Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
GUIDE FOR
Moving to Hong Kong is a fantastic opportunity. Whether you're a professional looking to grow your career, a student beginning a global education journey, or an expat craving a fresh cultural experience, Hong Kong has so much to offer. This vibrant city is full of energy, diversity, and exciting possibilities.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know to make your transition easier. From Hong Kong’s rich history and unique culture to its mix of languages and practical tips for settling in, we’ve got you covered. So get ready to embrace this new adventure and make the most of everything Hong Kong has in store for you!
An Overview of Hong Kong
Situated on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong is a dynamic center of commerce, culture, and energy. This special administrative region has a distinctive identity shaped by its rich history and thriving modern economy.
A Brief History
Hong Kong has a fascinating history, blending Eastern and Western influences. Originally it existed as a collection of fishing villages. But in 1842 it became a British colony following the first opium War. After over a century of British rule, Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 under the “one country, two systems” framework. This agreement grants Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, its own legal system, and freedoms not seen elsewhere in mainland China.
Today, Hong Kong is a global financial hub, thriving metropolis, and cultural melting pot, attracting people from all walks of life.
The City of Contrasts
In Hong Kong, you'll experience a captivating blend of old and new. Modern skyscrapers rise high above historic temples, while luxury shopping districts sit side by side with bustling street markets full of vibrant energy and local charm. Traditional Cantonese customs seamlessly coexist with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, creating a unique cultural tapestry that's hard to find anywhere else. Despite its dense population and urban buzz, Hong Kong is also a haven for nature lovers, offering serene escapes in its lush country parks, scenic hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, and stunning beaches perfect for unwinding. Whether you're exploring its dynamic cityscape or retreating into its natural beauty, Hong Kong is a destination of contrasts that will leave you inspired.
The Culture of Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s culture is a fusion of East and West. You’ll encounter traditional Chinese practices alongside modern urban influences shaped by British colonial history.
Key Elements of Hong Kong’s Culture
Food: From dim sum to Michelin-starred restaurants, Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the bustling local cha chaan teng (tea restaurants) for an authentic culinary experience.
Festivals: Experience colourful, lively celebrations including the Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Work Ethic: Residents of Hong Kong are known for their hard-working and determined nature. Business here thrives on efficiency and professionalism.
Respect for Traditions: Traditional Chinese values, such as filial piety and respect for elders, remain integral to society.
The Languages spoken
Navigating the linguistic diversity in Hong Kong can be both a challenge and an opportunity to expand your horizons.
Cantonese: The primary spoken language by locals. It’s worth learning a few phrases!
English: Widely spoken, especially in business, education, and tourist areas, making it easier for expats to integrate.
Mandarin: Increasingly spoken due to Hong Kong’s stronger ties with mainland China.
Common Cantonese Phrases
Here are some helpful phrases to get you started with Cantonese basics:
English Phrase | Cantonese | Super Simple Say-It-Like-This Guide |
Hello / Hi | 你好 (néih hóu) | Nay Hou |
Thank you (service) | 唔該 (m̀h gōi) | Mm Goy (just hum "m" + goy) |
Thank you (gift) | 多謝 (dō jeh) | Do Jeh |
You're welcome | 唔使客氣 (m̀h sái haak hei) | Mm Sigh Haak Hay |
Sorry / Excuse me | 對唔住 (deui m̀h jyuh) | Doy Mm Joo |
Yes | 係 (haih) | Hi (like saying “hi”) |
No | 唔係 (m̀h haih) | Mm Hi |
How much is this? | 呢個幾多錢？(nī go géi dō chín?) | Nee Gaw Gay Daw Cheen? |
Where’s the bathroom? | 洗手間喺邊？(sái sáu gāan hái bīn?) | Sigh Sow Gan Hi Been? |
I don’t understand | 我唔明 (ngóh m̀h mìhng) | Noh Mm Ming |
Tips
“Mm” = like humming “mmm” when food is good — it means no, so it shows up a lot.
“Nay Ho” is the go-to greeting. Just use it for “hi” or “hello” to anyone.
“Mm Goy” is like “excuse me,” “please,” and “thanks” all in one. Super useful.
Don’t worry about tones — locals will appreciate the effort even if it’s imperfect.
Practising these phrases will show locals your enthusiasm for connecting with their community.
