Destination Guide for Hong Kong - USP Relocations (Thailand Moving)

Life in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea. With over 7.5 million residents of various nationalities in a 1,104-square-kilometre (426 sq mi) territory, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world.

Hong Kong is characterized as a hybrid of East and West. Traditional Chinese values emphasizing family and education blend with Western ideals, including economic liberty and the rule of law. Although the vast majority of the population is ethnically Chinese, Hong Kong has developed a distinct identity. The territory diverged from the mainland due to its long period of colonial administration and a different pace of economic, social, and cultural development. Mainstream culture is derived from immigrants originating from various parts of China.

Weather

Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa), characteristic of southern China, despite being located south of the Tropic of Cancer. Summer is hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms and warm air from the southwest. Typhoons occur most often then, sometimes resulting in floods or landslides. Winters are mild and usually sunny at the beginning, becoming cloudy towards February; an occasional cold front brings strong, cooling winds from the north. The most temperate seasons are spring and autumn, which are generally sunny and dry. When there is snowfall, which is extremely rare, it is usually at high elevations.

Cost of Living

If you fancy a life in Hong Kong, you’re not alone. It’s among the most densely populated places in the world, with an amazing seven million people in just 1,098 square kilometers of territory. It’s also rated as the most expensive place in Asia to live. However, with the heady mix of east and west, and unparalleled career options, it’s still a very desirable expat destination.

If you’re retiring, temporarily relocating or moving to Hong Kong for good, it’s helpful to have a picture of what life there will cost as an expat.

General Living Expenses

Living expenses in Hong Kong (excluding rent)	Hong Kong average cost
Single person, per month	HK$6,865
Single person, per year	HK$82,380
University student, per month	HK$5,298
4-person family, per month	HK$24,472
4-person family, per year	HK$293,664

Renting in Hong Kong

One-bedroom apartment (city center)	HK$16,551
One-bedroom apartment (outside of city center)		HK$11,006
Three-bedroom family home (city center)		HK$39,800
Three bedroom family home (outside of city center)		HK$23,426
Internet		HK$205
Utilities (gas, electric and water for a 85m2 apartment)		HK$1,371

For more detailed cost of living in the Hong Kong, please click here or visit:

Click Here

International Schools

Here you can find a short list of some top schools in Hong Kong:

ESF Abacus International Kindergarten

Mang Kung Uk Village,
Clearwater Bay Road,
Hong Kong SAR,
Hong Kong, China

www.abacus.edu.hk

Co-educational, Day, Nursery.

Read more about ESF Abacus International Kindergarten

ESF Beacon Hill School

23 Ede Road,
Kowloon Tong,
Hong Kong SAR,
Hong Kong, China

www.beaconhill.edu.hk

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

ESF Bradbury School

43C Stubbs Road,
Hong Kong SAR,
Hong Kong, China

www.bradbury.edu.hk

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

ESF Clearwater Bay School

DD229, Lot 235, Clearwater Bay Road,
New Territories,
Hong Kong SAR,
Hong Kong, China

www.cwbs.edu.hk

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Read more about ESF Clearwater Bay School

ESF Discovery College

38 Siena Avenue,
Discovery Bay, Lantau Island,
Hong Kong SAR,
Hong Kong, China

www.discovery.edu.hk

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

ESF Glenealy School

7 Hornsey Road,
Mid Levels,
Hong Kong SAR,
Hong Kong, China

www.glenealy.edu.hk

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Customs Regulations for Returning Citizens

While Hong Kong is an expensive country to live in for Asia, its regulations are relatively relaxed and straightforward, which makes it quite simple when you are moving there from Bangkok or Phuket, Thailand.

Customs Regulations Hong Kong

That said, here are a few of the main points summed up for which you should be made aware of:

Importation of House Hold Goods

All air shipments are physically inspected.
Surface shipments are physically inspected at random.

Required Documentation

Following documents are required for import of household goods and personal effects into the Hong Kong:

Photocopy of Customer’s Passport picture page.
Authorization letter from Customer for Destination Agent to handle Customs clearance.
Please Click Here for the Authorization Letter.

For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into Hong Kong from Thailand.

Motor Vehicles

Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted (driving is on the left).
Certain models are not accepted (must contact Transport Department for further details).
Very high duty and taxes
Vehicle must be owned by customer for more than 6 months.

Pets

Quarantine may be required depending on the type of animal and the country of origin.
Documents required:
Health Certificate cannot be more than 14 days old and must be endorsed by a Government approved Veterinarian.
Rabies Vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before departure, but not more than six months before departure.
Import Permit issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and valid for 30 days from date of issue.
Both a Residence Certificate as well as an additional International Health Certificate must be prepared ad must be endorsed by the USDA/APHIS/VS
Special permits must be obtained in advance for the importation of animals and birds. Quarantine periods vary according to the animal’s country of origin.

Transit Times and Ports of Entry

Sea Shipments:

Port of Entry	Transit Time	Customs Clearance
Hong Kong	5-6 Days	5-7 Working Days

Air Shipments:

Port of Entry	Transit Time	Customs Clearance
TBD	TBD	TBD

Port of Entry	Transit Time	Customs Clearance
Munich	1=2 Days	2-3 Working Days