Hong Kong, China Report of what it's like to live there - 07/27/18
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, I've lived in several other places.
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?
USA, tons of direct flights to LA, SF, Seattle, DFW, DC, NY and I believe a few others.
3. How long have you lived here?
Going on two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Consulate General.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Varied housing options throughout the city. All housing is currently on Hong Kong Island with major pockets in Central, Wan Chai, Shouson Hill, and I believe a few others.
As you might expect in Hong Kong, the housing varies in size. Some of the newer leased properties are very nice, but very small. There are some older leased properties that are much larger, and also still in districts with tons to do. Government-owned quarters in a few different locations as well, and these all tend to be on the larger side with properties offering probably the best views in the Foreign Service.
Since we are all on Hong Kong Island no commute is terrible. I live on the south side, and while relatively far from the consulate I generally can make it to work in 10-20 minutes. From the locations in Central and Wan Chai expect about a 10-15 minute walk. Most of the housing with large numbers of consulate staff are serviced by a shuttle. Your mileage may vary, but don't get hung up on location. Nothing is too far from work, and while some locations might not be walking distance to bars/restaurants/attractions Hong Kong is not a hard city to navigate.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Like most places very expensive if you are buying imported goods at a grocery store, but can be relatively reasonable. The chain grocery stores are good for most things, if not pricey. There is also a store that imports American goods if you can't do without your favorite Kirkland products or buffalo sauce.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None. Anything you can't find here is just a DPO away.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Deliveroo, Food Panda, Honestbee, Uber Eats etc all deliver any kind of food/groceries you could want. Reasonably-priced delivery, even if the food/groceries themselves are relatively expensive. Given the large expat communities here any type of food you could ever want exists in Hong Kong. There are expensive sit down options, fast food, great Cantonese, Dim Sum, spicy northern Chinese, etc etc. IF you want it here you can find it. It might cost you, though.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Nope, not really.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO, yes and our mail room folks are amazing.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Minimum wage right now for full time live in domestic help is ~$550 USD/month. Domestic helpers are widely employed by expats and locals alike with the means to do so. Definitely look into the local labor laws before you come, and treat your help well.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Endless outdoor activities. Green space is probably Hong Kong's best asset typically missed by visitors. Live here and you will find your favorites. Limitless hiking opportunities, water sports, beaches, exploring the outlying islands, amusement parks, camping, etc. There is a small gym within the consulate, not great, but it works. There are limited shower facilities at work. Some of the housing will have pools. Gyms/sports/etc are available, but I can't speak to price.
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 and yes. I use cash though much more frequently than in the U.S. Grab an Octopus card when you get here. Octopus pays for everything from transportation to 7-11.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Probably anything you could want.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get by with nothing but English, but knowing some Cantonese phrases will go a long way with the locals. Mandarin is fine and increasingly spoken here.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Probably, lots of hills and the ADA isn't a thing here.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
YES. MTR (subway) is amazing, clean, air conditioned, inexpensive, and reliable. Buses are great. Taxis are generally great and inexpensive if you can explain where you are going (get the Hong Kong Taxi translator app). The cheapest way to explore Hong Kong Island is by ding ding (tram). Rides cost about 30 US cents, and can take you completely across the island. Slower, unair-conditioned, but great views from the upper deck.
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?
Unless you are on the south side of the island you generally won't need a car. That being said, having one is a great way to go to the beach, stores, exploring the country parks, etc. I wouldn't have found as many amazing places as I did without one. Gas is expensive here, the roads are generally ok to good, parking is not as hard to find as you'd think, and the smaller your car the easier time you'll have all around. People do have SUVs and vans though so really anything can work if you want to drive. Right-hand drive only.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Installation can be accomplished relatively quickly after arrival, and most have access to fiber.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Government-issued to employees, available local plans, Google Fi works great here.
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?
Probably safest to go with an importer though to avoid delays. Vets here are great and make housecalls.
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?
Available both inside the consulate and out. No personal experience.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Lots, check with the Community Liaison Office (CLO).
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business to slacks with a nice shirt. Totally depends on the section and what you are doing that day. Hong Kongers are great dressers though.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Be smart, but this is hands down one of the safest cities I have ever lived in.
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 and no major health concerns. It can be hot/humid in the summer.
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?
Generally good to fair. We have bad air quality days, but nothing as consistently bad as other places.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Pork is a seasoning, lots of seafood, and depending on where you eat not speaking Cantonese could hinder your ability to clarify an allergy.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not that I'm aware of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, humid, and rainy summer with typhoons on occasion from April/May to October-ish. Amazing and perfect weather from late October through April/May.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No direct experience, but apply early if you have a preferred school. I've hear the schools are generally very good.
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?
I have no direct experience, but I would think most families with a need probably hire a helper.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large expat community from around the world. Morale is generally high. Don't get hung up on little things like where your housing is. Leave work at work if you can. Hong Kong is a great place, with tons to do locally and reasonably priced flights to the rest of Asia.
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?
Make friends. If you are bored in Hong Kong don't blame the city.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes for all. Tons of expats of every age, friendly locals, great night life, great food, good schools, etc.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Sure. Same sex marriage isn't legal here but I haven't heard of anyone having any problems.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I've seen.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
So many. Get out and explore. Get off at a random subway stop, drive somewhere, check out the parks, go to a beach. Hong Kong is a special place, and hopefully it can stay that way.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hidden gems....any country park. Find your own private beach on an outlying island. Peng Chau is great and not crowded with tourists, Shek-O has a cool vibe, Stanley can be fun if there aren't tons of people, charter a junk boat for a nice cruise around the coves and bays, or whatever tickles your fancy.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
See above. Living in a large city with tons to do while at the same time being surrounded by breathtaking views and green space.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I had known more about the history.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
TSP.
4. But don't forget your:
Appetite and comfortable shoes.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Vox Borders Season 2 episodes 1 and 2 has a great summary of what is going on here politically.
