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• Practical Information
• Cost of Living
• Culture & Social Etiquette
• Driving in Hong Kong
• Transport in Hong Kong

Practical information

In many international surveys, the cost of living in Hong Kong is consistently among the highest in the world. According to the most recent annual Expat Insider Survey in which Hong Kong was included, the city ranked 22nd out of 53 countries as one of the best cities for expats.

Embassies and consulates

Because of the dependency to mainland China, Hong Kong does not have any embassies. Instead, the territory has over 60 consulates from all over the world. Some of them report to the main embassies in China, while the consuls of Britain, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the US report to the respective foreign ministries.

Emergency numbers

• For police, fire department, and ambulance is 999.
• For individuals with speech and hearing-impairment is 992.

**Main airports **

The main airport in Hong Kong is also the only one: Hong Kong International Airport. It also invites you to visit an interactive aviation center with a flight simulator, experience IMAX cinema, and enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa.

The nearby Shenzhen International Airport on the mainland China is your other option, especially if you wish to travel locally Flights are usually cheaper from Shenzhen, but keep in mind that in order to get to Shenzhen you need a valid Chinese visa.

Hong Kong areas

Hong Kong is split into three main regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories.

Public Holidays

Hong Kong observes approximately 17 public holidays each year. If it happens that a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a day off. Traditional Chinese holidays are important Hong Kong holidays as well. They take place according to the lunar calendar, which means they are scheduled on different dates every year.

Political holidays

There are two specifically political Hong Kong holidays: 1 July, which is the holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 1997 and the National Day of China on 1 October.

Note: It is also important to bear in mind that schools and businesses would be closed on public and political holidays

Cost of living

According to many international surveys, the average cost of living in Hong Kong is consistently among the highest in the world. Accommodation, healthcare, and international schooling­––all contribute to the elevated costs.

Is it expensive to live in Hong Kong?

Living in Hong Kong, especially near the center, is likely to cost you more than most major European, American, or Australian cities, with an exception of metropolises like New York. According to the survey by Hong Kong’s Census and Statistics Department, these are the approximate common household (with children) Hong Kong living expenses:

Housing and rent prices

One of the main factors which contribute to the high cost of living in Hong Kong is housing. The general shortage of land is reflected in excessive property prices. You can expect to spend anywhere between 21,500–28,500 HKD (approx. 2,760–3,660 USD) as a single person and 54,300–70,300 HKD (approx. 6,970–9,030 USD) as a family of four per month while living in Hong Kong.

The monthly average housing costs in Hong Kong are as follows:

In addition to that, you have utility costs, which typically average the following amounts for a family:

Note: Electricity costs peak in summer due to air conditioning needs.

Salaries and wages

The average annual income in Hong Kong is approximately 435,000–439,000 HKD, which works out to about 35,500 HKD per month. Salaries can vary widely depending on experience:

• entry-level:18,000–22,000 HKD (approx. 2,310–2,830 USD)
• middle level: 30,000–50,000 HKD (approx. 3,850–6,420 USD)
• senior level: 60,000–100,000 HKD (approx. 7,700–12,840 USD)

See our working guide for more on salaries and work life in Hong Kong.

Travel and Transportation Costs

Buying a car in Hong Kong is comparable to elsewhere, but daily use is costly due to high gas prices, expensive parking, and annual license renewal fees that can exceed 5,000 HKD (approx. 640 USD). Some expats even find it cheaper to frequently use a taxi rather than drive their own car. Public transportation in Hong Kong is both reliable and affordable. Bus and MTR fares range from as low as 4.50 HKD (about 0.50 USD) to over 40 HKD (approx. 5 USD). More details on public transport in this guide

Hong Kong food prices

On average, food and consumer goods tend to be a bit more expensive than elsewhere. The reason behind the higher price tags is that nearly everything has to be imported. If you prefer imported goods from Europe or the US, you might have to pay even more for your food shopping. Here are the average dining out costs per person:

Healthcare and education costs

If you opt for private health insurance and you have to pay it yourself, it will add a hefty sum on top of your bills, but is essential for accessing private healthcare; without it, unexpected medical expenses can be very high. Public healthcare, on the other hand, is much more affordable. You can find more information about your options in the healthcare section of our guide. Education in Hong Kong is not cheap.

