Hong Kong Orientation Guide

Hong Kong Orientation Guidebook

www.dwellworks.com

1

Hong Kong

N

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Admiralty

Causeway bay

w

e

Central ChungHomKok Clearwayer Bay Deep Water Bay Discovery bay

S

24

HappyValley

19

Hunghom Jardine’s Lookout Lamma island

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

17

Lantau island

28

13

Mong Kok North Point

7

A

Pok Fu Lam

Repulse Bay Sai Kung Sai Wan Ho Shatin Shek O Shouson Hill South Bay Stanley Tai Po Tai Tam The Peak Tsim Sha Tsui Tsing Yi

9

12

27

5

3

2

14 18

1

15

8 10

26

21

6 16 25

20

11

22

4

23

A

HongKongInternationalAirport

2

Hong Kong Relocation and Leasing Enquiries

ABOUT DWELLWORKS, LLC

+852 2822 6800

We are a full-service provider of relocation support solutions to the global mobility industry, delivering innovative, personalised, and high-touch services to help relocating employees and their families settle in quickly and comfortably in their new location. We make relocation easier by coordinating and delivering a suite of solutions when and where our clients need us. Our services are at the core of relocation success for employees, their families, and for companies with workforce mobility needs around the world. One ofour key strengths isour real estate expertise inHongKong.Wehavegrown to beHong Kong’s largest corporate residential leasing firms handling individual moves aswell as group moves. Our experience, technology and people expertise ensure our clients are provided with up to date real estate market information and are shown the widest range of properties available. Our experienced team of field based Destination Consultants are here to help make the relocation experience an informed and exciting experience by offering a plethora of housing solutions and lifestyle options. At Dwellworks, ourspecialty isnot justhome finding,but sharing a broader perspective on living in Hong Kong. We are excited about Hong Kong as a place to live, workand raisea family, andwehopeyouwillfeel thesame!The knowledge shared in thisbook is derived from over 20 years of successfully relocating executives into Hong Kong.

Relocation Services

Programme Administration Visa and Immigration Services Compensation and Expense Management Transportation and

Moving Services On-Going Support

Destination Services

Home finding Settling-In Services

Temporary Living Accommodation Corporate Tenancy Management Education Consulting

Departure Services

Repatriation Programme

Training and Development

Intercultural Training Language Training

HR Consultancy

Policy Development Group Move Consulting

Relocation Enquiries

+ 852 2804 6790

Leasing Enquiries

+852 2822 6800

This guidebookcontains themostcurrently available information attime ofpublication.Informationcontainedhereinwas largely obtained fromavarietyof external resources. Dwellworks, LLC neither represents nor warrants the accuracy of information obtained from any external resource or found onanywebsites referencedinthisguidebook.

3

Contents

Relocation: Before you leave

Pre-departure Checklist

7 9

Hong Kong Identity Card and Visas

Critical Documents

10 11

Consulates, Trade Commissions

Living in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Overview

13 14 15 16

People, Language, Religion

Festivals and Holidays

Chinese Customs

Banks and Money

Currency

20 20 20

Exchange Rate and Currency Converter Banks / Opening a Bank Account

Children / Hong Kong for Families

Activities

22 24 24

Summer Programs and Holiday Camps

Shops for Children

Entertainment

Entertainment Guides, Online Ticket Guides, Art Guides, Restaurant Guides

25 25 26 29 30

Cinema, Junks and Pleasure Cruises

Libraries, Markets, Museums

Shopping Malls

Temples

Food & Groceries

Food and Food Stores Organic Food Stores

32 33 33

Take Away Food

Health Services

Health Overview and Vaccinations

34 37 38

Children and Health

Doctors, Clinics and Pharmacists

4

Hygiene / General Health

42 43 48 51

Hospitals and Emergency Contacts

Maternity

Counseling and Support Groups

Media and Telecommunications

Internet, Landline, Mobile Phones

52 52

Books, News Papers, Postal Services, Radio, Television

Pets

Import / Export a Pet

56 57

Pet Grooming / Supplies, Veterinarians

Recruitment and Business in Hong Kong

Recruitment

59 60

Setting Up a Business in Hong Kong

Sports and Clubs

General Sports

61 62 62 63 63 64

Golf Clubs

Hong Kong Events

Sports Clubs and Gymnasiums

Water Sports

Hair and Beauty

Transport

Octopus Cards Airlines, Airport

66 66 70

Buses, Ferry Services, Helicopter Services, Light Railway Transport (LRT)

Mass Transit Railway, Minibuses, Peak Tram 72 Private Cars (License / Mechanical Services / Parking / Tunnel Fees / Car Rental),Taxis 73

Weather

Weather Overview, Typhoons, Rain Storm Signals

82

Property and Orientation

Hong Kong Residential Market Permanent Accommodation

85 85 86 86

Viewing Properties Commuting Times

5

SetUpYourHome Domestic Helper

87 87 88 91 91 94

Furniture / Furniture Hire

Moving / Storage

Utilities

Permanent Accommodation FAQ’s Temporary Accommodation FAQ’s

100 101

Orientation Guide

Schools and Education

Education Overview

106 107 107 107 112 114 115

Early Childhood Education

Primary and Secondary Years Education International Playgroups and Schools Special Needs Schools and Support

University

Education FAQ’s

Quick Reference Guide

Useful Numbers

121

6

Relocation: Before You Leave

Pre-Departure Checklist

In order to help prepare you for your new country of residence we have highlighted a fewusefulwebsites foryouto reviewprior to your move.

