Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Friday, January 27
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    The HK HUB
    • What’s On

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-01-16

      What’s On: The Most Exciting Events For All This Month

      2023-01-16

      7 Chinese New Year Events In Hong Kong

      2023-01-05

      New Year’s Eve Parties In Hong Kong To Wave Goodbye To 2022

      2022-12-15

      What’s On: What To Watch In Movie Theatres In Hong Kong This Month

      2022-12-13
    • Eat & Drink
      1. Bars
      2. Food
      3. Restaurants
      4. Reviews
      5. View All

      Where To Drink Mulled Wine & Buy Hot Wine Spices In Hong Kong

      2022-11-28

      15 Awesome Happy Hour Deals Around Hong Kong

      2022-10-31

      15 Great Restaurants & Bars To Visit In Causeway Bay

      2022-09-15

      Coa Named Asia’s Best Bar For 2nd Consecutive Year; 7 More Hong Kong Bars Appear In Top 50

      2022-05-05

      10 Lucky Chinese New Year Foods, Snacks & Treats

      2023-01-12

      Guide To Poon Choi & Where To Buy The Lunar New Year Dish In Hong Kong

      2023-01-03

      34 Best Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong Over The Weekend

      2022-12-20

      Christmas Afternoon Teas In Hong Kong To Enjoy With A Loved One

      2022-12-05

      34 Best Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong Over The Weekend

      2022-12-20

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurant & Bar Openings In December 2022

      2022-12-12

      8 Christmas And New Year’s Eve Menus And Buffets To Enjoy This Festive Season

      2022-11-30

      Our 10 Favourite Restaurants In Quarry Bay

      2022-11-30

      Restaurant Review – Modern Chinese Vegetarian at Miss Lee

      2020-03-05

      Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Brunch at FRANCIS, Wan Chai

      2019-12-04

      Restaurant Review: Hue, Modern Australian with Harbour Views

      2019-11-27

      Review: Micasadeco & Café, Langham Place

      2019-09-20

      10 Lucky Chinese New Year Foods, Snacks & Treats

      2023-01-12

      Guide To Poon Choi & Where To Buy The Lunar New Year Dish In Hong Kong

      2023-01-03

      34 Best Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong Over The Weekend

      2022-12-20

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurant & Bar Openings In December 2022

      2022-12-12
    • Lifestyle
      1. Beauty
      2. Fashion
      3. Entertainment
      4. Interviews
      5. Outdoor
      6. Shopping
      7. View All

      15 Amazing Day Spas & Massages You’re Going To Love In Hong Kong

      2022-12-29

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      Our Review of LifeHub’s IV Drip Treatment For Glowing Skin

      2021-12-09

      Our Review Of EstheClinic’s OXYPURE Oxygenation Facial

      2021-11-18

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      Hong Kong Fashion Show By Lumiere Runway Hits Haw Par Mansion On 26 Nov (And We Got You 4 VIP Passes)

      2022-11-10

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      16 Local Hong Kong Fashion Brands For Stylish Women, Men & Kids

      2022-02-02

      Top 7 Escape Rooms In Hong Kong

      2023-01-06

      Clockenflap Line-Up: Arctic Monkeys, Kings Of Convenience & Moderat Announced

      2022-12-09

      EDM Festival Creamfields Will Return To Hong Kong In 2023

      2022-11-21

      Mamamoo And Westlife To Perform In Hong Kong In Early 2023

      2022-11-21

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      Founder Of Africa Center Hong Kong, Innocent Mutanga: “It’s Time We Take Ownership Of The African Story”

      2022-05-23

      Brian Eagen Lau On Transfeminism: “In Hong Kong, I Get Stared At A Lot; In Thailand, I Don’t Experience That”

      2022-04-07

      13 Awesome Skateparks In Hong Kong

      2023-01-11

      10 Places To See Autumn Leaves In Hong Kong

      2022-11-14

      10 Camping Spots For All Experience Levels In Hong Kong

      2022-11-01

      11 Public & Private Outdoor Barbecue Pits You Should Visit In Hong Kong

      2022-10-31

      20+ Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals In 2022 To Shop Online Or In-Person

      2022-11-25

      The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide With 100+ Ideas From Hong Kong Brands

