Relocating to Hong Kong from Mainland China can be daunting for many expats. In Part 1, I discussed some of the more perfunctory considerations you need to think about before deciding to move to Hong Kong – finding a job, getting a work visa and opening a bank account – but there wasn’t much of a flavour in terms of what it is actually like to live there. You’ll need somewhere to stay, but it should be in an area that suits you and your job. Where are you going to buy your groceries – and what about sourcing your favourite treats from back home? And if you fall ill, it will be useful to know about how the public hospital system works before it happens.

Photo: Luke Ma

Where and what?

So you’ve got your job, visa and opened a bank account. The chances are you’ve also found somewhere to live. But which area? One of the best things about Hong Kong is that there are lots of different districts, areas and neighbourhoods to choose from, and each area has its own distinctive character; from mountainous countryside in Sai Kung country park that has access to scenic beaches, to high-life living in Central and Wan Chai. There are lots of options, from shared flats or single studios, to large villas in the countryside and condos in the heart of Central.

A useful website for accommodation options is:
http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/

1) Hong Kong Island
For many expats, and especially those without families, this is the place to live when first arriving. The reason for Hong Kong Island’s popularity stems from its status as the heart of the former colony. Quite simply, living here will put you right in the thick of all the action. There are several districts to choose from, from the vibrant nightlife spot of Wan Chai, to the posh Mid-Levels that skirt the lover flanks of Victoria Peak. Some opting for a spot less hectic might choose Kennedy Town on the west side of the island, which is also possibly the best place to watch the sunset anywhere in Hong Kong. The seriously well-heeled might select Stanley or Shek O in the south. There is such an abundant choice. However, the main thing to bear in mind is that Hong Kong Island is expensive, and therefore space is at a premium.

2) Kowloon
Another popular area with expats is located just across Victoria Harbour from Central and Wan Chai: Kowloon. It is a thriving commercial hub with the majority of activity taking place in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok. Parts of Kowloon are extremely densely populated, but this might be exactly what you are looking for if you want to experience a less Western-influenced side to the city. The area has excellent road and rail links to other parts of Hong Kong, including the Airport Express. The border with Shenzhen is that bit closer, too, meaning that Kowloon could be the perfect location if you have business in both Guangdong Province and Hong Kong, yet still want to feel like you are in the middle of the city. Unless you can afford a large and luxurious apartment by the waterside, be prepared for small flats much like on Hong Kong Island.

3) The New Territories and Outlying Islands
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated cities, and yet it might surprise some to learn that the majority of the territory is comprised of mountains, lush forests and jungles, scrubland, marshes and dozens of smaller islands. While life is undoubtedly quieter in the New Territories, moving to a village or smaller town is ideally suited to expats with families for one reason: when it comes to properties, you get far more space for your money. Be warned, though: although Hong Kong’s public transport system is excellent, you may still face a long commute each day if you work in central but live in the back of beyond, so it may be worth considering buying a car.  And if you are the sort of individual who likes alternative living, you could consider moving to Lamma Island, once popular with hippies but now becoming more popular with wealthier expats. Yes, you’ll have to take a ferry to work every day, but with no cars around and plenty of clean, green open space and hiking trails, slightly cheaper rent and a friendly local community, it might just be for you. Just watch out for the snakes, giant centipedes and overpriced seafood restaurants.

Health

For tourists without adequate travel insurance, getting ill in Hong Kong can be an expensive nightmare. However, for the expat resident, temporary and permanent, it offers some of the best and cheapest public healthcare available anywhere. You will be charged HK$100 a night if you need to stay in, and this includes all your treatment. There are dozens of public hospitals across Hong Kong, but some of the more common ones used by expats are:

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Add: 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2595 6111

Queen Mary Hospital
Add: 102 Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2255 3838

Ruttonjee Hospital
Add: 266 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2291 200

Supermarkets

Hong Kong has a plethora of supermarkets to suit all budgets and most tastes. Probably the cheapest and most prolific supermarket is Wellcome, identifiable by its red and yellow signage. It’s ideal for the basics, but don’t expect much choice on specialist foods. A level up is Park ‘n’ Shop, popular also in some cities in Mainland China. A slightly more refined big brother of Park ‘n’ Shop is Fusion, found in several upmarket neighbourhoods across the city. They usually have a great wine selection and stock lots of goodies from back home. Taste is another store similar to Fusion. At the very top of the tree is Oliver’s, a large delicatessen that stocks a dazzling array of utterly self-indulgent and unnecessarily delicious food and wine from across the globe. But expect to pay top dollar.

Wellcome
Add: Across Hong Kong
Website: http://www.wellcome.com.hk/wd2shop/en/html/index.html

Park ‘n’ Shop & Fusion
Add: Across Hong Kong
Website: http://www.parknshop.com/WebShop/StoreLocatorPage.do

Taste
Add: G/F and basement, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2121 8346

Oliver’s
Add: Shop 201-205, 2/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2810 7710
Web: http://www.oliversthedeli.com.hk/

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