Hong Kong. Where happiness comes at a price. Enjoy a high life in Hong Kong.
As well as a head for figures you'll need one for heights to start a new life in Hong Kong. With 650 skyscrapers the City has the most high rise buildings in the world. You'll also need to get yourself an 'Octopus' travel card as 90% of daily journeys (11 million) are made by public transport - more than anywhere else in the world.
This capitalist economy has been ranked the freest in the world by the Index of Economic Freedom for 15 consecutive years. As well as free it's a happy place; in 2009 Hong Kong came 84th in the Global 'Happy Planet Index' of 143 countries, putting it ahead of Canada (89), Australia (102) and the United States (114). All this comes at a price though. As of 2009, Hong Kong is the fifth most expensive city for expats, behind Tokyo, Osaka, Moscow, and Geneva.
Cantonese, English and Mandarin are the official languages with Cantonese the most widely used. You shouldn't have a problem living here and only speaking English but some basic Cantonese will help when giving directions to taxi drivers and bartering in the markets.
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Typhoons can hit between May and November and warnings are broadcast on TV and radio with various levels indicating the risk. Level one announces a tropical cyclone is within 800 km of Hong Kong. When the levels get over eight it's time to batten down the hatches!
Working
The Hong Kong dollar is the 9th most traded currency in the world and has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1983. At the end of 2007, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange had 1,241 listed companies and in terms of market capitalisation it is Asia's third largest stock exchange, behind Tokyo and Shanghai.
Throwing yourself into the business scene is easy with many networking opportunities available to expatriates in Hong Kong, from events at the Hong Kong Management Association to making contacts on the tennis court at the American Club. Women will find the Women Business Owners Club has regular networking and social events.
When it comes to fashion, Hong Kong businesspeople like to splash out. Well-made clothes are a must in the business world and you won't go far wrong with a formal dark suit. Women over a size zero (or even a four) may find that shopping is limited and shoes over size 6 are hard to come by - so stock up before you leave home.
The handshake is commonly used when making new acquaintances. The Hong Kong Chinese handshake is lighter than the western equivalent. During the greeting, many Hong Kong Chinese lower their eyes as a sign of respect. After the handshake business cards are exchanged, which should be printed in English on one side and Chinese on the other.
Living
Currently around seven million people call Hong Kong home and at times it can feel as though they are all living in your neighbourhood. Despite this, it is one of the greenest cities in Asia with acres of parks and woodlands.
Where you decide to live depends on your own personal needs. Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories are the three main parts that make up Hong Kong.
Kowloon and the New Territories will give you more square feet and facilities for your money than Hong Kong Island. But if you have to commute into the business districts on Hong Kong Island what you gain in space you'll pay for in commuting time.
That said, many expats prefer to be on or near Hong Kong Island as this is the most 'western' area of the territory. Getting around is easy with great public transport from ferries and trains to trams. The exciting nightlife on the Island adds to the list of advantages of living there.
Kowloon Tong is an expensive but low density residential district, popular among the upper class and upper middle class in the city. Here you'll find Festival Walk shopping centre, which once boasted a Christmas tree decorated with 100,000 Swarovski crystals, valued at over 5 million Hong Kong Dollars! The area is also home to Broadcast Drive, a famous area where most radio and TV stations are located.
The New Territories offers many different regions with much more affordable accommodation. Although this part of Hong Kong is very green, there are less public transport options and commuting to Hong Kong Island can be time-consuming.
Playing
If you're here to party you won't find yourself stuck indoors nursing a hot cocoa. Hong Kong is packed with bars and clubs and the nightlife gets started late and ends in the early hours. It also boasts more than 11,000 restaurants and visitors can sample a full choice of authentic Asian cuisines and Western fare. Local must-try dishes are dim sum and fresh seafood.
Kowloon is a haven for shoppers and is home to the mother of all malls. Harbour City [http://www.harbourcity.com.hk/]has two million square feet with over 700 shops from Burberry and Bottega Veneta to Vivienne Westwood and YSL. The children's zone of the centre boasts the largest Toys"R"Us shop in Asia. When the neon lights and shopping wears you out 50 restaurants are on hand to give you a lift.
Despite Hong Kong's image of an urban jungle more than 70 per cent of its land mass is rural so it's a paradise for nature and sport lovers. You can enjoy everything from exploring bamboo forests to climbing mountains. There are great hiking trails and some lovely beaches. Kayaking, dragon boating and rowing are all accessible to water lubbers and tennis is extremely popular.
Hong Kong attracts big names of the music world; The Killers, Muse and Green Day have all played there recently. Time Out Hong Kong will keep you updated on the must see concerts.
Getting your children excited about a move to Hong Kong will be considerably easier when you tell them that Mickey Mouse lives there. Disneyland Hong Kong opened in 2005 and has since attracted 15 million guests.
3 Must dos
Take a trip on the iconic Star Ferry to enjoy stunning views of harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.
Have a flutter at the Happy Valley Races on Wednesday nights. This Hong Kong institution puts on nine races at each evening meet and is the perfect antidote to a stressful day in the office.
Take tea at the Peninsula Hotel. Enjoy a traditional afternoon at the prestigious Peninsula Hotel while enjoying the resonance of a string quartet.
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