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hong kong

accommodation

Hong Kong provides a wide variety of residential accommodation in terms of dwelling size, type and location, ranging from detached villas with private garden to high-rise apartments.

• Monthly rent varies from $5k to $30k upwards, depending on the size and the location of the property
• The rent will either include or exclude the management fee
• Inhabitants must pay utility bills such as gas, water and electricity in addition to rent and management fees
• Properties are mostly let unfurnished, but inhabitants can rent furniture from letting agencies or ship their own furniture from overseas
• The most common lease term is for two years, with the opportunity to give a two months notice of your intention to leave after 12 months
• A deposit of two months rent is typical
• There are also serviced apartments and hotels available that you can use as a base while you are looking for a longer-term apartment
• Many of the hotels in Hong Kong are located in the heart of the city

To find a suitable accommodation, you can visit Hong Kong Hotel Association at www.hkha.org/index.asp

Doctors and health

Most employers provide medical benefits for their employees. To supplement this coverage, you may also want to explore private health insurance schemes with insurance companies. For more information on public healthcare, visit the Hospital Authority website at www.ha.org.hk

Public Hospital Admissions

Persons permitted to stay in Hong Kong by the Immigration Department, and not classified as visitors, may be eligible for local rates when admitted into public hospitals. The present rate is $68 per day in a general ward &$100 for accident and emergency treatment. Those not considered as "Eligible Persons" have to pay the non-entitled persons' rate, presently at $3,300 per day plus $33,000 deposit & $570 for accident & emergency treatment. The rates are subject to change.

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account is straight forward in Hong Kong. You'll need as much ID as possible, including your Hong Kong ID card or passport, proof of address (bills, rental receipts or a lease) and a letter from your employer.

Banks offer a full range of services, although there may be some variation in procedures. General banking hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Electronic banking facilities are widely in use by banks in Hong Kong. ATMs can also be found almost everywhere.

The major banks in Hong Kong are HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China, plus other well-known global banks.

Mobile phones

• Ensure that you obtain a Hong Kong mobile number as soon as you arrive in Hong Kong - this is the best way to keep in touch with your consultant and for us to keep you updated with job opportunities
• The main mobile phone providers in Hong Kong are CSL, SmarTone, 3

Tax

• Salarys tax is charged on emoluments, (total remuneration of an employee or director which includes salary and bonuses), arising in or derived from Hong Kong
• Taxpayers receive their salary gross. Salaries tax is demanded on a yearly basis, and is normally paid in two instalments between January and April
• Foreign nationals who spend no more than 60 days in Hong Kong in any year of assessment are exempt from salaries tax
• Employers will notify new employees of any changes in taxation laws
• For more information on the tax system in Hong Kong, visit the Inland Revenue Department website at www.ird.gov.hk

Insurance

You should obtain adequate travel insurance before arriving in Hong Kong. Ensure that it covers loss of passport, baggage and money.

Useful telephone numbers

Useful contacts

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