Working in Hong Kong China
Along with Macau, Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China. An extremely densely populated region, Hong Kong has a population of more than 7 million people throughout its islands.
Following the First Opium War Hong Kong was a colony of the British Empire between 1839 and 1942 before China regained sovereignty of the region in 1997. Hong Kong operates differently from mainland China in that its political system has independent judiciary functions under a common law framework.
Hong Kong has grown into a thriving metropolis featuring one of the world’s great skylines. While the majority of the population in Hong Kong come from Chinese origins, it is also home to a large expat contingent which has relocated to be part of the banking and financial system.
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, with very warm, humid summers and mild winters. It is well-known for dangerous typhoons during the summer months.
The Working Holiday program between Australia and Hong Kong was setup to encourage cultural exchange and closer ties between the two countries by allowing young people to have an extended holiday funded by short-term employment.
Under the arrangement, Australians aged between 18 and 30 are allowed to travel to Hong Kong for a working holiday of up to 12 months.
- Airport
- Railway Station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
When it comes to airports Hong Kong International Airport has it all. A vastly popular facility with visitors to Hong Kong or those on a stopover, Hong Kong Airport services about 50 million passengers a year and accommodates close to 100 airlines. The home of Cathay Pacific is located about 40km south-west of central Hong Kong and consists of two modern terminals. Visitors can enjoy the extensive range of shops, sample the local cuisine at a seemingly endless number of restaurants or just relax by taking in the view of the mountains while waiting for a flight.
Travel to and from Hong Kong is simple. The Airport Express train is the most comfortable and efficient option for visitors and travels between the airport and Central Station (with a few stops on the way) in 25 minutes, leaving every 10 minutes. If you would prefer to ride a (cheaper) bus, several travel to and from the airport via Hong Kong’s A Routes. Many hotel buses also service Hong Kong’s airport. Ofcourse, travelers can also opt for a taxi for their airport travel.
Railway Station
Hong Kong Central Station
Central station is an MTR station located in the central area of Hong Kong Island. The station is the southern terminal for the Tsuen Wan Line and also connects with the Island Line, the Tung Chung Line and the Airport Express via Hong Kong station. Central Station handles more than 200,000 passengers daily, with the longest distance between two exits about 700 m.
Transportation
Hong Kong has one of the world’s most extensive and efficient metro systems in the world. The entire system can be accessed by the Octopus card, which can be bought and topped up at locations throughout the city.
The city’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is a highly efficient, rapid transit railway system. Opened in 1979, the system now includes close to 220km of rail with 152 stations, including 84 railway stations and 68 light rail stops. The MTR system is operated by MTR Corporation.
Hong Kong is also blessed with double-deckers trams that cover the northern part of the city and an extensive bus service taking commuters to the outer regions of the island. Another form of transport is by ferry, which can connect commuters between islands, while also providing a decent tourist attraction.
Cost of Living
The cost of living for expats in Hong Kong is average by western standards. Prices for hospitality services can be very affordable, while Hong Kong is known for its high prices for accommodation. According to online cost of living database Numbeo (http://www.numbeo.com/), prices for typical items on current exchange rates (June 2013) are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $6.95 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $41.70 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | $4.30 |
| Coke (330mL) | $1.10 |
| Milk (1 litre) | $2.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.70 |
| Eggs | $2.80 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | $1.10 |
| Monthly pass | $55.60 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | $2.35 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | $2080 approx |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | $4860 approx |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | $25 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | $200 |
| Average monthly salary (after tax) | $2780 |
Accommodation
As a major centre on a global scale for business and tourism, Hong Kong has a huge number of hotel rooms available, with estimates as high as 50,000. While prices for rooms are generally high there are some cheaper options to select from.
The most well-known cut price accommodation is inside Chungking Mansions where nationalities from all over the world come together at this bevy of guesthouses. Other cheaper guesthouse rooms can also be found in Causeway Bay, which is popular with the younger backpacker crowd.
Targeting the business travellers are some of the world’s finest hotels and brands. Five-star hotels in Hong Kong include: Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental. Book early to secure the best prices at these locations.
Shopping
Hong Kong is a standout shopping city in Asia. No sales tax or VAT in Hong Kong creates plenty of competition on low and high-end goods and services. Shopping hours are long in Hong Kong, with a large portion of stores staying open between 10am and 10pm.
Hong Kong is well regarded for its range of electronics and great bargains can be found on brand name cameras, computers, music devices and gaming systems. For electronic goods, the best stores include the Wanchai Computer Centre, Mong Kok Centre and Galaxy Mall.
The Asian metropolis is a fashion centre featuring almost every major brand from around the world. For clothing, shoes and more the most popular areas are Tsim Sha Tsui or Causeway Bay. Other major shopping malls include the IFC Mall, Pacific Place, Festival Walk and Cityplaza.
Streetmarkets are another popular form of shopping in Hong Kong for groceries, clothing, bags and more. Some of the bigger markets in Hong Kong include Ladies Market, Temple Street, Flower Market and Goldfish Market.
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police, fire & ambulance 999
Australian Consulate General, Hong Kong
23/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2827 8881
Facsimile: (852) 2585 4457
Website: http://www.hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au
Insurance and Healthcare
Hong Kong has an excellent health care system supported by the government’s public system, which provides care for all residents, including registered expats. Conditions are considered some of the best in the world and this is supported by the high life expectancy that exists on the island.
On top of the public health system, expats in Hong Kong can also take out private care, with an extensive range of services available for those willing to pay extra. Costs for private health treatment in Hong Kong are comparable to those in Australia.
Despite a high standard of health facilities in Hong Kong, DFAT recommends all Australians travelling to the country take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any overseas costs.