The Land of Victoria Peak & The Wong Tai Sin Temple

Information on Relocating to Hong Kong

• The capital city of Hong Kong is Hong Kong Island with about 1.5 million people. The administrative center is also in Hong Kong Island where the Chief Executive resides. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China.

• Languages: The official languages are English and Cantonese. Local TV programs are in Cantonese & English. Cable TV is available and offers more options, as well as satellite TV.

• Population: The population is over 7 million people - 98 % are of Chinese origin, with the remaining 2% being of a diverse mix of nationalities.

• Expat areas: Hong Kong Island is the primary Expat location but you will find many other Expats dotted throughout Kowloon and the New Territories.

• Housing: In general, expatriates live all over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. While most people live in apartments, you will find some detached and semi-detached houses in certain areas. Most people choose to live near to where the children are going to school.

• Cost of housing: Housing in Hong Kong can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from HK$ 12,000 – 360,000 per month, with averages more around HK$ 60,000 – 120,000. A normal lease is 2 years. The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar.

• Schools: Hong Kong offers a wide variety of schools. The International schools are of a very high standard. You will find the English School Foundation (English system), Hong Kong International School (American system), French, German/Swiss, Japanese, Korean, Canadian as well as Chinese and others.

• Transportation: Hong Kong’s transportation systems are excellent. You’ll find trains (MTR-Mass Transit Railway, KCR-Kowloon/Canton Railway, Airport Express Train), buses (double-decker, mini), trams, taxis, private cars, ferries and the worlds longest escalators. The public transportation systems are clean, affordable and efficient.

• Bank: The majority of banks are open on Monday–Friday from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm and on Saturdays from 9.00 am – 12.00 pm.

• Shopping: Hong Kong Island (Central & Western): 10.00am -7.00pm (10.00am – 8.00 pm along Queen's Road). Hong Kong Island (Causeway Bay & Wan Chai): 10.00 am – 9.30 pm. Kowloon (Tsim Shat Sui & Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok): 10.00 am - 9.00 pm. Many shops are open on Sundays. Shopping hours may vary greatly. Bargaining is practiced in the smaller shops and side stalls only.

• Climate: Hong Kong’s climate is subtropical. Cool in winter, damp and rainy in spring, hot and humid in summer, and warm and dry in the fall.

• Culture: Hong Kong offers many museums, theaters, opera houses, concert halls, and ballets, but you must check the program listings to know if it will be in Chinese or English. Movies are in either Chinese or English, there are modern western style movie theaters. There are also several bowling alleys.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year; January/February-Chinese Lunar New Year; March-Lantern Festival; March/April-Ching Ming Festival; March/April-Good Friday; March/April-Easter Monday; May-Labor Day; May-Buddha’s birthday; June-Dragon Boat Festival; July 1st-HK Special Administrative Day; September-Mid-Autumn Festival; October 1st-National Day; October-Chung Yeung Festival; December 25th-Christmas Day; December 26th-Boxing Day. The dates vary due to most of the holidays based on a lunar calendar.