Kowloon, Hong Kong 🇭🇰
#1243
22.31667, 114.18333
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kowloon, a vibrant urban area in Hong Kong, known for its dense population and rich culture. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 2,000,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 HKD ≈ 0.13 USD, 1 USD ≈ 7.85 HKD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include CSL, 3, and SmarTone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Citibank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hostels, and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, and mobile payments like Octopus and Alipay are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms like Homates offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Yesinn @Yau Ma Tei and Hop Inn provide affordable options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive, located in Quarry Bay, offers great facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Coral, known for its free Wi-Fi and spacious seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular events hosted by groups like HK Tech & Startup Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Hong Kong Facebook Group hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Kowloon, along with local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Citiesuper and other bike-share programs available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Repulse Bay, approximately 30 minutes by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cathay Pacific is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines are primary options. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connections via Route 3 and the West Kowloon Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kowloon Station is a major transportation center. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Octopus card for easy access to all public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and buses connect to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital, known for comprehensive care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pure Yoga in Tsim Sha Tsui provides quality classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness have locations throughout Kowloon. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Box offers convenient laundry services in the area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Deliveroo are popular options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan, known for its Michelin-starred dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut and Herbivores offer great plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Hui Lau Shan for traditional mango desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Street markets like Temple Street Night Market for budget-friendly eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | HKTVmall and Taobao are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Deliveroo and Foodpanda also offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Langham Place in Mong Kok has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hong Kong Beer Co. offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Aqua Spirit provides a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore stalls at Mong Kok for authentic street food experiences. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui offer diverse international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hong Kong Museum of History and M+ Museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Wong Tai Sin Temple and Kowloon Walled City Park. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations are notable. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui are bustling with culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hong Kong Cultural Centre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Street markets like Jade Market and Yau Ma Tei fruit market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at places like The Wanch provides great local acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kowloon has vibrant street art, especially in Graham Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes offered at Hong Kong Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Para Site and Fine Art Asia for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Blue House, a historic building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The history of Kowloon is reflected in its vibrant markets and traditional neighborhoods. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lantau Island for hiking and nature activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sai Kung East Country Park offers stunning scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Victoria Harbour promenade is a scenic walking route. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kowloon Peak reveals breathtaking city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetland Park offers birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the New Territories allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and DHL provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops are available in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers host table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like the Language Centre offer courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hong Kong Central Library is a well-equipped study facility. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers often host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cybercafe Culture is popular among gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Venetian Macao is accessible for gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 20,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = HKD 600,000) |
| 🏢 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 22,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = HKD 1,100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 18,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = HKD 900,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. HKD 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = HKD 2,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. HKD 20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = HKD 1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 16.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15% |
| 🧾 VAT | There is no VAT in Hong Kong. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on rental income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty of 1.5% to 4.25% depending on property value. |