Tag: living in hong kong

2Nov

8 Useful Apps to Have When in Hong Kong

Be more equipped to navigate Hong Kong whether you’re just visiting or living here as an expat. Here is a handful of useful apps to download on your smartphone to make life much easier:

 

1. MyObservatory – Weather changes quickly in different parts of Hong Kong. Get location-specific weather updates as well as push notification services, useful for typhoon and rainstorm updates.

 

2. PayMe – HSBC is one of the most common banks used by expats. Send or receive money instantly with this peer-to-peer payment app from HSBC.


3. Toilet Rush – This is quite useful for anyone with small children. This app lets you know where the nearest public toilets are. Visitors will find this quite useful as well.

 

4. csl Wi-Fi – There’s no shortage of free WiFi hotspots in Hong Kong. Locate thousands of csl spots around the city.

 

5. Citymapper – Simply enter your destination and it will give you a guide on what public transport to use, as well as a street map for walking. Available for major cities worldwide.

 

6. HkingTrail HK – Provides offline map and over 100 hiking trails in HK, with supporting route drawing, route sharing, route length/gain/loss calculation, time estimation, GPS location, compass, track logging, deviation alert, and etc.

 

7. Hong Kong CityWalks – This handy application presents you several self-guided walks featuring the best of the city, from world famous attractions to hidden gems. There simply is no better way to see a city on foot, at your own pace and at a cost that is only a fraction of what you would normally pay for a guided tour.

 

8. Deliveroo – Get groceries delivered or order from your fave restaurants. Hundreds of cuisines to choose from.

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Read through our recent blogs for more tips on living in Hong Kong as an expat or browse through our blogs with discussions about finding the best insurance covers in the city.

 

 

30May

Expat Guide: What to Do in Your First Year in Hong Kong

After living in Hong Kong for one year, you probably already know its famous landmarks and where to find the best Chinese food like the back of your hand. But here are more things you might need to know to settle in nicely and comfortably for the rest of your stay in this thriving, cultured, and fast-paced city.

buying car

  1. Owning/leasing a car and getting a driver’s license
Many Hong Kong residents don’t really consider a car a necessity. The city is small and the public transportation system is renowned for its cleanliness and efficiency. But some expats still feel incomplete without a vehicle. If you have a family or if you’re living in the New Territories, having your own car does have its advantages. You can set your own schedule of coming and going and if you want to relax, a drive to the rural areas to go biking or hiking is made much easier.
If you do decide to get a car, you’ll need a locally-issued driver’s license as your foreign issued license is only good for a year. Here’s what you need in order to be issued with a 10-year Hong Kong license:
  • The current fee
  • The originals, AND copies of, your home license, passport, and HKID card
  • Those over 70 years of age must complete medical form TD256
  • Proof of address, no older than 90 days
You will need to have resided in the country of issue for at least six months since your license was issued, you have held the license for at least five years, and present your passport issued in the same country as the license.

bank account

2. Opening a bank account
If you haven’t opened a bank account in Hong Kong yet, now’s as good a time as any! It’s a straightforward process and being a major international finance center, nearly all major banks are found in Hong Kong. All you’ll need is your passport and a recognized proof of address although some banks may need to see a work or residence permit. If you already have your HKID, this can be used instead of your passport. If your work requires you to travel a lot, HSBC and Standard Chartered are the best banks to accommodate you.

hiking

3. Nature trails and beaches

Of course there’s more to Hong Kong than just the hustle and bustle of business. If you love the great outdoors and yearn to get away from the big city often, Hong Kong has such easy access to nature. Hike the high peaks of Lantau to get a stunning view from the top. Find secluded beaches in Sai Kung and rent kayaks by the hour and revel in the tranquility you can find in such a major city.insurance_0

4. Getting health insurance
After living a year in Hong Kong, you’ll start to get a feel if it’s the right place for you. The city attracts expats because of its unique marriage of Western and Eastern cultures and the great work opportunities it offers. The food is nothing short of amazing and there’s always something to do whether its a fun night out in the city or a quiet drive to the south. If you decide to stay in Hong Kong, you’ll enjoy it so much more with the peace of mind knowing you have health insurance. We can help you get started on the health care that is best for you and your family. Your great new life in Hong Kong is about to begin!
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