To help relieve any moving anxieties you may have, we have created a checklist to recommend items you should prepare prior to your move. This list is not all-inclusive and might not be applicable to everyone.

We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information found on these websites.

Documents/Records

+ Apply for passports, visas, work permits, etc; remember that extra photos may be needed. + Obtain copies of and update vaccinations for you and your family, if applicable. + Obtain copies of birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage license, and divorce decree, etc. + Arrangeforrenewalofhomeautomobilelicensesandobtainaninternationaldriver’slicense,ifpossible. + Assign power of attorney, if necessary.

Embassies Worldwide rl i e

www.embassyworld.com Directory and search engine for the world’s embassies and consulates.

+ Check insurance policies, wills, tax records, stocks, house deeds, etc. + Provide spouse’s employer with change of address form for tax purposes. + Inquire if originals or translations of the required documents are needed. + Schedule interview with company tax provider, as applicable. + Schedule appointments for passport photos for all family members.

Health

www.who.int/en The official website of the World Health Organization

Household

www.cdc.gov The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA - their mission to promotequalityof lifebypreventingand controlling disease.

+ Prepare your property (make necessary repairs) and arrange for either sale of your home or a property management service, or exit lease arrangements if renting. + Schedule final move date. + Decide what to take in your sea shipment. Arrange storage for what you are leaving behind. + Appraise and inventory your household goods. + Schedule visual survey with your transportation counselor. + Donate unwanted items to charity or plan a garage sale. + Cancel utilities (electricity, water, gas, telephone, cable). + Cancel other contracts such as gym or other club memberships and cell phone contracts. + Cancel newspapers, monthly magazine subscriptions, and milk delivery. + Arrange for mail forwarding service to new address or mail box for very important documents. + Arrange temporary living accommodations at home and host locations, if needed. + Mail/email completed valued inventory to your transportation counselor. + Check voltage compatibility in destination country for appliances.

Vehicle

+ Sell or store vehicle or motorcycle. + Confirm title and registration is correct and current.

Medical

+ Discuss International benefits and/or enroll in the approved medical plan through your Human Resources representative. + Schedule family physicals, inoculations, dental checkups and eye examinations. + Obtain family medical records and arrange for translations, if needed. Stock up on special dietary needs, commonly used over the counter drugs and/or prescriptions (if likely unavailable in host country).

7

School Search

+ Inquire the generic name for prescriptions. + Purchase extra prescription eyeglasses or contacts.

www.hongkong.brookfieldgrs.com Findtherightschoolforyourchild.Over100 Schools listed.

Children

+ Obtain directory of overseas schools. + Check on and select appropriate schools (arrange visit during home search trip). + Arrange for transfer of school records. + Obtain extra copies of school records (arrange for translation, if needed).

Pet Relocation

More information Page 49

Currency

www.oanda.com Currency converter for up-to-date and historical foreign and exchange.

Pets

+ Check health regulations governing entry into host country. + Obtain medical and vaccination records or papers. + Obtain quarantine requirements and procedures. + Secure import permits or visas, if required, along with photo. + Purchase an appropriate shipping crate or arrange pet shipping company.

Orientation

www.hongkong.brookfieldgrs.com Discover Hong Kong; view interactive orientation maps, street and MTR transit maps. Learn about Hong Kong through our online Orientation Guide.

Monetary/Financial

+ Check on host country’s monetary system. + Obtain foreign currency for use upon arrival. + Help ensure that charge accounts may be used abroad/obtain PIN (personal identification numbers) for use in automated teller machines. + Check with home bank about overseas branches and/or affiliates. + Check home bank’s policy on inactive accounts. + Stop paper statements and arrange for e-banking access + Obtain overseas bank account or local bank account in host location providers. + Notify voter registration and obtain absentee ballots. + Cancel home insurance policy, as applicable.

Translation

www.babelfish.altavista.com Translation site for multiple languages.

Orientation

+ Buy a language dictionary. + Plan a family orientation with your Destination Consultant and talk to your children about their new home.

Travel

+ Schedule property and school tours with your Destination Consultant. + Make airline, car rental and applicable hotel reservations for final move.

Miscellaneous

+ Notify friends and relatives of new address. + Notify magazines, creditors, banks, insurers, etc. of change of address or cancellation.

8

Hong Kong Identity Cards and Visas

Hong Kong Identity Cards (HKID)

Anyone entering Hong Kong must have at least six months validity remaining on their passports afterthedateofentrytoHongKong.

Visitors planning to stay in Hong Kong for longer than 180 days must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) within 30 days of arriving in Hong Kong. All Hong Kong residents aged 11 or over are required to register for an identity card. The Hong Kong Identity card (HKID) is an official identitydocumentissuedbythe ImmigrationDepartmentofHongKong.Thereare twotypesof HKID card; + Hong Kong Identity Card: + To apply for the HKID card your Working Visa must be valid for more than 180 days. Once you have your HKIDCard you areby lawrequired to carry it withyou atall times. + Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card. + TAfter seven years of continuous residence in Hong Kong, expatriates are entitled to apply fortheHongKongPermanentIdentitycard,thiswillgrantanindividualtherightof abode in the HK SAR, ensuring unlimited entry, the right to seek employment, the right to vote in Hong Kong elections and stand for elected office.

For further details contact the Immigration Department.

To apply for your Hong Kong Identity card make an appointment with the Immigration Department. Youmustapplyinpersonandremembertotakealongthefollowingitems.

