Hong Kong, China Report of what it's like to live there - 06/03/20
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. Fifth overseas tour.
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?
Washington, DC area. 16 hour direct flight.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartment living. Some diplomatic apartments are quite small, but ours is large by Hong Kong standards. Consulate housing is spread throughout the city (in four or five neighborhoods). Commute times range from a five minute walk to a 45 minute bus ride with transfers.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get pretty much everything in Hong Kong, but most imported items are very expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing in terms of availability. Cost is another story.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
You can get every kind of food imaginable here, unless you can't live without Taco Bell or Burger King. I think Hong Kong has more McDonald's per capita than anywhere else in the world. I read recently that Hong Kong has roughly 15,000 restaurants.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Occasional cockroaches.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch mail are both quite fast in normal times. Local postal facilities are more than adequate and not expensive.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Plentiful, but to have full time help that is affordable, help must live with you. Most helpers are from Indonesia and the Philippines, and you must sponsor their visa. Cost is roughly $800 USD a month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are many gyms and other fitness facilities in Hong Kong. Expect to pay about $250 USD a month. The Consulate has a small gym, and some apartment complexes also have gyms.
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?
Yes, yes, and yes. If you have USAA, there are only two ATMs that will accept your debit card: Bank of America and Standard Chartered.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Methodist and probably others.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, although it is good to have a few words for taxi drivers. Language classes and tutors are available. Price is probably expensive.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Some buildings have ramps, but many do not. This probably depends on where you live and if you have a car to avoid very steep hills and the many stairs in the city.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. The public transportation system here is amazing and extremely safe.
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?
Best to buy one here, as it is right-hand drive.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Installation can take a week or so to schedule.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You can buy an unlocked phone here or bring one with you. There are many service providers and the price for a plan is comparable to the US.
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?
Yes. Quarantines depend on the country you're coming from. Many people order pet food and supplies online for cost savings.
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?
There are many foreign companies with offices in Hong Kong, but many positions require Cantonese or Mandarin or both. Many other expats working on the local economy make much more than I do.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Volunteer opportunities are available, including food banks, orphanages to pet rescue companies.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business attire is expected. Formal dress for the marine ball and others hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce ball and other clubs and schools.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is excellent here. No medical evacuation needed.
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?
Moderate to bad, depending on whether the factories in Guangdong are functioning.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Mold is a problem in some apartments due to extreme humidity in summer months.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not normally, but after a year of protests and now COVID-19, people are feeling very stressed.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winters are wonderful, with highs in the 60s and low humidity, but summers are awful, with very high humidity and highs in the 90s.
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 here. Despite the number of schools, there are waitlists at many and admissions is extremely competitive. Apply a year before you arrive if you can.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There are a few school that can accommodate special-needs kids. Again, apply early, as spaces for children with special needs are limited.
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?
Preschools are plentiful. Prices vary. Preschools with mostly expat children are expensive, but you can enroll your children in local preschools, which are less costly. Hong Kong doesn't offer typical day care. Schools do not provide before or after school care. Most working couples hire live in nannies.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. Tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball, cricket, you name it.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are hundreds of thousands of expats in Hong Kong. Morale among expats in general is high, as the city is very easy to live in. I've met expats who have been here for 20+ years.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are many clubs in Hong Kong, but entry fees are expensive.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a good city for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Most people make friends with other expats or locals through school. It can be more difficult for singles to make friends.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Hong Kong is so cool, I need to pinch myself sometimes to make sure I'm not dreaming that I get to live here. The city is great to explore. It has temples, local neighborhoods, beaches and amazing hiking.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Explore China, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, and the list goes on.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
It is a shopping post in the sense that you can buy any type of high end item you desire. It isn't so great in terms of handicrafts, but you can buy Chinese antiques and some local artwork.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That Hong Kong is relatively small when you're stuck here for months.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Parkas.
4. But don't forget your:
Camping equipment if you like to camp.