Annual tuition for international schools can be anywhere from 200,000 HKD (approx. 25,700 USD) per year. When applying you will also have to pay the application fees that are usually about 2,000 HKD (250 USD). For some more popular schools, you need to cover debentures and capital levy as well, which annually may require up to several hundred thousand dollars more.

How to make Hong Kong more affordable?

In general, the best way to lower your costs is to embrace the local attitude. For example, avoiding the “expat bubble” when it comes to housing or using public transport instead of owning a car. Moreover, you should take the higher costs into account when negotiating your salary. If your company pays for your children’s schooling and your family’s healthcare, your cost of living will become dramatically lower.

Culture & social etiquette

In Hong Kong, “giving face” is just as important as in mainland China. This involves showing respect, offering compliments, and acknowledging superiors, all of which help you earn “face.” On the other hand, being disrespectful or openly critical can cause you or others to “lose face” by creating embarrassment.

Greeting people

Here are some key rules for greeting people in Hong Kong:

• Greet others with a light handshake and lower your eyes as a sign of respect, especially when applying for jobs or in subordinate roles.
• Wait to be introduced unless you’re in a higher position, in which case you may initiate the handshake and make more eye contact.
• Use titles and family names when addressing people, as locals often have multiple names.
• Switch to first names only if invited, and your host will let you know which name to use.

Body language and small talk

Here are some tips on body language and small talk:

• It’s common to stand close to others during conversation but avoid any body contact.
• Never hug, kiss, or pat someone on the back, especially elders or those in authority.
• Winking is considered offensive and rude.
• Small talk and friendly greetings are uncommon; don’t expect chatty cashiers or waiters.
• Greeting strangers or holding doors open for them is unusual and may seem strange.

Taboo subjects

If you do strike up a conversation with someone you do not know well, avoid politics and expressing your opinion freely. This may be seen as vulgar: therefore, communicating with people from Hong Kong culture requires careful attention to what is both said and unsaid.

Gifts

Hong Kong culture dictates that, if you are invited to someone’s house, you should never show up without a gift. Flowers, imported spirits, and good quality sweets are all suitable choices.

Avoid giving four gifts, as “four” means “death” in Cantonese. Instead, choose three, eight, or nine, which are considered lucky. Try to wrap gifts in red or gold as they are considered lucky colors and present them with both hands. The host may politely refuse a few times and will not open the gift immediately, as a sign of respect.

Public behavior

Always avoid loud and obtrusive public behavior when blending into Hong Kong culture. Avoid excessive public displays of affection, as these are frowned upon. Try not to drink too much in public and be careful with smoking: It is forbidden in some outdoor areas such as beaches and parks.

Other thing to note not to do in public:

• Queuing: Always line up for public transport, taxis, ticket offices, and restaurants; cutting in line is unacceptable.
• Giving/Receiving: Use both hands when exchanging business cards, money, or gifts; briefly examine business cards before putting them away.
• Addressing People: Greetings or thanks in Cantonese are appreciated.
• Taking Photos: Respect privacy; avoid photographing into homes or being intrusive in crowded areas.

Driving in Hong Kong

Driving in Hong Kong can be challenging due to the city’s high population density, which results in frequent traffic jams, aggressive driving, and limited parking, especially in urban areas. The limited space for new roads further contributes to these problems.