+ Passport (with a valid stamped visa). + Two current passport photographs. + Check with the Immigration Department for the latest requirements for HKID applications.

www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/bookregidcard.htm

Immigration Department

Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2598 0888 Operating hours: Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tourist Visa

Anyone entering Hong Kong must have at least six months validity remaining on their passports afterthedateofentrytoHongKong.

Travelers from most Western and Asian countries are granted a visa free stay for a limited period of time. The length of time varies on the country of origin. Presently UK citizens receive 180 days whilemostothercountries inEurope,Australia,NewZealand,CanadaandtheUnitedStates receive 90 days.MiddleEastern countries receive 14 or 30 days and someAsian andAfrican countriesrequireapprovedvisas.Visa regulationsaresubjecttochange,visittheHongKong Immigration Department website for a full list of tourist visa requirements.

Hong Kong Immigration: www.immd.gov.hk

9

Working Visa

Aworking visa is required in order to work in Hong Kong. If you are being transferred to Hong Kongwith a corporation,the company’s human resources department or the designeemay handle thenecessarypaperwork forsecuringanemployment visa. Once theprimaryvisahas been granted, you are entitled to apply for dependant visas for your spouse and children. Note: If youandyourfamilymembersareall relocating toHongKongatthesametime,youcanapplyfor thevisatogetherfromoverseas.SpousesondependantvisasinHongKongarenotrequiredto applyforseparateworkvisatotakeupemploymentinHK.

It takes on average about six weeks for Hong Kong Immigration to process a visa application.

Immigration Department

www.immd.gov.hk Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. Tel:2598 0888 Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Visa for mainland China, from Hong Kong

Visitors to Hong Kong who plan to travel to mainland China from Hong Kong will need China entry visa. The China entry visa can be obtained from the Visa office of the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited - www.ctshk.com/english/index.htm or through a Chinese diplomatic and consular missionintheapplicantsplaceofresidence.Leadingtravelagentscanalsoassistinobtaininga China visa.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card

Toenhance themobilityofbusinesstravelerswithintheAPECeconomies,ifyoureside inHong Kong SAR and hold a Permanent Identity card and a valid national passport, you may apply for the APEC business travel card, cardholders are able to enjoy a streamlined immigration clearance at the control points of economies participating in this scheme.

www.immd.gov.hk/en/services/hk-visas/apec-business-travel-card.html

Critical Documents

Apart frompassports,it is advisable to bring original or copies of any other critical documents on your flight to Hong Kong such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption certificate, divorce decree, change of name certificates or house deeds, and education certificates. Do not leave these important documents in your air or sea shipment. Leave copies of your passport and latest visawith someone overseas in case of loss or theft.It is also advisable to have plenty of passport photos as they are required for numerous documents in Hong Kong.

10

Consulates

Argentina Republic

Finland

Embassies Worldwide

www.embassyworld.com Directory and search engine for the world’s embassies and consulates.

