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| Work, Life and Leisure in HONG KONG |
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Visa Requirements
For most visitors, there is no visa requirement for visiting Hong Kong as a tourist. However, if you are new to Hong Kong and want to work in the territory, you must obtain a valid work visa before you enter. To do this, you must first have obtained a valid job offer and be able to satisfy other requirements covering educational background, minimum income and sponsorship. Currently, work visas should take 4-6 weeks to process. During this time, applicants are not allowed to work in the territory.
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Income Tax
Tax - it's a bad, bad word. And yes, if you reside in Hong Kong over 183 days in a year, you are regarded as a resident for income tax purposes and are liable for income tax on all income derived in Hong Kong. And now the good news - Hong Kong has one of the world's lowest income tax rates, with only about 2% of the working population paying the maximum rate of 15%.
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Getting Around
Trains, planes, automobiles - as well as taxis, trams, buses, ferries, sampans and even helicopters! If you want to get around Hong Kong, all you have to do is decide how. The transport system is efficient, clean and inexpensive. For further information, visit the Hong Kong Tourist Association at The Center in Central or at the Star Ferry Concourse in Kowloon. You can also pick up all the information you need when you arrive at the airport.
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Accommodation
Hong Kong is a city of extremes - and this is particularly true of flat prices. Whilst rentals have been falling over the last year, how much you spend really depends on how you like to live. From the peace and serenity of a HK$7,000/month for a 700sqft. flat in the New Territories or Outlying Islands, to the palatial 3,000+ sqft. residencies of South Bay (a snip at HK$100,000+ per month!). The choice is yours.
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Schooling
If you are bringing your family with you, then you should certainly plan for your child's education. There are some very good schools in Hong Kong, but the fees can come as something of a shock and competition for places is fierce. Do your homework before you arrive in Hong Kong.
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Medical Facilities
Most employers in Hong Kong provide medical insurance cover for their employees. Ask about this before you sign a contract and check your policy to see how far you are covered. The majority do not include dental, so get a check-up before you come. If you need to get treatment, be assured that Hong Kong has one of the finest medical facilities in the world - the quality of service, however, can fluctuate and often depends on how much you are willing to spend.
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Weather
When you are not in the comfort of your air-conditioned office, you might find yourself melting in the humidity of summer, soaking in the squalls of the typhoon season, or pretty chilly when the temperature drops in winter. The best time of the year is September to December when it is dry and sunny. One thing for sure is, Hong Kong weather is not boring. Don't worry too much about the heat - you will acclimatize after a while.
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Food & Drink
Hong Kong has a plethora of both Eastern and Western eating establishments to suit any taste or budget. These range from a variety of local cuisines to fine champagne and oysters, going for a curry, tucking in to Irish stew, dipping into a Mongolian hotpot, or simply some good old-fashioned fish and chips, Hong Kong has it all. Prices vary, so check out the menu first. On the drink front - happy hours abound in Hong Kong and most go on for several hours. There are also plenty of guides available to give you the latest information.
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Entertainment
Whether it's shopping, culture, sports, nightlife or intellectual pursuits, Hong Kong has something for everyone. Not to be missed events include a night out at the races, the Rugby 7s and the annual Dragonboat Festival. Clubs and networking evenings abound, and these can be useful venues to meet new friends or forge business relationships.
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