LIVING IN
HONG KONG Dining • Festivals • Culture • Places to see • Things to do
Edition
2016
26th Revised Edition Š Copyright July 2016 by The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong ISBN 978-962-7422-62-4 Library of Congress 98-193694 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reproduction in whole or part thereof, forbidden without written permission. First published by AmCham Publications Hong Kong Limited in 1973. Published irregularly by AmCham in 1975, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1986 and 1989. Published biennially by AmCham Publications in five editions: 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000. Published the 13th edition in 2001, 14th edition in 2003, 15th edition in 2004, 16th edition in 2005, 17th edition in 2007, 18th edition in 2008, 19th edition in 2009, 20th edition in 2010, 21st edition in 2011, 22nd edition in 2012, 23rd edition in 2013, 24th edition in 2014, 25th edition in 2015 Note: While every care has been taken in preparing this book, no warranty is given or implied as to the accuracy of any of the contents. While all efforts were made to insure the accuracy of this information, details are bound to change from time to time and, therefore, companies intending to do business in Hong Kong should satisfy themselves on all matters.
Published by The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 19/F Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel (852) 2530 6900 Email amcham@amcham.org.hk Website www.amcham.org.hk Editor-in-Chief
Kenny Lau
Assistant Editor
Jennifer Khoo
Editorial Interns Assistant Advertising Sales Manager
Channy Lee, Nikki Park
Writers & Contributors
David Burton Maggie Ng
Tom Chan David Chung Charlotte Wray
Deborah Degolyer Cammy Yiu
AMCHAM Design and Photos by Asia Brand Media Ltd 901, 168 Queen’s Road Central Central, Hong Kong www.asiabrand.biz Cover photo by Asia Brand Media Ltd
Printer SHERGON Print Asia Ltd Unit 2012, 20/F, Block B Wah Tat Industrial Centre 8 Wah Sing Street, Kwai Chung New Territories, Hong Kong A1
The American Chamber of Commerce AMCHAM CORE VALUES • • • •
Private Enterprise Free Trade Rule of Law Ethical and Responsible Business Practices • Transparency and Free Flow of Information
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer
Walter Dias Steve Lackey Owen Belman
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Evan Auyang John (Jack) E Lange Jennifer Van Dale
Sean Chiao Alan Turley
China Business
Devin Ehrig Lili Zheng
Communications & Marketing
Oliver Rust
Corporate Social Responsibility
Pat-Nie Woo
Education
Virginia Wilson
Energy
Rick Truscott
Entrepreneurs/SME
Cynthia Chow Laurie Goldberg
Environment
Jim C Taylor
Financial Services
Steven Chan
Food & Beverage
Veronica Sze
Hospitality & Tourism
Mark Kemper
Human Resources
Peter Liu
Information & Benny Lee Communication Techonolgy Insurance & Healthcare
Rebecca Harrison Hanif Kanji
Intellectual Property
Gabriela Kennedy Jenny Wong
Law
Chiann Bao Jessica Bartlett
Pharmaceutical
Margaret Driscoll
Real Estate
Edward Farrelly Robert Johnston
SelectUSA
Terrance Philips Lili Zheng
Senior Financial Forum
Philip Cheng
Senior HR Forum
Bianca Wong
Taxation
Ivan Strunin
Trade & Investment
Barrett Bingley
CHAMBER COMMITTEES
Transportation & Logistics
Gavin Dow
Apparel & Footwear
Mark Green
Women of Influence
Ball
Diana David
Jennifer Parks Jennifer Wilson
Young Professionals
Michael Harrington
GOVERNORS Donald Austin Elaine Cheung Diana David Financial Times (HK) Ltd Sean Ferguson Robert Grieves Matthew Hosford Clara Ingen-Housz
Michael Klibaner Simon Ogus Seth Peterson Catherine Simmons Eric Szweda Patrick Wu Lennard Yong
EX-OFFICIO GOVERNOR Peter Levesque
PRESIDENT Richard R Vuylsteke
A2
Living in Hong Kong
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
A4
Customs, Religions and Festivals
2
The Chinese Lunar Calendar Culture of the Middle Kingdom Animals of the Chinese Zodiac The People and Their Religion Holidays and Festivals General Holidays Departures
3 3 4 6 8 13 14
Where to Shop
15
Malls Department Stores Convenience Stores Key Streets & Markets Supermarkets Factory Outlets Seasonal Bazaars and Fairs Online Shopping Local Shopping Customs and Protocol
16 21 24 24 24 27 28 28 28
What to Shop
31
Fashion Electronics Computers Home Appliances Premium Kitchen Appliances Telecommunications & Mobile Phone Services Books and Magazine Specialized Bookstores General Bookstores Music and CDs Pharmacies Furnishings Interiors Bedding & Mattresses Curtains, Blinds, Fabrics & Linens Carpets Lighting & Lamps Wallpaper and Ceramic tiles Art & Antiques
32 33 34 35 36 37 37 37 38 38 38 39 40 41 41 42 42 42 42
Living in Hong Kong
Contents Chapter 3 (cont.)
