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Expat guide: Hong Kong
This guide offers information and advice if you are moving to Hong Kong.
Click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.
Download this guide as a pdfMoving to Hong Kong
Sitting at the doorstep of China and with its vast economy, expats move to Hong Kong to take advantage of its unique status as a capitalist hot zone within a communist country. For all its modernity and western influences, Hong Kong remains distinctly Chinese with deep traditions set between its towering skyscrapers and bright neon lights. The Outlying Islands and New Territories add old dimensions to a new and fast city. Hong Kong has a long established identity as an expat region from its history as a British colony and regular outlet for Chinese trade.
Expats in Hong Kong find it easily livable with a modern infrastructure and western amenities. Healthcare, schooling and business make for seamless transitions from western countries. While most expats move because of their occupation, the natural island surroundings, active nightlife and safe city make it an exciting place to stay.
Accommodation in Hong Kong can be difficult to find because of rocketing property prices and sky-high apartment complexes already brimming with tenants. Surrounding the city are beautiful islands that come with long commutes. Companies usually assist in the housing process along with the relatively straightforward work visa procedure.
Shipping and removals
Hong Kong is a major port destination, making shipping and removal services relatively abundant and cheap. The costs depend on volume, speed of delivery and distance the cargo travels. If the amount of cargo size can be estimated before moving, it is possible to get a price quote from a number of companies. This is always measured in cubic meters.
Insurance should be bought through companies other than the cargo company to ensure reliable coverage. Air freight is the quickest means of delivery, but much more expensive.
Bringing pets
Shipping pets to Hong Kong requires booking quarantine quarters between zero and six months prior to arrival. Pets from New Zealand, Fiji, UK, Ireland, Australia and Hawaii generally don't need quarantine. A list of certifications must be presented including:
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Current vaccinations record
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USDA endorsement (including microchip implantation record, rabies certificate, vet health certificate)
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Hong Kong health certificate
- Import permit
This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities.
Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information.
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