Tel: 2523 3208

Tel: 2525 5385 www.finland.org.hk

Australia

France

Tel: 2827 8881 www.hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au

Tel: 3752 9100 www.france.com.hk

Austria

Germany

Tel: 2522 8086 www.bmeia.gv.at/hongkong

Tel: 2105 8788 www.hongkong.diplo.de

Belgium

India

Tel: 2524 3111 www.diplomatie.be/hongkong

Tel: 3164 6188 www.indianconsulate.org.hk

Britain

Indonesia

Tel: 2901 3000 www.britishconsulate.org.hk

Tel: 2890 4421 www.indonesianconsulate.hk

Brazil

Israel

Tel: 2525 7004 www.brazilianconsulate.org.hk

Tel: 2821 7510

Canada

Italy

Tel: 3719 4700 www.hongkong.gc.ca

Tel: 2522 0033 www.conshongkong.esteri.it

Chile

Japan

Tel: 2827 1826

Tel: 2522 1184 www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp

Colombia

Korea

Tel: 2545 8547 www.consulatocolumbiahk.com

Tel: 2529 4141 www.korea.org.hk

Denmark

Malaysia

Tel: 2827 8101 www.gkhongkong.um.dk

Tel: 2821 0800 www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/hongkong

Egypt

Mexico

Tel: 2827 0668

Tel: 2511 3305

11

Trade Commissions

Netherlands

Thailand

Nigeria

Tel: 2522 5127 www.hollandinchina.org

Tel: 2521 6481 www.thai-consulate.org.hk

Tel: 2827 8813

Singapore

New Zealand

United States of America

Tel: 2527 2212

Tel: 2525 5044 www.nzembassy.com/hongkong

Tel: 2523 9011 www.hongkong.usconsulate.gov

Canada

Tel: 2847 7414 www.hongkong.gc.ca

Nigeria

Australia

Tel: 2827 8813 www.nigeria-consulate.org.hk

Tel: 2588 5300 www.austrade.hk

Chile

Tel: 2827 1790

Norway

Austria

Tel: 2546 9881 www.ncchk.org.hk

Finland

Tel: 2522 2388 www.advantageaustria.org

Tel: 2521 3316

Philippines

Belgium

France

Tel: 2823 8501 www.philcongen-hk.com

Tel: 2801 5932

Tel: 2158 3777 www.missioneco.org/hongkong

Britain

Singapore

Spain

Tel: 2901 3000 www.ukinhongkong.fco.gov.uk

Tel: 2527 2212 www.mfa.gov.sg/hongkong

Tel: 2521 7433

Germany

Sweden

South Africa

Tel: 2526 5481

Tel: 2521 1215 www.swedenabroad.com

Tel: 2577 3279

Italy

Spain

Switzerland

Tel: 2846 6500

Tel: 2525 3041

Tel: 2522 7147

Malaysia

Sweden

Thailand

Tel: 2527 8109

Tel: 2521 1212 www.swedenabroad.com

Tel: 2525 9716

Mexico

Turkey

Tel: 2877 3434

Switzerland

Tel: 2572 1331

Tel: 2522 7147 www.eda.admin.ch/hongkong

New Zealand

Tel: 2526 7898

12

Living inHongKong

Geographic Location

The Fragrant Harbour, the Last Prize of the Empire, the City on the Hill, whatever you prefer to call it, Hong Kong is one of themost fascinating and exciting cities on the planet. Known as the city thatneversleeps,itequatestotheexpression“timeismoney.” Cosmopolitan yet maintainingmillennia-old traditions, tolerant andwealthy, it is a city with thrilling optimismand energy.To live inHong Kong is to live in the undeniable center of the fastest growing region in the world. Its geographymakes it one of themost dramatic cities in the world. Hong Kong’s steep mountains plunge directly into an aqua blue sea, affording views of either spectacular cityand harbor lights or tranquil islands dotting the tropical ocean.With a geographical area of only 1,103 sq kmand 80%of the population living on only 8%of the land itdoesrequirealotofverticallivingarrangements. Manyapartmentsandhousestake full advantage of spectacular views. Living in Hong Kong will undoubtedly be different from home, but this Orientation Guidebook isdesigned togetyouacclimated in asshorta timeaspossible.HongKong isavibrantcity with more things to do than a person could fit into a lifetime.With the help of this guide and an adventurous spirit, you and your family will rapidly become involved in the organizations, clubs, sports, attractions, trips, tours and social events that are an exciting and intrinsic part of the rewarding expatriate experience in this remarkable city. HongKong isoneoftwoSpecialAdministrativeRegionsofthePeople’sRepublicofChina,the otherisMacau.HongKong islocatedintheSoutheastareaofChinaand isalsoreferredtoasthe Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It is divided into three principle areas; Hong Kong Island - the helm of the world’s 3rd largest financial center; Kowloon - positioned north of Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour; and finally, the vast area of the New Territories, which borders China at the Guandong province. Hong Kongbecame aSpecialAdministrativeRegion (HKSAR) ofThePeople’sRepublic of Chinaon July 1, 1997. It has its own constitution, Basic Law, and its own Government, and inmany ways, it operates as an independent international city state. It is a disciplined, law abiding city with a very lowcrime rate. The entire territory covers approximately 1,470 square kilometers of territory including 235 islands of varying sizes dotted mainly off the shores of Kowloon and the New Territories. The largest of all being Lantau, where Chep Lap Kok Airport is situated. Hong Kong Island itself is no larger than 78 square kilometers. Overview

China is located off the East Asia continent, on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean.

China is a vastcountry,with a landmass of circa9,600,000squarekilometers.Sharing borders with no less than 14 countries, China isthethird-largestcountry in theworld. It is almost identical in size to the United States of America. The coastline alone measures approximately 14,500kilometers, and touches theYellow Sea, East China Sea andtheSouthChinaSea,allpartofthe Pacific Ocean.

13

Language

People

Hong Kong’s official language is Cantonese, the Chinese dialect of Guangdong.The use of Mandarin (or Putonghua) China’s official dialect is increasingly on the rise inHong Kong in recentyears,howeverfornow,all street signs and notices’ are in both English and Chinese. The proficiency of English spoken by bus / taxi driver’s tradesmen, service men and security guards alike can vary in levels, learning a few Cantonese words can helpyougetaroundHongKong.Inthe meantime if you are having problems being understood search your mind for synonyms andusethem.Mostlocalslearnedtheir English from theEnglish,so try to think of the British equivalent, for example: ‘boot’ for car trunk, ‘petrol’ for gasoline, ‘lift’ for elevator. If all else fails, call a colleague or use the Hong KongTaxiTranslator app, which is veryhandy.

The totalpopulationofHongKongnowextends toover7.3millionpeople,withapproximately1.5 millionpeopleresidingonHongKongIslandandafurther2.1inKowloonandtheremainderinthe New Territories. Although there are more than 50 different nationalities living in Hong Kong, 94% of the population isethnicallyChinese,themajority of which ofHakkaandChiuChoworigins.Large numbers of Hong Kong Chinese residents also hold dual passport status with Canada, Australia, Britain or the U.S.,andtheymayormaynotspeakChinese.Theremaining5%ofthepopulation iscomposed of non-ethnic Chinese forming a highly visible group despite their smaller numbers. The main nationalities among the non-Chinese residents are Filipinos (150,000), Indonesians (150,000), Americans (60,000), British, French (est. 20,000), Canadians (300,000 many of them dual passport holders), Indians Thais, Japanese,Australians and Thais. Other major nationalities represented in Hong Kong are New Zealanders and Malays, plus smaller numbers of Sri Lankan and Pakistanis. It is the large international representation of different nationalities living together with the openness of society that makes Hong Kong such a surprisingly cosmopolitan community. From Alliance Française to the St. Andrew’s Society, the Japan Society to the India Club, there is a multitude of groups and associations that celebrate the various national days and provide business and social interaction.

Religion

Religion in Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of freedom, guaranteed by the Basic Law, which was signed in 1990 and went into effect in 1997.