      2022-11-22

      Where To Buy Your Christmas Tree In Hong Kong This Year

      2022-11-22

      PayPal HK Welcomes New Users In November With Shopping Vouchers

      2022-11-16

      13 Awesome Skateparks In Hong Kong

      2023-01-11

      Top 7 Escape Rooms In Hong Kong

      2023-01-06

      15 Amazing Day Spas & Massages You’re Going To Love In Hong Kong

      2022-12-29

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20
    • News
      1. Covid Pandemic
      2. Local News
      3. Nature & Science
      4. Society
      5. Sport
      6. View All

      No More 5-Day Isolation Period For Covid Patients From January 30, Says John Lee

      2023-01-19

      Travellers From Hong Kong To Macau Exempt From Covid-19 Testing, Starting January 8

      2023-01-06

      Hong Kong Schools To Resume Full-Day In-Person Classes, Starting February 1, 2023

      2022-12-29

      End Of Vaccine Pass And Quarantine Orders For Close Contacts Of Covid Patients, From December 29

      2022-12-28

      Sham Shui Po Fabric Market To Close on January 31, After 45 Years Of Operation

      2023-01-19

      SPCA’s Dog-Walking Event, Dogathon, Scheduled For March 26

      2023-01-18

      Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fairs To Be Held After Two-Year Hiatus

      2023-01-14

      Wong Tai Sin Temple’s First CNY Incense Offering Returns After Three Years

      2023-01-13

      Tropical Cyclone Nalgae : T8 Issued At 1.40PM.

      2022-11-02

      Total Lunar Eclipse Visible In Hong Kong On November 8

      2022-10-27

      Hexagonal Rock Formations In Sai Kung Declared A Geological Heritage Site

      2022-10-25

      Tropical Cyclone NESAT : T3 To Be Issued Between 10AM And Noon Today

      2022-10-17

      Hong Kong Families’ Monthly Income Drops To $27,100, 13.2% Of Employees Work 60-Plus Hours A Week

      2022-09-01

      More Than 100,000 Residents Left Hong Kong In The Past Year

      2022-08-12

      Prison Gothic: A New Font Inspired By Hong Kong’s Inmate-Made Road Signs

      2022-07-30

      Human Trafficking: Hong Kong Still On Tier 2 Watch List Says Report, HELP NGO Raises The Alarm For Domestic Workers

      2022-07-30

      Eco-Friendly Green Power Hike To Take Place In January 2023

      2022-12-19

      Hong Kong’s First Mountain Bike Practice Ground Opens In Lantau

      2022-12-17

      Hong Kong’s First Short Track Speed Skating Competition To Be Held On December 26

      2022-12-14

      Hong Kong Marathon Runner Quota Increased To 37,000

      2022-12-12

      Sham Shui Po Fabric Market To Close on January 31, After 45 Years Of Operation

      2023-01-19

      No More 5-Day Isolation Period For Covid Patients From January 30, Says John Lee

      2023-01-19

      SPCA’s Dog-Walking Event, Dogathon, Scheduled For March 26

      2023-01-18

      Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fairs To Be Held After Two-Year Hiatus

      2023-01-14
    • Family
      1. Activities
      2. Education
      3. Kids
      4. Pets
      5. View All

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-01-16

      Where To Meet Santa In Hong Kong In 2022

      2022-11-29

      11 Public & Private Outdoor Barbecue Pits You Should Visit In Hong Kong

      2022-10-31

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Lantau Island

      2022-09-28

      Hong Kong Schools To Resume Full-Day In-Person Classes, Starting February 1, 2023

      2022-12-29

      Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong Provides Innovative Modern Education Focused On Technology, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability

      2022-12-02

      ICHK Hong Lok Yuen Kindergarten & Primary Instils Love For Nature, Sense Of Global Citizenship

      2022-11-16

      14 Winter Camps In Hong Kong For A Stimulating Christmas Holiday

      2022-11-14

      14 Winter Camps In Hong Kong For A Stimulating Christmas Holiday

      2022-11-14

      29 Awesome Autumn Holiday Camps In Hong Kong For 2022

      2022-09-28

      14 Family-Friendly Restaurants In Hong Kong For A Yummy Time With The Little Ones

      2022-09-26

      11 Awesome Playgroups In Hong Kong To Prepare Your Toddler For Kindergarten & Beyond

      2022-09-12

      SPCA’s Dog-Walking Event, Dogathon, Scheduled For March 26

      2023-01-18

      Giant Panda An An Passes Away At 35

      2022-07-21

      Hong Kong Gets 12 More Pet-Friendly Parks

      2022-06-29

      Hong Kong To Introduce New Measures To Prevent Cruelty To Animals, May Require Cats To Be Microchipped

