Hong Kong Jobs
Living in Hong Kong
Hint: Experienced offshore financial services professionals are in extremely high demand throughout the offshore world. If you have relevant offshore experience for any of the jobs listed on our website you can normally add at least US$10 - 20,000 on top of the salary range stated.
Weather: Hong Kong experiences four distinct seasons. During fall (September - Mid-December), humidity is low while temperatures are warm and skies are clear. Autumn is the best time to enjoy the city and participate in outdoor activities. The temperature is usually about 23C and rainfall is very light, averaging only 20-30mm. Although winter (Mid-December - February) is cooler than other seasons, it is still relatively mild and snow is unheard of in Hong Kong. The days are crisp and clear with very little rain. Temperatures hover around 17C and rainfall averages 30-40mm. Spring (March - May), can bring clear, warm days or apocalyptic downfalls with black storm clouds. Temperatures start at about 20C and climb until they hit 32C or more and rainfall can average 90-120mm. The summer months (June - August) are very hot and humid. Temperature averages 28C and rainfall is erratic but can still average 80-100mm. Rainstorms and typhoons are both possible during these months. Typhoon warnings are graded on a numeric scale and rainstorm warnings are graded on a colour scale. When there is a number 8 warning, businesses, public transportation and schools close. Schools also close when a red rainstorm warning is issued and everyone stays inside during a black rainstorm.
Expatriate Population: Of the 6,940,432 people living in the Hong Kong, almost 200,000 are expatriate workers.
Law & Order: The overall crime rate in Hong Kong is much lower than that of most other major cities. Hong Kong has strict firearms controls which make it very difficult to own a gun. The Hong Kong Police (
www.info.gov.hk/police) maintain regular patrols and the streets are safe for anyone to walk on, day or night.
Pastimes: Hong Kong is a Chinese city with a juxtaposition of multi-Asian and Western elements. There is a diverse range of activities and always somewhere new to explore. Shopping in Hong Kong is world renowned and goes far beyond just buying the things you need. It is a social activity, a stress release and a recreational sport. A HK$50 visitors pass will allow unlimited entry to four museums: The Hong Kong Museum of Art, Science Museum, Space Museum, and Museum of History. Private and public sports clubs offer facilities for a variety of activities including tennis, golf and swimming.
Night Life: Hong Kong's night clubs and bars are world class (
www.hkclubbing.com). Each features a unique interior and the most current music, often from international djs. Some of the bars and clubs attract a mainly western clientele while others are a mix of locals and expats. Options range from British pubs and American bars to high-tech Japanese karaoke clubs and late-night dance clubs. With more than 9,000 restaurants, Hong Kong offers a wide variety of dining options including regional Chinese specialties, Hong Kong signature dishes, various Asian delicacies and numerous Western cuisines. These restaurants range from the most casual noodle bars to upscale, five star restaurants. The music scene offers an equally broad range and covers everything from opera (
www.opera.org.hk) to karaoke bars.
Transportation: Hong Kong runs an efficient and integrated public transportation system of busses, ferries and trains which are relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers extensive areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese. Hong Kong taxis are all in blue (Lantau Island), red (Hong Kong Island) or green (New Territories). Passengers have to change taxis if they cross into another taxi's area. Short, local trips usually cost no more than the minimum fare of HK$15. Expats are unlikely to need a car, however, some still prefer to have one. Although imported cars are very prestigious, they are also extremely expensive. Most expats prefer to save the money and purchase relatively inexpensive Japanese vehicles with air conditioning and low mileage. In order to acquire a Hong Kong driving license, expats need only apply if they already have an equivalent overseas license.
Accommodation: The majority of expats in Hong Kong tend to live on Hong Kong Island. There are, however, a number of distinct areas, each with their own benefits so it is advisable to take a month or two in a short-term flat to get a feel for the city and its different districts before making a longer commitment.