90% of Hong Kong’s population practices a mix of local religions, most predominantly Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

TheChristiancommunityaccounts forabout9%ofthe totalpopulationand isnearlyequally divided between Catholics and Protestants, although other, smaller communities exist as well, such as Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Baha’i communities. Concerns over a lack of religious freedom after the 1997 handover have largely subsided.

14

Chinese Festivals

Festivals and Holidays

There are 17 designated public holidays in Hong Kong each year. In addition to Christmas, Boxing Day,GoodFridayandEaster,HongKong celebratesBuddha’sbirthdayandothertraditional Chinese festivals.

Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)

Themost important of theChinese Festivals, and is celebrated on the first day of the first moon of the traditional lunarcalendar,usually late JanuaryorearlyFebruarydepending on theLunar Calendar of that particular year. Celebrating the new Chinese New Year also marks the start of the plowing and sowing season. During this 3-day holiday most of the Chinese population spend time with their families—themost important gathering includes a huge family feast on the eve of the New Year. Businesses are closed for 3-days and upwards of a week depending on the industry. It is also a period of great decoration, with homes, buildings and shops all well decorated with wishes of good luck. It happens to be the noisiest of all holidays,with amassive fireworks show over VictoriaHarbour on the1stday of theNewYear. As themajority of theChinesepopulation tendtotravelduringthisperiod,itiswisetobookholidaysinadvance.Schoolsareusuallyclosed for aweek. China National Day is October 1st - established by the Government in 1949 to celebrate the foundingofthePeople’sRepublicofChina.Thiskicksoff“GoldenWeek”inChina -October 1 to October 7, but is of much less significance in Hong Kong. Similar to the Chinese New Year holiday themajority of themainlandChinese population tends to travel during this period,so it iswise to book holidays in advance if you have business travel over this period. Festivals in China are elaborate and vibrant affairs. Take part in a decorated dragon boat racing during the DuanWu festival, watch impressive firework displays at Chinese New Year, or sample various moon cakes during theMidAutumn Festival - Chinese festivals are a time to bewith families and friends. National Day

15

Festivals and Events

Public Holiday

NewYear

1 day/January 3 days/February

Birthday of Buddha

ChineseNewYear(Spring Festival)

Good Friday

1 day/April 1 day/April 1 day/April 1 day/April 1day/1May 1 day/May 1 day/June 1day/1 July

April / May. Buddhist Temples.

The day following Good Friday

Easter Monday

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Ching Ming (Tomb sweeping) Festival

www.cheungchau.org May.

International Labour Day

Buddha’s Birthday

TuenNg Festival (Dragon Boat) Festival

Chinese Lunar New Year

Handover HKSAR Anniversary Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival

Feb. spectacular fireworks.

1day/September 3 days/1October

National Holiday

Dragon Boat Festival

CheungYeungFestival

1day/October

June.

ChristmasDay

1 day/25December 1 day/26December

BoxingDay

Hungry Ghost

Aug / Sept. Chinese Opera

Lantern Festival is held on the 15 th day of the first month of the Lunar Year and celebrates the endoftheSpringFestival and thefirstfullmoonoftheNewYear.Followinga long traditiondating back to the Han Dynasty, people celebrate by carrying bright-colored lanterns through the streets and eating glutinous rice balls.

Mid Autumn Festival

October. Lantern Festival

For a brief overview of festival origins and the dates when they are celebrated, pickupacopyoftheHongKongTourist Association’s free brochure,“Events and Festivals”.

Tomb-SweepingDay(ChingMing) inChinesemeans“cleanandbright”.InWesternterms, this holiday is aChineseMemorial Day.It is a time of sentimental remembrance of thosewho have passed on, by those who continue. Entire families take the day to clean and manicure their forebears’ resting place.

Hong Kong Tourist Association

Tel: 2508 1234 www.hkta.org

Dragon Boat Festival (DuanWu day of Right mid-day) is the 5 th day of the 5 th month of the lunar year.The story behind this unique celebration dates backmore than 2000 years agocenteringonapatriotic courtofficialnamedQuYuan.Qutried towarntheemperorofan increasingly corruptgovernmentbutfailed.Ina lastdesperateprotest,he threwhimself into the river and drowned. Later, Qu’s sympathizers jumped into boats beat the water with their oars and made rice dumplings wrapped in reed leaves (Zongzi) and scattered them into the River in the hope that fish would eat them instead of Qu’s body. Today, People eat “Zong Zi” and organize boat race to make theoccasion. Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15 th day of the eighth lunar month usually around September each year.Celebrating the full moon people eat moon cakes! Moon cakes are usually a sweet pastrywitha varietyoffillingsavailable,mostcommonly includingegg yolk and redbeanpaste. It is also a time where boxed ‘moon cakes’ are commonly given and received as gifts. This is oneofthemost celebrated festivals amongst westernerswhogo to thebeaches for sunsetand sundowners with children armed with lanterns.

More details visit: www.discoverhongkong.com

16

Feng Shui

Decisions on thedesignofbuildings and evenonwhere to place yourbed in yourapartmentare made based on the ancient Chinese geomancer’s art of feng shui.The principles of feng shui, which literallymeanswindandwater,areanintrinsicpartofdoingbusiness inHongKong.Afeng shui master is consulted to determine the site of a building, the arrangement of furniture, the openingofanoffice,ortheselectionofaweddingdate.Themostauspiciousdatesandphysical settingsarethose inharmonywiththeelementalforcesoftheearth.