      2022-04-28

      SPCA’s Dog-Walking Event, Dogathon, Scheduled For March 26

      2023-01-18

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-01-16

      Hong Kong Schools To Resume Full-Day In-Person Classes, Starting February 1, 2023

      2022-12-29

      Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong Provides Innovative Modern Education Focused On Technology, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability

      2022-12-02
    • Culture

      The Cultural Guide To Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival

      2023-01-26

      A Cultural Guide To Chinese Lantern Festival, The Final Day Of CNY Celebrations

      2023-01-26

      Chinese New Year Displays: Where To See The Best Decorations & Installations In Hong Kong

      2023-01-18

      The Symbolism Of 8 Chinese New Year Fruits

      2023-01-16

      Your Complete Guide To Giving Lai See (Red Envelopes) During Chinese New Year

      2023-01-13
    • Sustainability

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      Greenwashing: How To Distinguish Between Real Sustainability Practices & Marketing Tactics?

      2022-07-11

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      Where To Buy Environmentally-Friendly Clothing, Beauty, Home Products In Hong Kong?

      2022-07-04

      Eco-Fashion Advocate Sheryl Bolden’s Book ‘Sustainably Stylish’ Is A Guide To Building An Ethical Wardrobe

      2022-05-03
    • Wellness
      1. Diet
      2. Fitness
      3. Health
      4. View All

      Bust the Belly Fat: Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss and Maintenance

      2018-02-27

      Hong Kong’s Top Gluten Free Restaurants and Cafés

      2014-12-01

      10 Muay Thai Studios You Should Visit In Hong Kong To Kick The Stress Away

      2022-09-29

      10 Amazing Yoga Studios In Hong Kong To Find Your Balance At

      2022-08-16

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Where To Go Rock Climbing and Bouldering In Hong Kong?

      2021-10-28

      5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

      2023-01-18

      What Is Occupational, Emotional, And Pandemic Burnout?

      2022-12-19

      Everything You Need To Know About The Hong Kong Vaccine Pass

      2022-09-23

      Chapter 3: A Story About Living With Gerascophobia (A Fear Of Growing Up)

      2022-08-15

      5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

      2023-01-18

      Collective Fitness, A Creative And Holistic Self-Awareness Experience

      2023-01-04

      15 Amazing Day Spas & Massages You’re Going To Love In Hong Kong

      2022-12-29

      What Is Occupational, Emotional, And Pandemic Burnout?

      2022-12-19
    • Travel
      1. Hotel Reviews
      2. Staycations & Hotels
      3. Travel Guides
      4. Travel To Hong Kong
      5. View All

      Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

      2022-02-09

      Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali

      2018-11-09

      Review: Weekend Escape At The Grand Lapa, Macau

      2015-10-02

      Review: Family Staycation At The Grand Coloane Resort, Macau

      2015-08-19

      20 Best Staycation Package Deals In Hong Kong For Your Next Special Occasion

      2022-12-05

      The Ultimate List Of Hong Kong’s Best 5-Star Hotels, For A Luxury Stay In The City

      2022-07-28

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08

      8 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels in Hong Kong

      2021-09-13

      What Are The International Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Passengers Departing Hong Kong?

      2023-01-03

      19 Best Travel Destinations To Visit In Asia-Pacific (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-10-05

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      Amber-Code Holders In Tour Groups Can Enter Theme Parks, Museums & Restaurants

      2022-11-07

      Hong Kong Officially Ends Hotel Quarantine, Replaces It With 3-Day Medical Surveillance

      2022-09-23

      Travelling To Hong Kong Checklist: What Are The Rules To Enter The City?

      2022-08-12

      Travellers Who Are Currently In Quarantine Can Be Discharged On Day 3 Starting Today

      2022-08-09

      What Are The International Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Passengers Departing Hong Kong?

      2023-01-03

      20 Best Staycation Package Deals In Hong Kong For Your Next Special Occasion

      2022-12-05

      Amber-Code Holders In Tour Groups Can Enter Theme Parks, Museums & Restaurants

      2022-11-07

      19 Best Travel Destinations To Visit In Asia-Pacific (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-10-05
    • HK Living
      1. Around HK
      2. Essential HK
      3. Neighbourhoods
      4. Work
      5. View All

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      10 Awesome Gazetted Swimming Pools For Olympic Pools, Water Slides & Kids’ Facilities

      2021-10-07

      Your Guide To Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery

      2021-09-23

      French May 2021 Imagines A New World Full of Art And Fantasy… and Gastronomy!

