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Introduction

If you’re an expat looking for a new place to call home, Hong Kong should definitely be on your list. The city is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan in the world. Besides, it offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to get ahead in their careers.

But before you make a move, there are a few things you should know about living in Hong Kong. For starters, the cost of living can be quite high. You’ll likely need to make at least C$5,000 per month to cover your basic expenses. And if you want to live in a nice neighborhood or enjoy some of the finer things in life, you’ll need even more.

But don’t let that scare you off. Hong Kong is a great place to live, and the cost of living can be worth it if you’re able to find a good job. In addition, the city’s excellent public transportation system makes it easy to get around. There are also plenty of expat-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. If you’re looking for a more international vibe, Wan Chai and Sheung Wan are two great options.

Or, if you’re looking for something a little quieter, Sai Kung and Discovery Bay are both great choices. No matter what neighborhood you choose, you’ll be able to find plenty of expat-friendly restaurants, bars, and other amenities. It would help if you also considered buying an apartment or other property in Hong Kong instead of renting.

The city’s real estate market is scorching right now, and prices are only going up. If you’re able to buy rather than rent, you’ll be able to build up equity that could eventually help pay for retirement or your children’s education. Today, we have a lot of things to tell you! Read further to know what we have.

Interesting Facts about Living in Hong Kong as an Expat

As the world’s most densely populated city, Hong Kong is a fascinating island not far from mainland China. The culture shock of arriving as an expat for the first time might be enormous, but making friends with locals and settling into life there can be extremely rewarding. That said, here are some interesting facts about living in Hong Kong as an expat.

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

This might be a surprising statement to make about Hong Kong, but the reality isn’t so far off. Religious belief is an important part of life for many people who live here, and there are plenty of temples and churches to be found. Hong Kongers are also very tidy, and you’ll seldom see a piece of litter on the ground. Besides, the air quality is so good that you don’t have to worry about breathing in any pollution.

You Can Never Stop Learning

With Cantonese, Mandarin, and English all being official languages in Hong Kong, there’s no excuse not to learn at least one of them. The locals are very proud of their culture and language and are always willing to help foreigners learn more about them.

However, you don’t have to rely on the locals to learn more about Hong Kong – there are plenty of expat meet-ups and social events where you can make friends and learn more about living in the city.

Food Glorious Food

Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise, and there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll never get bored of eating out here. Be sure to try some local specialties such as dim sum, roast pork, and chicken rice. Besides, the cheap prices make eating out a budget-friendly option.

Taxes Are Low

One of the main reasons why expats move to Hong Kong is because of the lower taxes. The tax rate for individuals is only 15%, which is lower than in other developed countries. This makes it a great place to stay if you want to keep more of your salary for yourself. Meanwhile, businesses can take advantage of the low tax rate for profits and the 0% tax rate on dividends.

There’s Always Something to Do

Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re into shopping, clubbing, hiking, or just soaking up the incredible views, you’ll never be bored in Hong Kong. The city is also home to some of the best museums and art galleries in Asia. In fact, it’s been said that there’s something for everyone in Hong Kong.

The Cost Of Living Is High

Although the cost of living in Hong Kong is high, it’s still cheaper than in other developed cities such as London or New York. If you’re willing to live a simple lifestyle, then you can easily manage on a budget of $1,500 per month. However, if you want to live in a more swanky part of town, then it will cost you much more than that!

You’ll Never Be Lonely

Hong Kong has great nightlife and plenty of expats, so you won’t ever feel lonely here! There are also lots of meet-up groups and social events that you can take part in to help you build a support network. Moreover, Hong Kongers are very friendly so if you do become lonely, it won’t be long before someone comes to your rescue.

The Public Transport System Rocks

Hong Kong has the envy-of-the-world’s best public transport system, hands down. To start with, you have to consider that Hong Kong is made up of over 200 islands. So it is not the most accessible place in the world to get around without a decent form of public transport. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is cheap, efficient, and covers almost the whole of Hong Kong. There is also an extensive bus network, ferries, minibusses, and trams.

It’s Not As Expensive As You Think

Hong Kong is often a costly city to live in, but this really depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Expats living in Hong Kong generally find that they can live quite comfortably on around US$2000 per month (excluding accommodation).

Of course, if you want to live like a king, then you can easily spend more than this, but it is possible to live within your means if you are careful.

So Many Luxury Shopping Malls

Hong Kong has some of the nicest and most luxurious shopping malls globally, including Times Square, Harbour City, The IFC Mall, and Pacific Place. There is no point in mentioning this as a fact, as Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading retail hubs.