getting settled
YOU HAVE ARRIVED…
NOW WHAT? Your checklist to making Hong Kong home Hong Kong ID card Anyone in Hong Kong aged 11 or over is required to hold a Hong Kong ID card. If you are planning to stay longer than six months, an application must be made within 30 days of landing. Online appointments are recommended before you go in person to the Immigration Office. Details of the process and the five locations where applications are processed can be found on the Immigration Department website (immd.gov.hk). Immigration Tower (7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai) is the busiest office but the one most frequented by expats. Don’t forget to take: • Passport • Valid visa • Completed application form You should keep your ID on you at all times as Hong Kong police have the authority to stop and demand identity checks from anyone, at any time. It’s also a good idea to memorise the number since it’s routinely used as an identifier
8 | New Arrivals' Guide
when calling banks or arranging services. Cards are fitted with a smart chip and can be used as a library card. Once your fingerprint has been registered to the chip, you can also use your HKID for quick immigration access via e-Channel in and out of Hong Kong International Airport, Macau and borders crossings with Mainland China.
Octopus card This Hong Kong essential is a debit style card most commonly used for public transport, car parking and vending machines, but can also be used to buy things like groceries, coffees and settling bills. Cards can be applied for and topped up most commonly at MTR stations, branches of 7-Eleven and Starbucks. You can also apply for the auto top-up so you never run out of credit.
Mobile networks The cheapest way to stay connected in the city is to buy a local SIM card. You’ll need a phone that is unlocked and you can buy a SIM card
Currency Hong Kong dollar
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Language English and Cantonese; Mandarin is becoming more widely spoken Population Over 7 million Weather Subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and frequent rain. Winter is cooler and drier. Time GMT +8 (+7 in winter months) Electricity 220 volts 50 hz. Three-pin UK-style plugs are most common International dialling code: +852 Emergency number: 999
Expatriate Tax Once you are settled in, then you’ll want to get your head around Hong Kong tax. If you are a UK or US citizen living away, there’s help available. See buzzacott.hk/ expatriate-tax