Chinese Customs

Theadvantageoflivinginaforeigncountryistheopportunityitprovidesforlearningabout another culture.Most of theChinesepeople withwhomyouwill interact are quite sophisticated andworldly.Manyhavebeeneducated in theWest,andmanymorehavetraveledextensively. Consequently,there is very littleyoucando that will shockorinsult them—witha fewexceptions. Despite its worldly veneer, Hong Kong is a very Chinese city and ancient traditions and ancestral rites are deeply embedded in the culture. It is fascinating to learn asmuch as possible about Chinaanditshistorywhileyouarehere.Yourinsightswillbeinvaluableinhelpingyouto appreciate much of what goes on around you every day.

BelowwediscusssomeverygeneralChinesecustomsthatwehopeyouwillfindhelpfulasyou adjust to your newenvironment.

General Customs

+ It is polite to use both hands when you give or receive anything: a business card, a gift, or even a borrowed pen. + With Chinese names, the surname comes first: for example, Wong Sun Ting is referred to as Mr. Wong. If he were to use an English name, it would be written as follows: Sun-ting Wong. + Avoid losing your temper. It is considered loss of face to lose control of one’s emotions. + Chinese are more formal than Americans and avoid direct body contact other than shaking hands. Disagreeing with someone is considered impolite. Chinese often will give the impression of agreement even when they may internally disagree.

17

Business Customs

+ Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in Chinese on the other side. + Business cards are given and received with two hands. It is considered respectful to examine thecardafterreceiving it. + Standard business attire is a suit and tie year-round. Women dress in business suits also. + Punctuality for appointments is important. + Tea, coffee or water should be offered to visitors. When offered, it is polite to accept. Take a sipatleast. + If tea is served during a meeting, do not touch yours until the host begins. If the tea sits untouched for a long period, this may signal the meeting has ended. + Business entertaining is almost always done in restaurants, not in the home. Hospitality should be returned. + When invited to a Chinese dinner it is not necessary to bring a gift unless the dinner is for a special reason such as a birthday. We would recommend you check with any others who are attending forguidance. + It is polite to let your host order the food. + You will usually be served meat, fish and vegetable dishes. The soup and rice will be served towards the end of the meal. Guests leave immediately after the dessert is served. + Wait for the host to begin. He or she may suggest you help yourselves and you should do so. + Take the piece of food that is closest to you. It is not polite to reach across the table or stand up to reachotherdishes even if the table is very large. + If your chopsticks touch a piece of food, consider it yours. + If a serving spoon is provided, always use that to serve yourself; otherwise chopsticks are fine. Never eat from the serving spoon. + If a sauce comes with the dish, use your chopsticks to dip the food into the sauce, or alternatively,pour a little of it onto your plate.If youhave alreadybitten into the food,do not dip it in the sauce. + Avoid pointing your chopsticks at anyone, as this is considered rude – interpreted to be adopting a scolding posture. + Take one piece of food at a time, or at least a small portion. + Bones may be removed from the mouth with the help of chopsticks and placed on your plate. + Avoid taking the last piece of food from the serving dish even if the host insists. It may signal to thehostthathehasnotorderedenoughfoodandhisguestsarestillhungry. + If you are eating fish, it is often served in one piece with the head and tail intact. Often the headofthe fish isoffered to themostdistinguishedguest.Acknowledge thehonoreven if you do not eat it. Dining Out

18

Further Reading

+ Chinese people do not usually use their fingers for eating. An exception is shrimp that needs to be peeled.Place the shells on your plate and use the communal finger bowl for cleaning your fingers. After the shrimp course, plates will be changed by the waiter. Usually wet towels are also at each place for cleaning your hands. + Chinese guests usually leave the table very promptly after eating a meal. Watch to see what your host does and follow his lead. At banquets, whole oranges are often served as dessert. This isusually the sign thatthemeal isoverand somegueststake their orangehome with them.Watch to seewhat your hostdoes and followhisorher lead. + The host will almost always pay the entire dinner bill. Splitting the bill or “going Dutch” is frowneduponandcancause lossofface fortheguests.Asaguest,itisconsidered polite tomake an attempt to pay,however let the host pay the bill after two or three polite attempts towrestle the bill.Smiles and gentle arguing over who pays thebill is a common scene inChinese restaurants.

There are a number of excellent publications available in local bookstores if you would like to learn more about Chinese customs. Some suggestions are:

Culture Shock Hong Kong by Betty Wei and Elizabeth Li

History of Hong Kong by Frank Welsh

Beyond the Chinese Face by Michael Harris Bond

Gifts

+ The most appropriate gifts to bring are fruit, chocolate or alcohol. + A gift is not usually opened in front of the giver. The gift will be set aside and opened later.

Lucky Money

+ Money placed in special red envelopes, called ‘lai see’ packets, are given as gifts, especially atChineseNewYear. + Lai see should be distributed to recipients the first time you see them after the start of Chinese New Year.It is usually given to caretakers, guards, building personnel, secretaries and other people who have given you good service over the year. Use crisp, new bills. Avoid giving two $20s, which equals forty, because it is the same sound as “death” in Cantonese.

19

Banks/Money

Currency Conversions

Currency and Exchange Rate

www.xe.com www.oanda.com

The Hong Kong dollar (HK$) is an internationally recognized currency, separate from China’s own currency.

Currency conversion websites to check up-to-date exchange rates.

Major HK$ notes are: $100, $500 and $1,000 and; lesser HK$ notes are: $10, $20, $50. Coins issued are 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, HK$1, HK$2, HK$5 and HK$10.

