Choosing your ideal neighbourhood.
Where to Start
Hong Kong – or “the 852” as I like to call it – has it all: mountains, sea, bustling city hotspots, tranquil oases and everything in between. So, whether you’re looking for somewhere family-friendly where your kids can roam or an apartment in the heart of the action, there’s something for everyone. It might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, but get yourself a good agent and you’ll find your Hong Kong home in no time.
Property Search Pointers
Do you get a buzz from the hustle and bustle of a busy city? Or do you seek sea views or the countryside? Think about the scene you’d like to surround yourself with.
The old saying goes that searching for property is all about “location, location, location”, but in real life it can feel more like “logistics, logistics, logistics”. Hong Kong’s public transport is wonderfully efficient, but if you know where you or your partner will be working it’s a good idea to consider how far you’re willing to commute and how you’ll make the journey every day.
Hong Kong is home to lots of high quality international schools. If you have children, you may want to look at homes nearby to save time on the school run.
Would you prefer a pool and gym in your building, or would you be happy to join one of Hong Kong’s many sports clubs? Consider the amenities you’d like to have on hand – whether that’s car parking or a coffee shop.
Central Hong Kong Island
This story is from the Year 2016 edition of EL Hong Kong City Guide.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Year 2016 edition of EL Hong Kong City Guide.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hiring a Helper Helper All You Need to Know
To find out everything about hiring domestic help in Hong Kong, we turned to LAURENCE FAUCHON, co-founder and CEO of HelperChoice.com, a social impact start-up eradicating illegal agency placement fees by connecting employers and domestic helpers directly. Laurence started her entrepreneurial adventure while she was pregnant with her first daughter, and she believes that the employer-helper dynamic benefits from an ethical and open hiring process.
Getting Festive
From acrobatic lion dances to buns on bamboo towers, Hong Kong’s unique culture is on full display at a festival – and there are plenty to see throughout the year. Get set for Hong Kong’s best celebrations and enjoy the selfie overload as ELLE KWAN takes us through the annual line-up of fun.
Getting Around Transport in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is ultra-convenient because of its speedy and efficient transport network. If you’re used to endless commutes, there’s no need to fret here, where train delays are rare (and, if they do happen, they’re measured in minutes not hours), and a range of transport options means you’ll be zipping rather than crawling across the city. If your preference is fully focussed on taxis, though, expect a few jams.
Meeting & Greeting: Etiquette for expats
As a newcomer to Hong Kong, you’ll be keen to get to know people. As NATASHA LLOYD reveals, this process can include getting to grips with the (for some, perplexing) issue of the welcome kiss.
Feeling at Home in Hong Kong
Choosing your ideal neighbourhood.