      2021-04-30

      10 Best Serviced Apartments in Hong Kong With A Home Away From Home Feel

      2022-12-14

      6 Strawberry Farms To Visit For Picking Season In Hong Kong

      2022-12-01

      10 Places To See Autumn Leaves In Hong Kong

      2022-11-14

      42 Best Smartphone Apps In Hong Kong You Must Download

      2022-08-18

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Kung

      2022-12-28

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai O Fishing Village

      2022-12-19

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai Hang

      2022-09-22

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      Bela Offices, Affordable Luxury Serviced Offices In Central And Sheung Wan

      2022-11-03

      How To Find The Right Office Rental In Hong Kong

      2022-10-11

      Top 15 Serviced Offices To Rent In Hong Kong For A Modern Workspace Experience

      2022-09-15

      Hong Kong Families’ Monthly Income Drops To $27,100, 13.2% Of Employees Work 60-Plus Hours A Week

      2022-09-01

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Kung

      2022-12-28

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai O Fishing Village

      2022-12-19

      10 Best Serviced Apartments in Hong Kong With A Home Away From Home Feel

      2022-12-14

      6 Strawberry Farms To Visit For Picking Season In Hong Kong

      2022-12-01
    The HK HUB
    Home»HK Living»Essential HK»Feel at Home in Hong Kong Fast
    Essential HK

    Feel at Home in Hong Kong Fast

    The HK HUBBy The HK HUB2017-07-19No Comments6 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp
    woman with packing cartons

    I spent my first weeks in Hong Kong in a not-very-luxurious serviced apartment in Causeway Bay. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the crowds and the smells. I had morning sickness and those distinctive Hong Kong smells on every corner, and the faint smell of mould inside the apartment, did not help one bit!

    Content of this article hide
    Food
    Other Shopping
    Healthcare
    TV/Internet
    Online Life
    Sorting Your Apartment
    When Will It All ‘Click’?

    As a newly landed expat there is A LOT organise, and even simple tasks become frustrating when you don’t know your way around. Here are a few bits of information that would have helped me find my feet faster.

    Food

    Yes, milk really does cost that much. Food is expensive compared to many of our ‘home’ countries.

    If you prefer imported food then it’s time to locate your nearest Park N Shop (or their more ‘expat’ brands Fusion and International, and their one-off ‘Taste’ store at Pacific Place, Admiralty) or Wellcome. You can shop online at both of these stores, though it has to be said the online shopping experience is not wonderful. But at least it alleviates the need to bring your wheeley trolley to the store!

    If you’re happy to shop at the wet markets and buy Chinese produce and meat, then you can eat cheaply. There are also a selection of budget grocery stores you can try, and we have a complete guide to those here. Our favourite is USelect which stocks a great value range of Tesco (UK supermarket) products.

    If you live on Hong Kong Island it’s worth checking out Honestbee. This concierge shopping service does your shopping for you at various stores and delivers it right to your home or office.

    The good news is you can pretty much get any food or drink you like here, including a good selection organic veggies, imported dairy products and meat. Give our ‘Gourmet Food Shopping’ guide a read and I’m sure you’ll soon find your own favourite grocery delivery options.

    Other Shopping

    Did you hit your first shopping mall yet (how could you avoid them!)? Please don’t panic, non-designer goods are actually available in this city. In general the malls in Central and around the Star Ferry terminal in Kowloon have the highest concentration of designer brands and as you explore other areas you will find a bigger selection of price points.

    Many expats prefer to shop online, check out our  Online Shopping Guides here (food and beauty) and here (clothes, department stores, kids’ stuff), for a mix of local and international online shopping options. And of course, next time you go ‘home’ – take an empty suitcase and stock up on everything!

    If you’re a reader then take a look at our bookstore guide here.

    There is no HK equivalent to the big out-of-town, sells-everything megastore. Different areas of Hong Kong specialise in different things, and browsing many tiny stores and market stalls is the norm. Yes, it does take longer and it can be frustrating. But, it’s a great way to explore Hong Kong and soak up city life, so try and see it as a day out! (Check out our guide to shopping the markets of Sham Shui Po to get you started)

    Healthcare

    Finding healthcare that you’re happy with is a big step towards feeling comfortable in Hong Kong.