Exchange Rate

The exchange rate of the Hong Kong Dollar is “pegged” to the U.S Dollar. HKD$7.78 to the US$1. For an accurate exchange rate, see your nearest bank.

Banks / Opening up a Bank Account

Main retail banks in Hong Kong offer cash withdrawal facilities for Visa and MasterCard through Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) operating as a 24-hour service throughout the territory. HSBC and Heng Seng utilize the global network ‘PLUS’. Standard Chartered Bank has an ATM network called ‘JETCO’.

For more information contact www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng

Check your banks ATMmachine for bill payment options. Utilities, Income Tax and Government services can be paid through an ATMmachine.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC)

Tel: 2233 3000 www.hsbc.com.hk

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong)

Tel: 2820 3333 www.standardchartered.com.hk

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Tel: 2198 1111 www.hangseng.com

Citibank

Tel: 2868 8888 www.citibank.com.hk

20

Bank Opening Hours

Opening a Bank Account

Regular banking business hours vary depending on the bank, but are generally 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Setting up a Hong Kong account is straightforward if you have the correct documentation in place.However,itcan takemore thanaweekto receiveyour checkbook foracheckingaccount (referred to as a “current account” in Hong Kong).Therefore, we would recommend that you attend to thiswhileyouareonyour initial home finding trip.Note thatyour credit cardapplication is a separate approval process which can take longer. In most cases, to open a bank account, you need to arrive prepared with: + Hong Kong Identification Card (your Temporary HKID will suffice) + Original Passport, if opening a joint account, you will need both passports. If you do not have anHKIDcardyouprovideapassporttoopentheaccount,youwillneedtobringalong a second type of identification such as a driving license. + Original recent proof of current overseas residential address. For example, bank statements or utility bills issued within the last 3 months from the country of origin with full name and home address specified. The name shown on the address proof must be the exact full name as thepassport. Alternatively, in some instances, a valid photo-bearing National ID card or driving license with full name and home address details included may be acceptable. Please note that a proof of address at a ServicedApartment is not acceptable, even if it was previously your long-termresidence. + You may also be required to provide a letter from your employer that verifies proof of employment and your income (or a reasonable sum). This is a requirement for a Hong Kong credit cardapplication. + It will be necessary to sign the forms in the presence of a bank employee; therefore, all relevant parties need to be present. + Normally there is a minimum initial deposit. You do not need to have the full amount with youatthetimeofopeningtheaccountforthehigherservicethresholds(refertothe respectivebankwebsites)aslongasyou transferwithinashortperiodoftime. WritingacheckinHongKongcanbealittlemorecomplicatedthanwhatyouareusedtoat home. Bank staff often examine checks carefully for any irregularity; the slightest difference in signatures or any corrections will be questioned and returned for verification. Also, do not postdate checks. Use a black or blue ballpoint pen. Checksgenerallyneed tobe“crossed”.Thismeansthattwodiagonal linesaredrawn in theupperleft-handcornerofthe checkusually to the leftofyourprinted name.Acrossed check restricts the check frombeing deposited into any account other than that of the payee. Additionally,thepayee’snamemustbewrittenon thecheckexactlyas it appearsonhisorher account.Forinstance,ifyouwritea check tothe“HappyHarryCompany,”thecheckwillnotbe accepted if the actual company name is “Happy Harry’s Company Ltd.” Writing a Check

Embassies Worldwide www.embassyworld.com Directory and search engine for the world’s embassies and consulates. OnJuly2014,HongKong joined the listofcountriescomplyingwiththeUS Government legislation relating to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Notice to those with U.S. Citizenship or Residency FATCA mandates compliant financial institutions to disclose their account information to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).All residents inHongKong with U.S. citizenship or U.S. residency status can expect additional documentation to be required to open a bank account and we advise you to contact the bank directly to understand their exact requirements.

Here is a helpful site from HSBC on the subject: fatca.hsbc.com/frequently- askedquestions#personal-cuI

At a minimum, you will be required to provide: 1. Social Security Number, 2. IRS FormW-8BEN 3. IRS Form W-9

These US IRD forms can be downloaded from: www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs

21

Children / Hong Kong Families

HongKong isfundamentallyasafecityforchildren to live,andwith thesubtropical climate childrenareable toenjoythe freedomofplayingoutdoors formostoftheyear.

Most new residential properties include outdoor areas or children’s facilities; otherwise there are manyotherwaystoentertainchildren.Childrencanenjoythebeach,campinthecountryparks or hike one ofmany walking trails.Alternatively,visit one of themany child friendlymuseums, markets or have a fun day at Disneyland. In addition, there are numerous social and recreational sports clubs offering extracurricular activities. Children are able to participate in arts and crafts, ballet, figure skating, ice hockey, martial arts, mini rugby, music, sailing, tennis, theatre and many more.

+ Walk or take the tram to Victoria Peak. + Discover the beaches on Hong Kong and neighboring islands. + Sail on a Chinese junk boat and enjoy Hong Kong’s scenic islands. + Search for beautiful pink dolphins in Hong Kong’s coastal waters.

+ Visit the birds at the bird market Yuen Po St, Mongkok. + Visit the Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central. + Paddle boating at Wong Nai Chung reservoir. + Visit Mai Po Marshes, 380 hectares of wetland for birds, butterflies, leopard cats and otters. + Visit Hong Kong’s Science Museum.