Chapter 4
A6
Art Auctions Galleries Art Supplies Pets and their Care Aquariums
43 44 44 45 46
Wine & Dine
47
Fine Dining Hot Spots Malls and Office Towers Desserts and High Tea Coffee Local Taste Fine Asian Dining Chinese Cuisines International Dining American Dining Desserts Italian Dining Pizza Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau Chinese Diners Banquet Halls Dining With a Difference Haute Chinois Sea Food Centers Street Stalls – Dai Pai Dongs Al Fresco Dining Cooked Food Markets Secrets of the Chinese Kitchen Table Etiquette Chinese Tea Fast Food Healthy Lifestyles Farmers Markets Organic Produce and Restaurants Chinese Vegetarian Restaurants Halal Foods Kosher Meals Wine for Everyone
49 50 52 53 53 54 55 59 62 63 65 66 66 66 66 66 67 67 67 67 68 68 68 69 71 71 71 71 72 73 73 74 74
Living in Hong Kong
Contents Chapter 4 (cont.)
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
A8
Where to Learn about Wine Where to Store your Wine Asian Food & Wine Pairing Wine Trends, Wine Auctions
76 76 77 77
Arts & Culture
83
Where to go Opera Live Theater Ballet Contemporary Dance Symphonic Live Music Music Venues Comedy Music Lessons/Participation Drama lessons/Participation Choir/ Singing Lessons/ Participation Program and Events Major Festivals & Fairs Media & Film Literary Arts Art & Design Other Festivals
85 86 86 87 87 88 89 90 91 91 91 92 92 93 93 93 94 95
Recreation
99
2016 Sports Event Calendar Major Sporting Events Endurance Sports Other Activities Sports Resources Major Clubs and Associations Sports for the Disabled Water Sports Swimming Pools Public Beaches Country Parks Hiking around Hong Kong Popular Hikes Other Activities
102 102 104 107 107 109 111 112 112 113 115 115 116 118
Living in Hong Kong
Contents
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
A10
Family Fun
121
Hong Kong Urban Parks Parks, Zoos and Gardens in Hong Kong Nature Parks Museums and Galleries Aviation Discovery Center Themed Parks Guided Tours Temple Treks Hiking Going to the Movies The Hong Kong Film Archive
122 124 125 126 127 127 133 135 139 139 139
Moving to Hong Kong
141
Moving to Hong Kong Smart Traveler Enrollment Program Requirements of US Passport Services Passport Services Applying for a Visa Right to Land/Unconditional Stay Shipping Goods to Hong Kong Self-storage Bringing a Pet Legal Concerns Moving from Hong Kong Things to do before you leave
142 142 143 144 144 144 145 146 146 147 151 152
Getting Settled and Accommodations
157
Get Out and About Hong Kong Smart Identity Cards US Consulate Registration Other Foreign Nationals Adjusting to life in HK Arrival Places of Worship Domestic Help Accommodations Air Quality in Hong Kong Finding a Flat Areas in Hong Kong Island
163 164 165 166 166 167 168 169 169 174 174 174
Living in Hong Kong
Chapter 9 (cont.)
