Hong Kong, Hong Kong 🇭🇰
#2127
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hong Kong is a vibrant, dynamic city known for its impressive skyline and rich culture, combining Eastern and Western influences. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 7.5 million residents, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps in urban areas, with fiber-optic connections widely available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 HKD ≈ 0.13 USD. International credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it is recommended to use a filter for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, ⚡ Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include 3, Smartone, and CSL, with prepaid options available starting from HKD 50. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered offer accounts for expats, often with online banking services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from serviced apartments to shared accommodations on platforms like Airbnb and local sites such as 591.com.hk. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, the city is highly cashless, with mobile payment apps like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Octopus accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb, Homates and Roomgo offer various short-term housing options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Yesinn and Hong Kong Hostel, with prices around HKD 150-300 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Tsim Sha Tsui is recommended for its proximity to attractions, luxury shopping, and harbor views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central & Sheung Wan is favored for co-working spaces, coffee shops, and a vibrant expat community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive and WeWork offer great coworking environments in various locations across the city. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Komune in Central is known for its relaxed atmosphere and good coffee, perfect for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups like 'Hong Kong Entrepreneurs' and 'Freelancer Hong Kong' host regular networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Hong Kong Expat Facebook groups frequently organize meetups and social events to connect the community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and local taxis are popular, with easy app-based booking. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycling is growing; consider using services like Gobee.bike for bike-sharing. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Repulse Bay, a 30-minute drive, is popular for its scenic beach and restaurants. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cathay Pacific and HK Express serve regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates are major carriers from Hong Kong. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include Route 3 and the Lantau Link connecting to the airport and outlying islands. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is the main hub for high-speed rail services to mainland China. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Octopus card is widely used for MTR, buses, and ferries, making travel easy. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | MTR trains provide quick access to neighboring areas like Kowloon and New Territories. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Mary Hospital offers high-quality healthcare services to residents. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pure Yoga and Yoga Room have multiple locations with various classes available. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness are popular chains with multiple locations around the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 24-hour laundromats like Laundromat HK offer self-service wash and fold options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Foodpanda are widely used for quick delivery from a range of restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dim Sum is a must-try traditional Cantonese dish served in many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurants like Loving Hut and Mana! Fast Slow Food offer delicious and healthy options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Australia Dairy Company and Honeymoon Dessert are famous for their Hong Kong-style desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Sham Shui Po offer affordable snacks and produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include HKTVmall, offering groceries and daily essentials online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Deliveroo and ParknShop provide grocery delivery services across the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Lan Kwai Fong is the most popular nightlife area with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Roundhouse Brewery is known for its craft beers with a local twist. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Fine Wine Experience offers a wide selection of wine with tasting events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local markets in Mong Kok are famous for street food including egg waffles and stinky tofu. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tucker's, an Australian restaurant, and Brick Lane are popular spots for international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Victoria Peak offers stunning views, while the Star Ferry provides iconic harbor crossings. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hong Kong Museum of History and M+ Museum showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Man Mo Temple and Kowloon Walled City Park are notable historical sites to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wong Tai Sin Temple is famous for its fortune-telling and beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Hong Kong Arts Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations attract locals and tourists alike. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | PMQ (Police Married Quarters) is a creative hub showcasing local design and craftsmanship. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Hong Kong Cultural Centre hosts performances from concerts to theater productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Stanley Market is known for souvenirs while Temple Street Night Market is famous for street food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Hong Kong’s music scene includes diverse genres, with live performances in Central and Causeway Bay. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Hong Kong's graffiti can be explored at K11 MUSEA and around Central. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Hong Kong Foodie offers classes on traditional Hong Kong dishes like Dim Sum. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries such as ArtisTree showcase contemporary local and international art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower marks the city's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The singing of 'Fairy Goddess' showcases the unique local cultural blend. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Dragon's Back hiking trail offers stunning coastal views just a short MTR ride away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sai Kung East Country Park is great for hiking and water sports. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along Victoria Harbour is popular for walking or jogging. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Ngong Ping 360 cable car offers panoramic views of Lantau Island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mai Po Nature Reserve is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in beaches like Big Wave Bay allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and SF Express provide reliable delivery services within and outside the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and local shops like iFix provide repair services for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks and community centers like Victoria Park have ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools such as HK Language Centre offer classes in Mandarin and Cantonese. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hong Kong Central Library and various public libraries provide quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers like the Hong Kong Cultural Centre host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Lounge offers gaming experiences and competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The City of Dreams and Galaxy Macau are popular for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 25,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = HKD 750,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 15,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = HKD 450,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 40,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = HKD 2,400,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = HKD 1,680,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = HKD 2,800,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = HKD 2,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 16.5% for businesses operating in Hong Kong. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends paid from Hong Kong profits. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation system; only income sourced in Hong Kong is taxable. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 17%. |
| 🧾 VAT | There is no Value Added Tax (VAT) in Hong Kong. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Tax based on the property's rental value, typically at a rate of 15%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty ranges from 1.5% to 4.25% based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Hong Kong offers a competitive tax environment for digital nomads with low personal tax rates. |