Is it easy to get a job in Hong Kong?

Getting a job in Hong Kong can be both easy and challenging, depending on various factors. The city’s thriving economy and numerous job opportunities make it relatively easier to find employment compared to other regions. However, competition is fierce, especially in certain industries like finance and technology. Fluency in English and Mandarin is often preferred, and having relevant work experience or a specialized skill set can significantly increase job prospects. Additionally, understanding the local culture and networking within professional circles can also enhance job search success. Overall, while it may not be effortless, with the right qualifications and approach, securing a job in Hong Kong is certainly achievable.

Is it easy to get a job in Hong Kong?

Getting a job in Hong Kong can be quite challenging due to the selective nature of employers when it comes to hiring foreign workers and processing visa applications. Job seekers must meet stringent qualifications to secure employment, while employers are required to demonstrate that they have valid reasons for not hiring a local resident for the position.

Is working in Hong Kong stressful?

According to a recent survey by US research organization Gallup, employees in Hong Kong experience the highest levels of stress in East Asia. The survey, called the State of the Global Workplace 2022 Report, revealed that the stress index for global employees has reached record levels in the past 12 years. Out of the respondents, 44% reported feeling stressed every day, with East Asia having the highest work-related pressure compared to the rest of the world. Specifically, among the six countries in East Asia (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia), Hong Kong had the highest stress index, with 53% of employees reporting feeling pressure at work.

Can you work in Hong Kong only speaking English?

In Hong Kong, Cantonese is the official local language, but English is widely spoken as a second language, particularly in international companies. Fluency in English is often expected in the workplace.

However, it is still beneficial to learn some Cantonese if you are relocating to Hong Kong. This will enable you to communicate with people outside of work. It is important to note that Cantonese is generally considered more challenging than Mandarin. If you plan to travel outside of Hong Kong, Mandarin will be more useful, especially in areas with lower English literacy rates.

Why do people leave HK?

The main factors driving Hongkongers’ intention to move are excessive political disputes, unstable politics, undemocratic political system, and dismal economic situation. These factors account for a significant percentage of respondents’ desire to relocate. Additionally, cramped living space in Hong Kong is identified as the most significant push factor.

When asked to rate Hong Kong’s livability, respondents gave an average rating of 565 points, which is higher than the previous year and 2020. This indicates an improvement in perceived livability.

According to data from the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong has experienced a population drop of 16 percent, with approximately 113,200 residents leaving the city.

In the 2022 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee stated that the government will take a more proactive and aggressive approach to attract talent and address the brain drain issue.

In other local news, Consul General Okada assures that Japan will not seek revenge over the water discharge dispute with Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s Airport City development strategy is recognized by the transport minister. Aviation Day 2023 will be hosted in Hong Kong. Fourteen individuals have been arrested for credit card theft and money laundering. A box of condoms was found in the pilot seat of a Government Flying Service plane. The chairman of Hong Kong Airlines has resigned amid a management shakeup. A man has been hospitalized after being bitten by a snake at a school in Sau Mau Ping. Agents predict that the home price war in Hong Kong could escalate after CK Assets’ new home launch. David Hui welcomes the establishment of a Hong Kong version of the US FDA. Viu is expanding its presence in Asia following a deal with Canal.

This concludes the news search for 2023.

Is it difficult to live in Hong Kong?

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When contemplating the difficulty of relocating to Hong Kong, it is important to consider your financial situation. Numerous surveys have ranked Hong Kong as one of the most expensive places to live in the world, which can present challenges during your transition.

However, this does not imply that moving to Hong Kong is inherently difficult. With its historical ties to the UK, cultural influences from the US, and a thriving expat community, Hong Kong is a truly international and welcoming region. The advantages of relocating to Hong Kong include access to basic healthcare provided by the government, relatively low taxes, and high-quality education.

Another compelling reason to consider moving to Hong Kong is its diverse atmosphere. The juxtaposition of luxurious skyscrapers and nearby island beaches, coupled with the convenience of communicating in English, makes Hong Kong a dream destination for many expats.

So, what else do you need to know before moving to Hong Kong? Patience is key. The high population density means that everything is bustling, and you may encounter traffic jams and long queues at the doctor’s office. Additionally, finding housing can be a challenge due to the same reason.

Join now and embark on your journey to Hong Kong, where you can experience the vibrant blend of cultures and seize exciting opportunities.

Is 70000 HKD a good salary?

I am considering relocating to Hong Kong for work. I have been offered a salary of 70k per month. I am wondering if this is enough to live comfortably, considering the high cost of property in Hong Kong compared to NYC. Can you provide any guidelines for estimating housing costs?

In NYC, the general rule of thumb for purchasing property is not to spend more than 33% of your gross yearly salary. The rental guideline is typically around 40-45 times the monthly rent of your salary.

If I were switching jobs and staying in NYC, I would expect a similar increase in base salary. However, since I will be moving to Hong Kong for this job, do you think it would be wise for me to negotiate for a higher salary? If so, what is the general range that a company would be willing to offer?