Roads rules in Hong Kong

Road signs are both in English and Chinese, so finding your way around town should not be more difficult than in other major cities. The is a helpful tool for drivers in Hong Kong. The app provides real-time traffic updates, route planning, and information on travel times, distances, and tolls.

are also relatively rare and very costly. On the upside, there are no tolls for the usage of all , except for . If you already know you are likely to pass a toll tunnel regularly, to make the payment process more convenient you can use the ––prepaid electronic toll collection system.

Renting a car in Hong Kong

If you want to rent a car in Hong Kong, you must be at least 21 years old. Most rental companies charge an extra fee for drivers under 25. If you are 25 or older, you typically won’t face this surcharge. You would need the following to rent a car:

• your passport or ID
• your local address
• your valid driver's license (often with at least 2 years of driving experience)

Be aware of potential extra costs for things like additional drivers, baby seats, or insurance. The average cost of renting a car in Hong Kong are 120 HKD (approx. 15 USD). It’s always best to check with the specific rental agency, as policies may vary.

Where to rent a car in Hong Kong

Car sharing services such as are also a cost-effective option.

How to get Hong Kong’s driving license

If you have a full driver’s license from outside Hong Kong, you can drive in the city by:

1. Applying for a 10-year full Hong Kong driving license without a test
2. Applying for a temporary driving license or
3. Driving with their valid foreign license or international driving permit if visiting Hong Kong (that is, staying less than 12 months and not taking up residence).

To qualify for the first option (a full license), you have to:

• Own a valid or an expired (less than three years ago) driving license issued by
• Have a passport or other travel document issued by the same country; or have resided in the same country for at least six months when the document was issued; or have held the driver’s license for more than five years.

In this case, you will not need to take any driving tests or exams. The exchange of licenses is only available if you are applying for the license of the same class and if you have passed your country’s probationary period. In order to apply, you need to submit a form to or you can make an appointment through the .

Take the following with you for your appointment:

• Hong Kong ID
• your passport
• foreign driver’s license
• (original or photocopy)
• supporting documents proving eligibility
• certified translation of your license if it is not in English or Chinese
• original Medical Examination Certificate () if aged 70 or above
• application fee

If the country that issues your driving license is not on the list, you will need to take a driving test to get a full Hong Kong license. However, while you are going through the process of obtaining it, you still will be able to drive if you apply for a temporary license.

How to Get a Temporary License

To be eligible for a temporary license in Hong Kong, you must present your valid driver’s license

One of the following requirements must be met:

• The license was originally issued to you during a stay of at least 6 months in the country where it was issued.
• Your license has been valid for at least 5 years before applying.
• You hold a passport or equivalent travel document from the country where your license was issued.

When applying for a temporary license you will need to fill in a TD181 form and submit it to the or make an appointment through the .

Other documents you need to have with you when applying for a license in Hong Kong:

• Hong Kong ID
• Passport
• Foreign driver’s license
• Supporting documents
• Original Medical Examination Certificate () if aged 70 or above
• Certified translation of your license if it is not in English or Chinese
• (original or photocopy)

The driving test consists of two parts: written and practical. The written test (Part A) covers theoretical knowledge of Hong Kong driving rules, with 20 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 20 minutes. The wait time for the written test is about one month. However, the wait for the practical exam can range from a few months to nearly a year. If you need a license quickly, a temporary license is especially useful. If you fail the exams, your temporary license becomes invalid.

The fee for a driver’s license

The issuing of a temporary license costs 288 HKD (approx. 37 USD). The driving test fee is 510 HKD (approx. 65 USD). If you do not own a driving license but you wish to obtain one in Hong Kong, please refer to for guidance. Keep in mind that the legal driving age for private vehicles and motorcycles is 18 while for commercial vehicles it is 21. The cost for a brand-new license including driving classes, exam car rental and the driving test ranges between 9,000–12,000 HKD (1,160–1,540)

Driving to China

Even if you have a local Hong Kong driver’s license and a vehicle registered in Hong Kong, you cannot simply drive across the border to China. It is necessary to get permission from the Chinese authorities first. This in Hong Kong tells you exactly what you need to do in order to obtain that permission.