Children Activities

Anastassia’s Art House

Chameleon Workshop

Wan Chai Tel: 2527 2251 www.chameleonworkshop.com

Various locations www.arthouse-hk.com

Australian Tennis Aces

Cityplaza Ice Palace Skating School

WongNaiChungGapRoad HK Football Club www.atatennisaces.com info@atatennisaces.com

Taikoo Shing Tel: 2844 8633 www.icepalace.com.hk

Colour My World

BrazilianFootballAcademy

Aberdeen Tel: 2580 5028 www.colour-my-world.com

ww.bfa.hk Tel: 3488 7724

22

Crime and Safety

Festival Walk Glacier Skating School

Jumpin Gym USA

Oneoftheverybestthingsaboutliving inHongKong isthe low incidenceof violentcrimeitisconsistentlyratedone ofthesafesturbancenters intheworld. Nevertheless,robberiescanoccur.Keep your street smarts—do not get complacent. Changeyourlockswhenyoumoveinto yournew flat,and don’t leave yourhouse keysonyourcarkeychainifyouarehaving your car parked by a valet. Exercise caution when jogging alone on country park trails where it isrelativelydeserted.Watchyour walletincrowdedareas,particularlyatany tourist destination. Even without club memberships, it is possible to play cricket on Saturday mornings at the Hong Kong Cricket Club. Every Sunday, boys and girls play rugby through 18 different rugby clubs allaroundHongKongwithmanyfestivals and tournaments. There is a plethora of public tennis courts with tennis academies organizing competitions. Ice Hockey is growing in Hong Kong and played at various venues. Swimming lessons and competitionscanbearrangedatallclubs and schoolpools. Sport

Kowloon Tong Tel: 2844 3535 www.glacier.com.hk

Tel: 2560 0003 www.jumpingym.com

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Faust International Youth Theatre

Tel: 2483 7200 www.kfbq.org

Tel: 2547 9114 www.faustworld.com For ages 4-16. Theatre studies, speech and drama, creative writing.

Ngong Ping Cable Car

Lantau Tel: 2109 9898 www.np360.com.hk

Harry Wright International

Tel: 2892 0224 www.hwiswim.com Swimming lessons and camps.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Tel: 3923 2323 www.oceanpark.com.hk

Hobie Club

www.hobieclub.org.hk Tel: 6846 6311

Public Riding School

Pokfulam Tel: 2550 1359 www.hkjridingschools.com

Hong Kong Central Library

Causeway Bay Tel: 3150 1234 www.hkpl.gov.hk

YWCA

Tel: 3476 1340 www.esmdywca.org.hk Offers courses for children and adults.

Hong Kong Dolphin Watch Ltd

Tel: 2984 1414 www.hkdolphinwatch.com

Visit parks, Hong Kong Zoo, public gardens, and the HongKongBotanical Garden.

Hong Kong Disneyland

www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ls_park.php

Tel: 1830 830 www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Hong Kong Mini Rugby

www.hkrugby.com

23

Summer Programs and Holiday Camps

Most international schools and preschools offer extracurricular activities during holidays or weekends, over-prescribed courses give priority to enrolled students and their siblings. Here are a few examples:

Brazilian Soccer Schools

Playsport

Tel: 2818 9453 www.playsport.com.hk Coaching and Fitness Professionals.

Tel: 2385 9677 bss.com.hk

English Schools Foundation (ESF) Educational Services

Multi-Sport Hong Kong

Tel: 2711 1280 www.esf.org.hk

Various locations www.multi-sport.com.hk Camps and year round classes of football, tennis, swimming, and gym.

HongKongInternationalSchool(HKIS)

Tel: 3149 7145 www.hkis.edu.hk

Woodland Pre-Schools

Various locations www.woodlandschools.com Early childhood classes and camps.

German Swiss International School

Tel: 2849 6216 www.gsis.edu.hk

Shops for Children

Hong Kong has a vast number of stores for children’s equipment toys, furniture and clothes, both maternity and for children; here are just a few options:

Bumps to Babes

Mothercare

www.bumpstobabes.com One stop shop for all baby and toddler needs.

www.mothercare.com.hk See website for location of stores Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Ikea

Toys “R” Us

www.ikea.com.hk See website for location of stores Hong Kong Island, Kowloon &N.T..

www.toysrus.com.hk See website for location of stores Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

It’s Imagical

www.itsimagical.hk See website for location of stores Hong Kong and Kowloon.

24

Entertainment

HongKongoffersabroadspectrumofentertainmentoptions,inthewayofthearts,finedining, shopping, cultural events and leisure pursuits.There are international and local events going on in HongKongall the time.Performancesat theHongKongCultural Centre,CityHall,and theAcademy for PerformingArts are just a few of the events. Most, if not all events are listed in these guides.

General Guides

HK Magazine

Timeout

www.timeout.com/hongkong Stocked by most convenient stores, supermarkets and online.

www.hk-magazine.com Freely distributed at bars and sports clubs and lists latestfilms,reviewsnewestrestaurants, concerts, exhibitions etc

The List

South China Morning Post

www.thelist.com.hk Bills itself as “A guide to Absolutely Everything in Hong Kong”

www.scmp.com Newspaper stocked by most convenient stores and supermarkets.

Arts Guides

HongKongArtsFringeClub

Hong Kong Arts Festival

www.hk.artsfringe.com.hk

www.hk.artsfestival.org

Hong Kong Sinfonietta

Macau Arts Festival

www.hksinfonietta.org

www.icm.gov.mo AnnualartsfestivalinMacau,actsfromall over the world.

HongKong International FilmFestival

www.hkiff.org.hk Annualeventdatesandfilmslistedonthe website.

25