Central, Hong Kong 🇭🇰
#1737
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Central is the business and commercial heart of Hong Kong, known for its skyscrapers, shopping districts, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 49,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100-300 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), with a conversion rate of approx. 1 USD ≈ 7.85 HKD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include CSL, 3 Hong Kong, and China Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Citibank, with options for app-based banking like TransferWise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to serviced apartments, Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, Hong Kong is highly cashless, with mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like mini hotel and Hong Kong Hostel provide economical lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Tsim Sha Tsui offers iconic sights and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central area offers a blend of coworking spaces, cafes, and connectivity; also nearby SoHo for modern vibes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork (multiple locations) provides engaging workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Hive Café offers a great environment for working remotely. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by The Hive network and local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Hong Kong Expats' host a variety of meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and HK MTR app for public transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike-sharing services like Gobee.bike and Ofo. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Repulse Bay, approximately 25 minutes away via taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cathay Pacific is the main regional airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines provide extensive international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Central with other regions of Hong Kong. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hong Kong Station is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Octopus card offers convenient access to public transport and stores. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | MTR and bus services are available to nearby locations like Lantau Island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Mary Hospital is a major healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room and Pure Yoga offer excellent wellness options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Pure Fitness provide extensive fitness amenities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Quick Wash and other laundromats available throughout Central. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and Deliveroo are popular options for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan Hong Kong. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut is a popular vegetarian chain offering great options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Oddies Foodies for unique desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Grocery stores include Market Place by Jasons and Wellcome. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and HKTVmall offer extensive online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Deliveroo and FoodPanda offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lan Kwai Fong is the hub for nightlife in Central. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Young Master Brewery for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Decanter offers a range of wines in a stylish setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Graham Street Market has vibrant street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | International options abound, with spots like Spaghetti House and Outback Steakhouse available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Victoria Peak, the skyline and Central's numerous temples. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hong Kong Museum of History and M+ Museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Man Mo Temple is a key historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John's Cathedral is an iconic site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chinese New Year celebrations and Hong Kong Arts Festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | PMQ (Police Married Quarters) is a center for creative industries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hong Kong Arts Festival holds various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market offers local goods and food options. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues include The Wanch and The Hive. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out street art murals in Sheung Wan, adjacent to Central. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the Hong Kong Culinary Academy. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like Gagosian and Edouard Malingue showcase contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | PMQ and Tai Kwun are significant heritage buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Tai Kwun represents significant cultural heritage and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hong Kong Park offers a green escape within the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve is within an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Central and Western District Promenade offers scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sky100 offers panoramic city views from the 100th floor. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hong Kong Wetland Park is less than an hour away. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Repulse Bay offers designated barbeque areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have multiple locations in Central. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iPhone repair stores are prevalent, including iFix and Techtember. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in multiple public parks. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | HK Language School offers a variety of language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Hong Kong Central Library provides study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Serviced by multiple local community centers for cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes like Xtreme Gaming offer great environments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Venetian Macao is a well-known casino destination nearby. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 28,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = HKD 1,120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = HKD 800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 36,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = HKD 2,160,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = HKD 1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 45,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = HKD 3,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = HKD 2,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 16.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Only local income is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 17%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 15% for foreign purchasers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income and simple tax structure. |