Live and Work in Hong Kong

by Wright, Rachel

• ISBN13: 9781845284299
• ISBN10: 1845284291
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-04-15
• Publisher: How to Books Ltd

Summary

Whatever your reasons for planning to live and work in Hong Kong, this comprehensive guide will tell you all you need to know to make the most of your time in this vibrant and challenging city. Organised into three sections: Living, Working, and Leisure, this book includes up to date information and well-informed opinion on: - The kind of lifestyle you can expect to enjoy in Hong Kong - The cost of living - Finding accommodation, whether short term or to buy or rent - Having and raising children in Hong Kong - Shopping for food or luxuries - Working and volunteering - Teaching English - Sporting events, special interest groups and the local arts scene - Travelling and places to visit - Entertainment and nightlifeREVIEWS:''Wright''s guide will more than pay for itself in time saved.'' South China Morning PostAUTHOR BIOG:Dr RACHEL WRIGHT lived and worked in Hong Kong for many years, and has also enjoyed living and working in Beijing. She has written on educational issues for the South China Morning Post.CONTENTS:NotesAcknowledgementsPrefaceIntroduction- Why Come to Hong Kong?Part One- Living in Hong Kong1 Living as a Hong KongerChallenges and opportunities for Hong KongExpatriate lifestylesPick a lifestyleUnemployed or ''trailing'' spouses or partners2 Managing CostsMain costsOther costs3 Arriving at the AirportVisitor information and helpMoneyShops and restaurantsLuggageAccommodationMedicalWashroom and nursing facilitiesOther facilitiesTransport connectionsAirport Express trainsAirport busesTaxisLimousinesFerriesUseful phone number4 Getting AroundTrainsLight rail and bus servicesFerriesTramsTaxisElevated walkwaysDriving5 Looking for AccommodationFinding a homePopular neighbourhoodsSearching for a propertyRenting a propertyOther optionsShort-term hotel accommodationUtilitiesPetsLife in your new homeRemovals companies6 Eating and DrinkingLocal delicaciesAfternoon teas, tea buffets and tea setsStreet snacksSandwichesDrinks stallsCoffee shopsTea shopsFast foodRestaurantsDining localesTake-away/home deliveryHalal/Kosher restaurantsVegetarian and vegan restaurants7 ShoppingQTS shopsMallsShops8 Having and Raising Children in Hong KongPregnancy and childbirthBabysitters/nannies/full-time helpAdopting a childRegistering your baby''s birth and obtaining a passportSchoolsLeisure activities and extra-curricular classes for childrenPlaces to take kids9 Looking after your HealthEnvironmental safetyFood labellingInfectious diseasesDrugsHealth insuranceHospitals and GP servicesSpecialistsStressCounselling servicesAlternative and complementary healthPhysical fitnessSpa and beautyFacial surgery and invasive treatments10 Saving and SpendingPart of the planBanksMoney changersFinancial planningInvestments and savingFinancial news and education resources11 Staying SafeCrimeReligionsThe political system12 Getting Married and BereavementMarriageBereavementPart Two- Working in Hong Kong13 Working and NetworkingBusiness environmentExpatriate employment sectorsRequirementsVisasJob searchEmployment contractsTaxSetting up a companyBanksSetting up an officeGovernment support for businessesIT infrastructureChambers of commerceOther business clubs and networking organizations14 Being a Professional Woman in Hong KongStoriesSupport organizations15 Teaching EnglishTrends in English teaching in Hong KongDo I need to be qualified to work as an English teacher in Hong Kong?Salary and work visasEmployment sectors16 Developing yourself ProfessionallyExecutive and life coachingUndergraduate and postgraduate studiesContinuing educationTrainingLanguage coursesGeneral short courses for self-development17 VolunteeringAnimal welfareConservationCounselling and supportInternational humanitarianLocal issuesPart Three- having fun in Hong Kong18 G etting Involved in the Local Arts SceneArts festivalsClassical music concertsPop concertsJazzDanceTheatreMajor performance venuesFilmChinese cultural activitiesEuropean cultural activitiesVisual artsBrowsing art galleriesBooks19 Playing SportsSporting eventsSports clubs and associationsPrivate sports and social clubsGolf20 F inding Interest GroupsAsian interestFriends of the artsAmateur theatre groupsChoirsFilm buffsWritersOthersWomen''s clubsCountry associationsUniversity alumni associations21 Taking ClassesGeneral interestAntiquesCookingCosmetics-makingDanceFlower arrangingJewellery and glassLanguagesPainting and fine artsPotteryMusicPhotographySingingSportsWine appreciation and tasting22 Visiting Places of InterestPeace and tranquillityUrban bustleHistorical sightseeingMuseums23 Exploring the Great OutdoorsHikingCampingCyclingOutdoor adventuresJunksBird- and animal-watching24 TravellingPopular Asian destinationsChinese travelVisasTravel agents25 Enjoying the Night LifeExpat districts for socializingTea dancesLatin American dancingKaraokeMassage parloursThe gay scene26 DatingHong Kong- graveyard of expat marriages?Dating websites, organizations and personalsAppendix 1 Tertiary InstitutionsAppendix 2 AirlinesAppendix 3 ConsulatesAppendix 4 Useful Telephone NumbersAppendix 5 Calendar of Annual Festivals and Events in Hong Kong