The choice of accommodation is wide, ranging from luxury high-rise apartments in the heart of the city to detached houses in the rural New Territories. The type of housing you choose depends on your budget and personal preferences.

Two-year rental leases are standard. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property.


4. What about education for non-Chinese speaking children?
In Hong Kong, there are some 15 schools operated by the English Schools Foundation and 55 international schools. These schools contribute to the city's vibrant international character and can offer overseas residents an opportunity to continue their childrens' studies in their home nations' curricula and language. The international schools provide over 30,000 places.

The English Schools Foundation is the largest provider of English-language schooling in Hong Kong. This foundation runs ten co-educational primary schools and five secondary schools - classes are held in English. The schools follow the English curriculum adapted for the Asia Pacific context.

There are also some 40 private schools offering places at primary and secondary levels suitable for expatriate children. These schools cover a range of non-local curricula including American, Australian, British, Canadian, French, German-Swiss, International Baccalaureate, Japanese, Korean and Singaporean.

Demand for places in these schools is also strong so parents are advised to contact the Education and Manpower Bureau for information before arrival in Hong Kong.

Graduates of Hong Kong's international schools are accepted at the world's leading universities. Several Hong Kong universities offer opportunities for part- or full-time.


5. Is the standard of health care good?
In addition to the many government clinics and hospitals, Hong Kong has a broad range of private practitioners, who offer healthcare ranging from Western medicine, to traditional Chinese medicine and holistic approaches. The overall standard of medical care is very high and the hospitals are very efficient.


6. Is Hong Kong an easy place to live?
As with all moves to a new place, it takes time to adjust to the new lifestyle, culture and surroundings. Generally, it is easy to meet people and participate in city life. Joining a business association, chamber of commerce or sports club will bring you into contact with other residents, as will becoming involved in community events.


7. Is Hong Kong a safe city?
Hong Kong is one of the safest international cities in the world. The overall crime rate is lower than that of many other metropolitan cities. Petty crime is minimal and you don't have to think twice about walking around the city at night.

The only things you may have to be wary of are pickpockets who sometimes operate in large and crowded malls. Keep your bags closed and never leave them unattended. When you shop, don't carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you. Also, if you buy electronic goods off the street, make sure that the box contains all the items that you are expecting inside.

In the unlikely event of an emergency dial 999 (fire, ambulance, police).


8. Do I need special protection to secure my home?
Most apartment blocks and complexes have security cameras and guards on duty 24/7. If you are not sure how safe your home or office is, the Crime Prevention Bureau (CPB) offers an invaluable range of services designed to make your home or business as safe as possible. All services are free of charge:

• Security Surveys: CPB can identify any areas of vulnerability in your premises. Then advice and recommend practical solutions to reduce your risk
• Security Equipment: you can see security equipment on display at the CPB headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui
• Security Awareness Programmes: CPB offers assistance and advice on the formulation of security awareness programmes for your company
• Computer Security and Data Protection: CPB provides practical advice on computer and data protection

9. Can I bring my pet to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong allows quarantine-free entry for inoculated animals from nearly 40 countries. Details are available from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. A special permit is required to import many animals into Hong Kong.

There are many veterinary and kennel/catery services.

(Source information and data: InvestHK).


10. How close-knit is the expat community in this area? How do I get involved with it?
Whenever there are foreigners living in one place, there will inevitably be groupings. In Hong Kong, the most common are the national organisations - including the American, British, Australian, French, and German. Some of these groups have business sections as well as women's groups for focused networking.


11. What is the best way to make social connections outside of work?

• Activities - Hong Kong is a great place for outdoor activities, as it has mountains and beaches all within a day's reach. Many organisations exist for runners, trekkers and those who enjoy other kinds of outdoor recreation.
• Courses - With the multicultural mix of Hong Kong, there exists a vibrant arts scene which you may want to learn more about. The YWCA would be a good place to start.

Social care - Organisations such as Crossroads and Hospice Care are always on the lookout for volunteer workers who would like to contribute to the society they live in.


12. Where can I meet other singles in this city?
Hong Kong is a vibrant city with various areas of nightlife, including Lan Kwai Fong and Soho on the island, and Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui. Bars and clubs are the most common hangouts, but activities and classes are also good meeting grounds for singles.


13. Are there any unique networking opportunities for accompanying partners?
All Crown clients are automatically enrolled in the Crown Club, which organises events for networking and socialising. The group also has excursions for adults and children. These include junk trips, historical tours, shopping excursions, cultural events, amusement parks, museums and more.

The AWA is an organisation of international women who support HK charities and schools through community service and monetary grants. The group also enjoys educational and social activities.

The Women's Forum is a networking group targeted at working/non-working expat women.


14. How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?
Hong Kong does not have many baby changing facilities in public places. Also please note Hong Kong is definitely not stroller friendly - especially in the crowded streets of Central or Tsim Sha Tsui.

On the good side, there is a local organisation called La Leche - which is a support group for breast-feeding mothers in Hong Kong.


15. Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?
Rent A Mum provides reliable nannies: (852) 2523 4868. Also, the International Nursing Service can supply evening baby-sitting and long-term child care services.


16. What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?

• Ocean Park covers 870,000 square meters and has many attractions including rides, a huge aquarium, cable cars and 5,000 years of Chinese history
• Kadoorie Farm - a place where kids get to see wild animals, organic farming, rare plants, native trees, orchids and ferns
• Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens - 5.4 hectares of gardens located on the northern slope of Victoria Peak. There are 600 birds, 70 mammals and 40 reptiles
• Madame Tussard's - wax images of famous people, located on the Peak.

17. What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?
After-school programs are popular. Dance, art, drama, music and sports, such as mini Rugby, cricket, league baseball and mini hockey are all possibilities for kids. Contact Multisport for more information on sporting activities after school: (852) 2450 1257.

Hong Kong also has many cinemas, ice skating rinks, beaches and parks. Shopping and strolling around Stanley Market are fun activities, too. Playgrounds include Mount Austin Road (Peak), Botanical Gardens, Wanchai Gap and Hong Kong Park.

Barbecues are popular among youngsters, as are camping and hiking on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories and outlying islands.

The Hong Kong Science Museum is also worth a visit.


18. What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?
Overall, Hong Kong provides a great life for a teenager as it is safe to go out - and there are plenty of evening activities. Keep in mind, however that as families are always moving in and out of Hong Kong, it's difficult for teens to keep ties on friendships.

Compared with teens in other countries, many Hong Kong teenagers seem privileged. They often own the latest gadgets and have had amahs bringing them up throughout their childhood.


19. Are there any organisations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?
The Girl Guides Association and Boy Scouts are two such groups.


20. I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?
Chinese New Year brings fireworks and laisee packets for all. Kids enjoy wishing everyone "Kung Hei Fat Choi". Mid-Autumn festival allows an indulgence in sweet pastries called 'mooncakes'. Dragon Boat racing is always exciting and fun. Participation teaches teamwork.

Disclaimer: Crown Relocations is the main contributor in this section. While Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change. Crown Relocations and Square Foot Limited cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.