    In my case I was newly pregnant when I arrived, and was totally confused on whether to go public or private for the birth (I went public in the end).

    Hong Kong has a public healthcare system which is low cost to anyone with a Hong Kong ID card (or in the case of kids without ID cards, the visa in their passport, and their birth certificate). This is a no frills service with waiting lists.

    In an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance and they’ll take you to your nearest public hospital. But keep in mind that the public hospitals are not renowned for their bedside manner, so if it’s not ‘life or death’ (especially with kids) you might prefer to go private. Research your local private hospitals and have an emergency plan. Tip – keep copies of your children’s birth certificates and passports with visas in your phone, these are needed at public hospital.

    The private healthcare providers here are generally excellent, but pricey. Definitely consider buying health insurance if it’s not been included in your package, particularly for children. We recommend CCW insurance brokers, they understand expats and work for you, not for the insurance companies.

    TV/Internet

    I’m not sure what it is about TV from ‘home’, but it definitely helps.

    Now TV are Hong Kong’s cable TV providers and feature many British and American shows, but can be pricey and they usually tie you in to a long contract.

    If you Google ‘expat TV from (your home country)’ you’ll get many options for (not always legal) ways to watch your favourite shows. Apple TV is also popular.

    Netflix is available in Hong Kong, sign up for the free trial and see if they have the shows you’re after. You can also use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to trick some TV streaming sites that restrict access geographically, into thinking you’re based in the US, UK or wherever.

    Online Life

    Get yourself online at home, with Netivigator , Hong Kong Broadband or iCable.

    The expat Facebook community is thriving here in Hong Kong, check out this list of Facebook Groups to get started. And like our page here too, we’re always posting about Hong Kong life.

    While we’re on the subject, with amazing broadband connectivity wherever you go, HK literally has an app to help you with everything!

    Sorting Your Apartment

    It’s quite likely that you’re going to be ‘downsizing’ on living space, which can be a challenge. I’ve lived here for 8 years and only just thrown away many things I brought with me, and accepted we will never have space for them!

    But you do get used to the smaller living spaces, and anyway, you’ll be too busy exploring and enjoying life outside your apartment to care.

    Check out Ikea for basics (but don’t expect the ‘warehouse’ experience, HK Ikeas are teeny), they also offer some online shopping. (I spent most of my first year in Hong Kong in Ikea!)

    Keep in mind if you’re renting that it’s quite likely you’ll need to re-think furniture when you change apartments, so second hand can be a good option. 2nd Chance is a second-hand furniture store worth a visit, and also use Facebook Groups for buying and selling.

    Horizon Plaza is a well known Hong Kong spot for furniture shopping, and there are some good  international online shopping options for home accessories here.

    When Will It All ‘Click’?

    Finally, all those people who tell you the homesickness will improve, just give it time? They’re right. It can take a while so don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t click overnight, be kind to yourself and take your time. I’m sure you’ll soon be loving this amazing city as much as I do.

    The HK HUB is all about making Hong Kong life easier (and more fun), so we’d love to have you as a Facebook fan or stay in touch by email with our latest posts. Good luck, and welcome to the 852!


     

    5/5 - (1 vote)
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit WhatsApp
    The HK HUB
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Created by Hong Kong lovers for Hong Kong lovers, The HK HUB offers you a daily dose of stories, deals, and tips about this unique and amazing city. If you're looking for the best places to visit, to know more about the Hong Kong Culture, to find a cool restaurant or bar to chill with your friends, or an exciting thing to do over the weekend with your family, we've got you covered. The HK HUB opens the doors to Hong Kong.

    Related Posts

    10 Best Serviced Apartments in Hong Kong With A Home Away From Home Feel

    2022-12-14 Essential HK

    6 Strawberry Farms To Visit For Picking Season In Hong Kong

    2022-12-01 The HK HUB

    10 Places To See Autumn Leaves In Hong Kong

    2022-11-14 Essential HK

    Add comment

    Partners
    CCW banner
    banner coral hub hong kong
    compass offices side banner
    Vipop - Sustainable Fashion Shop
    tutor time international nursery and kindergarten in hong kong

    Subscribe to updates

    Open the door to Hong Kong and get your weekly dose of stories, deals and tips.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    • Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Designed by Get Clicks.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.