Due to its unique history, Hong Kong is an interesting cross between Eastern and Western culture. There are plenty of festivals and events scheduled throughout the year that really showcase this variety. Overall, the residents of Hong Kong are polite, courteous, and accustomed to welcoming foreigners. If you are planning on starting your career as a digital nomad here, then you have plenty to look forward to. 

Due to Hong Kong’s incredibly competitive housing market, it is best that you get started on your search for a place to stay as soon as you can. Once you have looked through furnished apartments in Hong Kong or hotels and found one that suits your preferences, you will need to consider other aspects of your stay. Here are seven top things you need to know about living as a digital nomad in Hong Kong.

You need to prepare your visa

If you want to stay in Hong Kong for more than 90 days, then you need to get a visa. There are several visa categories, like the visitor’s visa, the work visa, and the investment visa. Securing your visa can be a long and complicated process, and the requirements will differ depending on the type you are getting as well as your country of origin.

Transportation won’t be a problem

The area is known for its excellent public transportation system. It has an extensive network of buses, ferries, and the subway system to help you get to where you need to be. Hong Kong also has a variety of taxis and ride-sharing apps to choose from.

Be prepared for inclement weather

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. This means that it has hot and humid summers, with mild winters. You will need to prepare for the possibility of typhoons and brave through heavy rainfall throughout the summer months. 

With that said, make sure that the place you are staying in also accounts for these strong weather conditions. Look for apartments with a good air conditioning unit, or find one that you can get a unit for yourself. During typhoon season, which runs from May to November, keep an eye out for weather updates and tell your clients ahead of time about any forecasts that need to be taken into consideration. Once a red alert has been issued, you may need to prepare for disruptions to transportation, power, and internet.

It’s known for having low crime rates

Thankfully, you won’t need to worry about your safety. Hong Kong is known for having low levels of violent crime. Regardless, we strongly recommend you still keep a close eye on your belongings. This is because pickpocketing and other instances of petty theft are still reported in crowded areas. 

There’s a lot of great food from different cultures

From street food to fine dining across a variety of cuisines, you are definitely spoiled for choice when you embark on your journey here. Despite the high cost of living, eating out is fairly affordable. A meal at a local restaurant can cost only HKD 50 to 100 per person. However, Western-style restaurants are usually more expensive and can set you back by HKD 200 to 300 per person. 

Groceries are also fairly priced and basic necessities like bread, milk, and eggs are roughly the same rate as other major cities. 

Get ready for a high cost of living

Hong Kong is known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world—especially when it comes to housing and real estate. You will need to budget accordingly and be prepared for these costs. To cut down on expenses, consider getting a place on the outskirts of the city and sharing an apartment with other roommates. 

Utilities are generally affordable, but air conditioning can be expensive in the summer months. Aside from extended periods of use, the price of electricity also tends to spike during this time to account for the peak usage period. 

Great internet and a thriving coworking scene

The good news is you won’t be alone in your journey as a digital nomad. Hong Kong has one of the fastest and most reliable networks in the world. There is a lot of healthy competition in the internet market and major telecom providers you can choose from include HKT, CSL, and SmarTone. Each provider has a range of mobile and broadband packages available.

Hong Kong also has a lot of spaces available for freelancers to set up and get going. Aside from the coworking spaces, there are regular events you can attend to meet fellow digital nomads and entrepreneurs as well. You can expect to spend anywhere between HKD 2,500 and HKD 6,000 every month for coworking spaces. The wide range is in consideration of the price differences according to location, facilities, and type of membership you choose to avail.