Hong Kong, China Report of what it's like to live there - 08/31/10
Personal Experiences from Hong Kong, China
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Third expat experience.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Australia - around 9 hours flight. Flights are direct and frequent.
3. How long have you lived here?
Almost two years through a three year stay. I arrived in late 2008.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most people live in high-rise apartments. It can take some getting used to if you've had a backyard at home. There are usually outdoors facilities (pool, outdoor courtyard, kids playground) in the expat buildings. The living space tends to be smaller than in, say USA or Australia. The public transport is very convenient for most parts of Hong Kong. All expats I know live on the HK Island, which means that the transport options are good - even so, people tend to take taxis everywhere as they are convenient and relatively cheap.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can shop in the markets or in grocery shops (ranging from the low end to the top-end international standard).Prices can be high if you shop in the international supermarkets which stock items and brands from all around the world.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Most things are available. The only think I've found hard to find has been hard wax (for hair removal - as opposed to wax you use with strips).
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything from $2 street noodles to many three michelin star places. I've been able to find any type of cuisine I wanted. I've really enjoyed the Vietnamese and South Indian options in particular.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not that I've noticed. I've seen some health outreach materials about mosquitos, but I haven't heard of anyone actually having any problems with illness through bites.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I use local mail- no issues.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Well priced. Many websites and agencies to assist you in the search. I think the monthly cost for a fulltimer is somewhere around HKD 3500 ish
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Most expat buildings have gyms in the clubhouse. There are many gyms in the city, however the costs tend to be high.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I've had no issues. I opened a HK account and use the direct debit facility. I also use my foreign credit cards regularly.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I think people can generally find what they need.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Widely available. The standard of the pay television has not been overly impressive given the cost
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most people speak English. Unless you are somewhere very traditional, you are unlikely to have any issues. When I arrived I had intentions to learn Cantonese (like many expats), however this has not happened as you really don't need it... and it's unfortunately not the kind of langauge you can just soak up - it's difficult!
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
People in wheelchairs would have difficulties in the older buildings and more crowded areas of the city. Some of the public transport stations have stairs - you would need to do research each time you went somewhere new.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
This is probably one of the best public transport systems in the world.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Buy one here - the second hand market is very well priced. No issues. Many expats don't bother to get a car as the public transport is so good.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Cost is reasonable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Buy one here, or you can get a sim card from one of the thousands of convenienece shops around town.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
It depends on where you are bringing the pet from.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
I believe so. A surprising number of people have dogs and cats given that most of the population lives in small(ish) apartments.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
It varies with the economy. Unless you have specialised skills (e.g. Derivatives Law), while english is spoken widely in the job market here, it can be tough for people without Chinese to be considered for a role. Most of the expats I know have found their jobs through connections. It's important to attend networking and expat community events when you are looking for a job. People are always coming and going - so it seems to usually work out well if you have patience.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Same as any large international city. The women tend to dress more trendily and less in a conventionally business fashion way than in other places I've been.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No - it's such a safe place to be. I know people who let their teenaged kids go out at times they never would back in their home countries (Australia, UK, etc).There were some incidents last year where someone was dropping amounts of liquid corrosive acid down onto streets -a few people were treated in hospitals, but no one hurt seriously. This was really widely covered in the press.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
High quality health care. The public hospitals are good. Most expats use the private hospitals, which can be very pricy.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality can be very poor, and infact is one of the few negatives consistently discussed by expats. You do get used to it, however it would be a factor in deciding whether to live here long term.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, steamy summers. Cool-Cold winters (despite my preconceptions, I needed a coat and scarf during the winter!)
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are many International Schools. I don't have kids, but I don't think people have any issues on this front.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Everyone I know who has children has a live-in nanny / 'helper'.It is very affordable, and people often say that the availability and affordabilty of the helpers is one of the best things about being an expat in Hong Kong.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The kids of people I know do sports with their schools.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large, from all around the world.
2. Morale among expats:
Generally very high.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Fantastic and varied. People tend to meet out in bars/ eateries rather than going to other people's houses, unless they know them very well. There is a very vibrant social life here. I've heard it refered to as "Disneyland for Adults".read into that what you will!I do think that people who are more environmentally minded, or into the hippie and non-commercial type lifestyle may have to search around for their niche a bit harder than others.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Hong Kong is a great city for all of these groups. I have found it really easy to meet new people and make friends. I'm married with no kids. Families also enjoy it here - after a period of adjustment to highrise living. There is a good variety of things for people to do with children. For singles it looks that it is easy to get out and meet people on the dating scene (there is certainly a vibrant 'meat market' in the bars in central!).I have heard anecdotally that the dating here is easier for men than for women for whatever reason.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There is quite a conservative attitude in the local community towards gay people, however I believe that expats in the community are somewhat separated from this. There are some well publicised and frequented gay clubs, and there are some good sections in 'what's on' publications.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
As I don't speak or read Chinese, it's difficult to respond to this properly. As in any society, there is likely some prejudice against the non-dominant sectors of society. I've heard that some people from SE Asia can find it difficult. I can say that I have never felt threatened or discriminated against in any way due to my race or gender. There is a bit of a sense that the locals like to keep a little separate in the way they live their lives, but I have never felt really offended by this. People stare less here than anywhere I have ever been. It seems that anything goes in terms of self presentation.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The great range and contrast of activities available in Hong Kong - you are never bored. You can hike in the lush vegetation on the mountains, sail boats, go to the beach, or you can stay in the urban setting and shop, eat out. The food is amazing - such variety, and the most amazing fresh seafood. It's so hard to say what the hightlights are, as I love so many things about Hong Kong!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Too many to list.... eating out, bars, hiking, junks (boats with food and drinks), seafood feasts in fishing villages, shopping, weekends in other parts of Asia, sea sports such as Dragonboat racing....etc etc
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Tailored suits (especially over the border in Shenzhen).Fantastic shoes made to order at reasonable prices. There are some local items, though most of the HK shopping tends to be very international and branded.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's an extraordinarily easy place to get things done. Everything is very convenient and efficient. As one of the special advantages, I would say that there is an endless variety of eating and cuisine options.
11. Can you save money?
depends on how you live. If you live it up here, you can spend as much as you would in other large international cities. Most expats I know here go out frequently and really get into the lifestyle - but you could live cheaply if you wanted to do that too.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutley. It has really exceeded my expectations, and now I think it will be hard to find a place which measures up!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
wok.....leave it to the professionals. Oh, and your post-colonial prism. Hong Kong is booming after '97.
3. But don't forget your:
dance moves. Many an expat experiences a second wind on the clubbing/bar scene here.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Many, such as Sampan, Gweilo.. and there are lots of great resources on the web especially from the HK Tourist Board.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Any of the HK martial arts films. Look out for the HK streetscapes in The Dark Knight.
6. Do you have any other comments?
This is a fabulous place. I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to come here. I'm going to find it hard to leave!