Transport in Hong Kong

The transportation system is affordable, reliable, and can take you all over Hong Kong. Public transportation usually runs from 6:00 to 1:00. The peak times are around the start of the working day (7:30 to 9:30) and towards the end of it (17:00 to 19:00).

On Sundays and public holidays, some public transport options in Hong Kong may charge higher fares. Payment is made easy with the , which can be used for all types of transportation and parking. The card costs 150 HKD (approx. 19 USD), which includes a 50 HKD (approx. 6 USD) refundable deposit and 100 HKD (approx. 13 USD) in travel credit. Beyond transportation, the Octopus card is also accepted at supermarkets, retail stores, fast food restaurants, vending machines, and more.

The is the preferred choice for most Hong Kongers to access all modes of transportation. It’s a reliable tool for not only driving, but also for navigating the city’s entire transport network.

MTR

Massive Transit Railway or MTR is made of underground, overground, and light railway systems that spread all across Hong Kong. This method of transportation allows travels from the city center all the way to the border with mainland China. You can use your Octopus card to pay for each journey you make or buy a monthly pass for your specific route. Note that you are now allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in the trains or at stations.

Buses and Trams

Buses in Hong Kong are operated by different companies. and Long Win Bus (LWB) primarily serves Kowloon, and the New Territories, operates on Hong Kong Island, while Lantau Island is served exclusively by . Most of the buses are double-deckers. You can pay for your fare with the Octopus card or with cash (you will need the exact change). Bus fares range from 3.5 HKD (0.45 USD) up to 60 HKD (7.70 USD) for trips to the airport.

The trams however cover a small fraction of the city but often offers spectacular views of the cityscape, a special treat is the Hong Kong Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. The general tram flat rate is 3.30 HKD (approx. 0.42 USD), payable with your Octopus Card or exact change.

Destinations are clearly displayed in both Chinese and English at the front of the bus, and stops are well marked. To board, signal the driver by raising your hand; to get off, press the buzzer as the driver will only stop if signaled.

Minibuses

In addition to regular buses, Hong Kong also has numerous minibuses, also known as public light buses (PLBs). These are very popular among locals, especially when the regular trains and buses are no longer running. We only recommend the use of these vehicles only if you speak at least some Cantonese and are familiar with the city. Minibuses carry a maximum of 19 passengers.

Green minibuses have fixed routes and prices listed on the bus. You normally pay once you get on. Red minibuses do not always have fixed routes – they can be altered according to demand. Passengers can get on and off on recognized bus stops along the route. The provides more detailed information.

Ferries

Hong Kong is made up of hundreds of islands, getting around isn’t just by road or underground – ferries are a popular choice for both transportation and sightseeing. A standard ferry trip can cost you 5 HKD on the weekday and 6.5 HKD on the weekend. The service operates approximately every 6 to 20 minutes (depending on rush hours) between 7:00 and 23:00 daily.

Other ferries provide service to some of Hong Kong’s main outlying islands such as Peng Chau, Lamma, Cheung Chau, and Lantau, as well as to Discovery Bay, making them an irreplaceable part of the Hong Kong public transport network. All of these operate from the Central Ferry Piers on Hong Kong Island. On most routes, there are standard ferries and more expensive fast ferries. For some of the ferries, you can also use the

Taxi

There are three different types of taxis in Hong Kong that are distinguished by color.

• Red Taxi (urban taxi) – runs in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and parts of the New Territories. Not allowed to enter the southern side of Lantau island.
• Green Taxi – runs in New Territories.
• Blue Taxi – runs in Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok.

Taxis in Hong Kong charge a flat fee for the first 2 km, with an additional 2 HKD for every subsequent 200 meters or for each minute of waiting time. The standard starting fares for each type of taxi are as follows:

Other taxi booking apps in Hong Kong

• Fly Taxi