Tips for a Smooth Transition to Hong Kong
Moving to Hong Kong comes with its share of adjustments, but these tips will help you settle in comfortably.
1. Secure Housing Early
With limited space and high demand, accommodation in Hong Kong tends to be small yet pricey. Popular areas for expats include Central, Mid-Levels, Wan Chai, and Sai Kung, depending on your lifestyle preferences. Search early and explore serviced apartments as a temporary option.
2. Understand Public Transport
Hong Kong is home to and known for it's fantastic public transport system. Both efficient and user-friendly, the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) easily connects every part of the city. Offering buses and minibuses, trams, ferries and (water)taxis. No matter where you want to go the transport system will most likely be able to get you within walking distance. Do be sure to pick up an Octopus Card, a rechargeable smart card that will work across every mode of transport. The entirety of the public transport system being affordable and punctual to make sure you will never need a car in Hong Kong.
3. Get Familiar with Healthcare Options
Hong Kong offers high-quality healthcare, with both private and government-provided services. Ensure you have health insurance, as the private healthcare system can be expensive, though it generally offers shorter wait times.
4. Adapt to the Cost of Living
Hong Kong is known for being one of the most expensive cities globally. Plan your budget accordingly, prioritising essentials like housing, transportation, and food. Affordable markets and street food stalls can help you save, while supermarkets stock imported goods if you’re craving tastes of home.
5. Build a Network
Joining community groups, expat forums, or language exchange meetups can connect you with others who share your experiences, making it easier to adjust. Hong Kong’s social scene is vibrant and welcoming, meaning you’ll find your tribe in no time.
Make the Move to Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city that balances old-world charm with modern innovation, providing endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Its rich cultural heritage, dynamic urban landscape, and welcoming community make it an exciting place to call home.
Looking for more tips on specific topics like finding schools, starting a business, or understanding the visa process? Stay tuned for our upcoming in-depth articles, designed to help you make the most out of your experience in this incredible city.
Keep an open heart, immerse yourself in the culture, and get ready to take on all that Hong Kong has to offer!
Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.
Global Health Insurance, 100% Online – Anytime, Anywhere!
Whether you're an expatriate, student, frequent traveler, au pair, or business, we offer flexible insurance solutions for anyone traveling abroad. From registration to reimbursement, we make it easy to manage your health needs worldwide!
As a global leader in international health insurance, APRIL International provides comprehensive coverage for individuals, families, and businesses. Specializing in expatriate insurance, we offer tailored health plans that ensure access to quality healthcare—whether for short-term trips, long-term stays, or corporate needs.
With a strong focus on innovation, digital services, and customer support, APRIL International simplifies international health coverage, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Our commitment to accessibility and personalized service makes us a trusted partner for those living, working, or traveling abroad.
Apt Wealth Partners is a trusted financial advisory firm based in Australia, providing expert wealth management, financial planning, and investment solutions. With a client-first approach, we help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through tailored strategies and long-term planning.
From retirement planning and superannuation to tax-effective investment solutions, Apt Wealth Partners offers comprehensive financial guidance designed to build and protect wealth. Our focus is on delivering financial advice that allows us to become your personal CFO. Your finances will be tailored to your needs, allowing you to concentrate on living the life you want. We're privately owned and focus on providing the most transparent advice possible.
The AvD is the most traditional automobile club in Germany. Many things that are taken for granted today has been actively promoted and shaped by the AvD. To this day, the AvD is associated with the driver's license, the zebra crossing, the IAA and successful petitions, among other things. The AvD is committed to road safety, Motorsport and the preservation of historic vehicles. Today and in the future.
We’re AXA – Global Healthcare, and we’re experts when it comes to healthcare around the world. We use AXA’s resources around the world to help our members access quality medical care whenever they need it. We do that by matching them up with international health insurance that suits them, and by keeping them supported before, during and after treatment.
We help our members to live life to the fullest, knowing we’ll be here to help if they need us.
Bambridge Accountants provides expert accounting and tax services to individuals and businesses, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes. Whether you're managing personal finances or handling corporate tax obligations, our team offers tailored solutions to ensure your financial success.
With extensive experience in UK and international tax issues, we simplify the most challenging financial matters. From tax planning and financial compliance to corporate advisory, we guide you towards achieving your financial goals with clarity and confidence, delivering personalized service every step of the way.
Load More
Start now
