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1. Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life?
2. Do I need a Hong Kong driving license if I hold an international licence?
3. On which side of the road do people drive?
4. How is the driving experience in Hong Kong?
5. Is it expensive to buy a car?
6. If I want to buy a car, where should I look?
7. Is it expensive to maintain a car?
8. In case of an accident, what do I do?
9. In case of a breakdown, what do I do?
10. Do I need a Hong Kong driving license if I hold an international license?


1. Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life (work/school/shopping) at my destination?
No. Hong Kong is one of the easiest places to NOT own a vehicle. The main areas are compact and easily accessible by public transport. The further areas - including south of HK Island and New Territories - are still accessible by public transport. But of course, a private vehicle makes it easier to get around - especially if you live on the south side and in the NT.

In some larger housing developments there are scheduled private buses that go to and from Central. Those who own cars and work in Central do not normally drive to work if they live in areas where public transport is available, as parking can be very expensive.


2. How can I legally drive a vehicle in this city?
To convert a present driver's license into a HK one is a relatively easy process. For a 10-year license, you just fill out an application, provide a copy of your current driver's license and pay HK$900.

The only item to be aware of is recognition of home country licenses by the HK Transport Department - the issuing authority for driver's licenses.

Minimum driving age is 18 years.


3. What side of the road do people drive on?
Like Britain, Australia, South Africa and the rest of Asia, we drive on the left-hand side of the road, meaning that the car is right-hand drive.


4. How is the driving experience in Hong Kong?
Most HK residents would tell you that drivers are no more aggressive than in any other major city in the world and are, for the most part, law abiding. Certainly driving in Hong Kong is a much safer experience than in most other Asian countries.

Roads can be congested especially at peak hours of the day, but since Hong Kong is small, the distances covered are not great, meaning that no traffic jam lasts too long.

In addition, be aware, parking is expensive


5. Is it expensive to buy a car?
If you are on a strict budget, buying a second-hand car is fairly inexpensive in Hong Kong. The reason is that Chinese people tend to buy new cars every few years. Picking up a used car requires little effort. Check the Sunday Trading section of the South China Morning Post and watch the notice boards of your local supermarket and club.

Once you have chosen a vehicle, it must be registered and licensed. Registration is a one off, but licensing must be updated annually. If you purchased a brand-new car, a car dealer will normally register and license the car on your behalf.

Buying a brand new car is expensive in Hong Kong: (examples)

2006 Jaguar XK8 Convertible HK$1,290,000
2005 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG HK$839,000

Buying a second-hand car: examples of prices
2001 Acura HK$108,000
1997 Lexus LS400 HK$65,000
1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 HK$128,000


6. If I want to buy a car, where should I go?
Car dealers

Acura: 2881 8803; www.acura.com.hk

Audi: 2528 1862; www.audi.com.hk

Auto Gallery: 2838 8187; www.autogallery.com.hk

BMW: 2577 6168; www.bmwhk.com

European Motors Ltd.: 2641 8098 / 9027 4846; www.europeanmotors.com.hk

Expat Motor Services Ltd.: 9674 7454; www.expatmotors.com

Ford: 2503 1032; www.fordhongkong.com

Honda: 2827 8622 ; www.honda.com.hk

Hyundai: 2527 2777; www.hyundai.com.hk

Jaguar: 2520 0989; www.jaguar.com/hk

Land Rover: 2713 2383; www.landrover.com.hk

Lexus - Crown Motors: 2511 9430; www.crown-motors.com

Mazda: 2893 1112; www.mazda.com.hk

Mercedes Benz - Zung Fu Co. Ltd.: 2895 7288; www.zung-fu.com

Mitsubishi - Universal Cars Ltd.: 2520 0636; www.mitsubishi-motors.com.hk

Nissan: 2803 5333 ; www.nissan.com.hk

Online Cars: www.auto-one.com/ax/eng/

Peugeot - Lion Motors: 2866 3000; ww.peugeot.com.hk

Porsche : 2926 2911; www.porsche.com.hk

Subaru : 2396 8380; www.subaru.com.hk

Taikoo Motors – Volvo: 2923 8080; www.volvocars.com.hk

Toyota - Crown Motors: 2866 1020; www.crown-motors.com

Volkswagen - Harmony Motors Limited: 2882 8938; www.volkswagen.com.hk

Volvo - Taikoo Motors: 2923 8080; www.volvocars.com.hk


7. Is it expensive to maintain a car?
Running a car in Hong Kong can be fairly expensive - car registration, gasoline and parking are extremely expensive.

The average cost of third party insurance coverage for a mid range car is approximately HK$2,600 per year, whilst comprehensive insurance coverage is about HK$10,000 per year. The cost will depend on your no-claim bonus.


8. In case of an accident, what do I do?
Call emergency services at 999.

If the damage is minor, take down the vehicle registration number, driver particulars and driver's ID card number. Make sure card and number plate match. Don't attempt to move the car until the police has arrived, unless the damage is minorr.


9. In case of a breakdown, what do I do?
In the event of a breakdown or other emergency, put on your hazard warning lights and display the warning triangle. Call for assistance immediately and wait in a safe place for help to arrive. If your car breaks down on a busy road and you judge it unsafe to cross the road to reach a hard shoulder or other area of safety, remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt securely fastened until help arrives.

Busy roads are posted with markers, in number form, which you should quote to emergency services in order to facilitate a speedy recovery.

It is advisable to join the Hong Kong Automobile Association in case you should need assistance with your car at any point. The AA has a very reliable towing service and mobile mechanic. Join the AA for HK$200, and an annual subscription of HK$550.

Hong Kong Automobile Association
391 Nathan Road
Yau Ma Tei
Kowloon
24 Hour Hotline: (852) 2304 4911
Tel: (852) 2739 5273
Fax: (852) 2369 0863
Website: www.hkaa.com.hk

If you have broken down on the side of the road, place a sheet of newspaper under your windshield, or failing that, leave a note for the traffic patrol indicating that you have broken down and are seeking assistance.


10. Do I need a Hong Kong driving license if I hold an international license?
If you plan to drive in Hong Kong, you may drive with a foreign license as long as you have visitor status (for a period not exceeding 12 months.) Once you are issued with a Hong Kong Identity Card, you are required to apply for a Hong Kong license.

A Hong Kong driving license may be issued to you without a test if you are the holder of an overseas driving license - this applies to most countries of origins.

Application forms for a Hong Kong Driving License may be obtained at the enquiry counter of any of the licensing offices of the Transport Department (www.td.gov.hk/index.htm), at the Home Affairs Department Public Enquiry Service Centres, or at any Post Office. Alternatively, you may obtain a fax copy by calling the 24-hour Enquiry Hotline on 2804 2600.