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Areas in Kowloon Areas in the New Territories Temporary Accommodations Chinese Language Basics Useful Apps, Websites and Phone Numbers Chinese Names of Streets, Buildings and Hotels Weather Conditions and Warnings
177 178 180 180 186 188 198
Southside Comfort
201
The Southside Southside Communities Stanley Plaza Southside Recreation Southside Sun and Sand Private Members Club Transportation
205 205 210 214 215 216 216
Serviced Apartments
219
Services Provided Types of Serviced Apartments Hong Kong Kowloon New Territories Throughout Hong Kong Extended Stay Hotels Hong Kong New Territories Places for Extended Stay in Hong Kong
221 227 231 233 233 237 237 247 247 249
Starting a Business
257
Incorporation Business Centers Technology Collaborative Workspace Business Environment Professional Qualifications Legal Advice Accounting Company Secretary Employment of Staff
258 259 261 262 264 264 264 264 265 265
A11
Contents
Chapter 12 (cont.)
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
A12
Minimum Wage Ordinance Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme Profits Tax Employee’s Salary Tax Business Registration and Annual Returns Setting up a Bank Account Business Insurance Employees Compensation Insurance Resources Hong Kong Productivity Council InvestHK
265 266 266 267 267 267 267 267 268 268 268
International Schools
269
Local Hong Kong Schools Shortage of International School Places Interim Schools English Schools Foundation ESF Admission Policy Preschools & Kindergartens Hong Kong Preschool Playgroups Association HKPPA Kindergartens Applying to International Schools HKPPA Kindergartens What to Look For and Ask About Advanced Placement Examinations International Baccalaureate Programs Special Education Needs Government Resources SENS Placement Websites of English Schools Foundation Websites of International Schools Speech Therapy Child Psychologist and/or Educational Psychologist AmCham Charitable Foundation Awards
272 273 273 275 275 275 276 276 276 276 277 277 279 280 280 280 282 282 284 284 285
Advanced Education
303
Special Interest Courses Languages Language Schools and Centers Where You Can Study Foreign Languages
304 305 305 306
Living in Hong Kong
Chapter 14 (cont.)
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Universities Study Opportunities for Expatriates Business and MBA Programs Lifelong Learning Continuing Education SCAD “The Continuing Education Fund
306 307 307 308 308 309 309
Transportation
311
Octopus Modes of Transportation Taxi Buses Minibuses Trams Ferry Private Cars Cars Airport Transfer Drink-Driving Idling Vehicle Engines
313 313 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 323
Healthy Living
325
Air Quality Smoking Restrictions Water Quality Swimming Water Food Quality & Safety Food Labeling Hong Kong’s Health Care Health of the Community Infectious Diseases The Food and Health Bureau Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Outpatient Clinics Public Hospitals Private Hospitals Doctors Maternity Services Health Insurance
326 327 327 327 328 329 329 329 329 329 330 330 330 331 331 332 332
A13
Contents Chapter 16 (cont.)
Chapter 17
Appendices
A14
Pharmacies In Case of Emergency Defibrillator Dental Care Optical Care Naturopaths and Alternative Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine Healthcare Associations
332 332 333 333 333 334 334 335
Next Door: Guangzhou, Macau & Shenzhen
339
Macau e-Channel Location History and Culture What to see and do in Macau Hotel Destinations Entertainment Events Calendar Sites of interest Dining In Macau Macau - How to get there Shenzhen Food Hotels Shenzhen – How to get there Guangzhou Transportation What to see and do inGuangzhou Guangzhou – How to get there
340 340 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 348 350 351 352 352 353 354 354 354 356
Index
358
Advertisers Index
379
Company Listings Index
380
Living in Hong Kong
Preface
W
elcome to the 26th edition of Living in Hong Kong, our annual guidebook which highlights a broad scope of aspects of getting settled in one of the world’s most vibrant cities as well as all the fabulous attractions and features this international city has to offer. It is a definitive reference book on everything newcomers need to know about living in an amazing place we call home.