If you don’t have any dependents, a salary of 70k is a significant amount of expendable income. You can afford to live in a classy serviced apartment and still have a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, Hong Kong has a flat tax system, so you will be able to keep a large portion of your paycheck.

Depending on your industry, you may want to consider asking for additional benefits such as paid accommodations and return flights to your home country once a year.

If you are single and living alone in Hong Kong, a salary of 70k is more than enough for a comfortable lifestyle. However, if you have children and want them to receive a US curriculum education, you may find yourself under more financial stress.

It’s also important to consider other factors such as industry norms, expensive hobbies, and personal lifestyle preferences when evaluating your salary requirements.

As an American, you may still be required to pay US income tax even if you are not a resident there. It would be worth discussing with your company to see if they can assist with your tax situation and potentially compensate you accordingly.

The first $70-80k of income is not taxed by the US, so the foreign tax burden should not be too significant. However, it’s always a good idea to look into the specifics of your tax situation.

Thank you for all the replies. I will be coming to Hong Kong alone, so there are no concerns about dependents. Regarding taxes, I pay Hong Kong taxes on the first $85k USD of income, and anything above that is subject to both Hong Kong and US taxes. This can create a financial strain, so I may discuss this with the hiring manager.

If you were in my situation, how much would you spend on living expenses?

What industry are you in and how many years of experience do you have?

As a single person, I would not spend more than 15k on rent. Cooking at home would cost around 9-10k, while eating out at Western restaurants would be around 6-7k and eating out at local establishments would be around 3-4k. Utilities, assuming you are at work 75% of the time, would be around 2k, including internet, broadband, TV, electricity, gas, and water. Transportation costs depend on where you live and whether you own a car. Nights out would cost around 4-5k per month.

To give you an idea, my family of four, including a full-time helper and two large dogs, earns roughly 75% of what you do and we are able to manage.

I work in the back office finance industry with 8 years of experience.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Hong Kong?

Food	Update prices
	Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district	HK$84
	Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar)	HK$43
	500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast	HK$47
	1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk	HK$22
	12 eggs, large	HK$33
	1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes	HK$24
	500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese	HK$93
	1 kg (2 lb.) of apples	HK$32
	1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes	HK$20
	0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket	HK$17
	1 bottle of red table wine, good quality	HK$174
	2 liters of coca-cola	HK$20
	Bread for 2 people for 1 day	HK$22

Housing	Update prices
	Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area	HK$41,895
	Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area	HK$31,642
	Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 2 people in 85m2 flat	HK$2,001
	Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area	HK$23,998
	Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area	HK$15,063
	Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio	HK$1,000
	Internet 8 mbps (1 month)	HK$213
	40” flat screen tv	HK$4,187
	Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands)	HK$1,875
	Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.)	HK$85
	Hourly rate for cleaning help	HK$93

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ClothesUpdate prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar)

HK$581

1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers)

HK$374

1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands)

HK$610

1 pair of men’s leather business shoes

HK$1,138

TransportationUpdate prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new

HK$237,551

1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas

HK$23

Monthly ticket public transport

HK$484

Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles)

HK$98

Personal CareUpdate prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands)

HK$55

1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)

HK$118

Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)

HK$388

1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, …)

HK$67

Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.)

HK$39

Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.)

HK$46

4 rolls of toilet paper

HK$14

Tube of toothpaste

HK$20

Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city

HK$272

EntertainmentUpdate prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub

HK$404

2 tickets to the movies

HK$216

2 tickets to the theater (best available seats)

HK$1,653

Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert

HK$915

1 cocktail drink in downtown club

HK$133

Cappuccino in expat area of the city

HK$46

1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.)

HK$56

Ipad wi-fi 128gb

HK$3,667

1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans)

HK$0.88

1 month of gym membership in business district

HK$842

1 package of marlboro cigarettes

HK$74

Conclusion

In conclusion, working in Hong Kong can be a stressful experience for many individuals. The high cost of living, long working hours, and intense competition in the job market contribute to the overall stress levels in the city. As a result, many people choose to leave Hong Kong in search of a better work-life balance and improved quality of life.

Living in Hong Kong can also be challenging due to the high cost of housing, limited living space, and crowded public transportation. The fast-paced lifestyle and constant hustle and bustle can take a toll on individuals, making it difficult to find peace and relaxation. However, the city offers a vibrant and diverse culture, excellent healthcare facilities, and a safe environment, which can offset some of the difficulties.

When it comes to salary, earning 70,000 HKD per month can be considered a good income in Hong Kong. It allows individuals to afford the high cost of living, including housing, transportation, and daily expenses. However, it is important to note that the definition of a “good salary” may vary depending on personal circumstances and lifestyle choices.

While English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, especially in business and tourist areas, it is still beneficial to have some knowledge of Cantonese or Mandarin to fully integrate into the local community and enhance job prospects. However, many multinational companies and industries in Hong Kong operate in English, making it possible to work in the city solely speaking English.

Overall, working and living in Hong Kong can be both rewarding and challenging. It offers numerous opportunities for career growth and a vibrant lifestyle, but it also comes with high levels of stress and a demanding environment. It is essential for individuals to carefully consider their priorities and personal circumstances before making the decision to work in Hong Kong.