LIVING IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that welcomes expatriates. Excellent schools and healthcare and an exciting culture make it a great place to live and work.
For the past 150 years, Hong Kong has attracted people from around the world to set up businesses and explore opportunities. Today the city is still home to a diverse and vibrant business community.
As Asia's most cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong boasts all the services and support structures it takes to feel like a home from home for international residents, while still maintaining its own distinct culture and identity. That's why we call it Asia's world city. Its compact size, buzzing nightlife, beautiful scenery and friendly international community all combine to offer the best expat living in Asia. It's also considered one of the safest large cities in the world.
- English is an official language; many other languages are widely spoken
- National chambers of commerce help companies feel at home
- Friendly national associations welcome new families
- International schools for more than 20 national groups
An English-speaking city in Asia
Hong Kong is a bilingual city with two official languages, English and Chinese. Although 97 percent of the population speaks Cantonese, business is usually conducted in English. Almost all information, including signs, announcements and government and business websites, is provided in English as well as Chinese.
It's easy to find a home in Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers a wide range of homes and locations, from apartments in high-rise developments in the city to traditional houses in the country areas. Expatriates can choose a location that suits their lifestyle, from the buzz of Hong Kong Island, to beachfront apartments, family-friendly new town developments and the slower-paced villages of the New Territories and Outlying Islands.
Hong Kong has an abundance of quality rented accommodation and there are many real estate agents who specialize in meeting the needs of expatriates. Serviced apartments are also widely available for shorter stays.
International education
Hong Kong has a wide range of schooling options, including some 50 international schools, from kindergarten and primary schools to secondary and university education. Together they offer more than 10 international curriculums including UK, US, Australian, French, German, Japanese, Canadian, Korean, Singaporean and the International Baccalaureate.
Children who study in Hong Kong grow up with an international network of friends. They are also exposed to other languages, including Mandarin which is often taught as a second language in international schools.
One of the world's best healthcare systems
Hong Kong has one of the world's highest quality public and private healthcare systems. There are many government clinics and hospitals, offering low cost healthcare to citizens of Hong Kong. Private healthcare is also excellent and ranges from Western medicine to Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic approaches. Finding an English-speaking doctor or specialist is straightforward.
An exciting social life
It's easy to meet new people in Hong Kong and build business and social networks. There are many private clubs, chambers of commerce, business and other associations, consulates, special interest groups and networking clubs where you can meet other expatriates. There are also online communities and discussion forums specifically for foreign nationals living in Hong Kong.
Enjoy the outdoors
Although most people associate Hong Kong with its busy urban streets and iconic harbor skyline, it's surprisingly easy to enjoy the city's plentiful green spaces. Over 40 percent of Hong Kong is made up of protected country parks, mountains and beaches. At the weekend, many Hong Kong people head for the city's numerous hiking trails, or to the beach. Another popular option is a day cruise around Hong Kong's attractive coastline on a junk.