When the first edition was published in 1973, Hong Kong was a vastly different place from the economic powerhouse and commercial center it is known globally today. The book, in fact, has been more than a guidebook but also a chronicle of life in this bustling, ever-changing metropolis. And it always comes in handy not only for those who are relocating to Hong Kong for the first time but also those who have lived here for many years. With each new edition, there is always useful, up-to-date information about finding a place to live, shopping for daily necessities, enrolling children in a school, enjoying an array of cuisines, using public modes of transportation, and even having fun on the weekends. Newcomers and local residents alike should find it helpful as a reference guide to enjoying life in Hong Kong. Living in Hong Kong is designed to provide information in detail on everything imaginable, with phone numbers and websites directly linked to helpful sources, and it comprises references and descriptions of commercial, governmental and non-profit establishments on a broad range of key themes. This edition has been updated to reflect the most essential particulars relevant for those seeking quality while living in Hong Kong. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is proud to share a wealth of knowledge as a service to the community of Hong Kong, and it prides itself on being one of the first places expatriates come to seek information upon their arrival. AmCham is a place of crucial information, networking opportunities, exposure and advocacy, and it welcomes members from all nationalities and companies. We hope you will enjoy Living in Hong Kong and find it a rewarding experience throughout your journey of making Hong Kong your new home.
Walter Dias Chairman The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
A15
Foreword
E
ver since our first edition of Living in Hong Kong, published in 1973, Hong Kong has made tremendous progress in the development of people and infrastructure, and has evolved to become the vibrant international city renowned for its economic prowess. Despite the relatively small size of a territory measuring only a fraction of other major metropolises across the globe, Hong Kong ranks among the very best in so many ways. More importantly, it is a city of diversity – one with a heritage spanning over hundreds of years, yet in a convergence of different cultures and people coming from different backgrounds, all in one of the world’s most advanced and modern urban settings. As a comprehensive guide to settling in Hong Kong and making the city with a name which literally means “Fragrant Harbor” your new home, our 26th edition is strategically divided into 17 chapters to provide you with ideas about a broad scope of aspects – information about customs, religions and festivals, places where you can find different accommodation, cuisines and shopping outlets, what international schools are available for your children, how to get around via public transportation, things to do for recreation and family fun on the weekends, and even setting up your own business. In short, Living in Hong Kong is where you can start exploring the way of life as any other local resident, finding a lifestyle that suits you and your family best, and making your extended stay in Hong Kong a fulfilling and memorable experience. The possibility of discovery here is simply endless. Getting settled in a new environment is never easy, and we are here to help and support you through your transition. We hope you will find the book a useful tool in your journey of becoming a family member of the community of Hong Kong.
Kenny Lau Editor-in-Chief
A16
Living in Hong Kong
www.amcham.org.hk
AMCHAM Means Business
Members Directory
Over 500 pages in three major sections, including a complete guide to chamber services, corporate sponsors and AmCham Charitable Foundation. This directory lists about 1,400 members from about 700 companies and organizations. ISBN 978-962-7422-33-4
LC 98-645651 NON-MEMBER PRICE Local Delivery HK$1500 Overseas Delivery US$195 Shipping costs: Local HK$45 (per copy) US/International US$50 (per copy)
MEMBER PRICE HK$800 US$104
AmCham Member Name: Title: Company: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: copy(ies) of Members Directory Total: HK$/US$ (postage inclusive) payable to The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong check# Bank: Charge to AMEX (US$) Diners (HK$) Visa (HK$) Master Card (HK$) Cardholder's Name: Card# Expiry Date: Issuing Bank: Signature: (Not valid unless signed) The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 1904 Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2530 6900 Fax: (852) 2537 1682 Email: hchung@amcham.org.hk