Hong Kong for nomads

Do you fancy Dim Sum? The Cantonese dish was invented in Hong Kong and the first Restaurant opened already back in 1894. Today, with a population of 7 million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world. It also has the highest number of skyscrapers, with over 8,000 buildings.

Digital nomads will find an excellent infrastructure, a supportive community, and a high quality of life. Hong Kong is known for its fast and reliable internet connectivity, with broadband speeds ranking among the fastest in the world.

Hong Kong is situated on a peninsula and has several islands, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Lantau Islands.

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🇭🇰 Entry requirements for Hong Kong

Visa: Visitors from many countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for stays of up to 90 days, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Australia. Visitors from other countries may need to obtain a visa in advance, so it's best to check with the nearest Hong Kong embassy or consulate for details.
COVID-19: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all visitors to Hong Kong must comply with the local health regulations, including presenting a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours of departure and completing a mandatory quarantine period of 7, 14, or 21 days, depending on the country of origin.

✈️ How to get to Hong Kong

Plane: Hong Kong has its own international airport, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which is one of the busiest airports in Asia. You can fly directly to Hong Kong from major cities around the world, including New York, London, Tokyo, Sydney, and Dubai, among others.
Bus: There are also buses that connect Hong Kong to major cities in mainland China. Popular bus routes from Chinese cities to Hong Kong are Guangzhou-Hong Kong Express Bus, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cross-Border Buses, and Zhuhai-Hong Kong Cross-Border Buses.
Ship: Hong Kong is a popular port of call for cruise ships. You can find routes to Hong Kong from neighboring China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

🚌 Public transport

The Octopus card is a rechargeable smart card that can be used for multiple modes of transportation (MRT, Bus) in Hong Kong. If you purchase a single journey ticket from the vending machines, the fares may be slightly higher.

Metro: Main public transport mode in Hong Kong is the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). The MTR is a comprehensive rail network that covers most areas of Hong Kong, including the airport and offers fast, efficient and affordable transportation. A single journey from Hong Kong airport to the city center costs approximately 14 Euro.
Tram: The tram is a popular mode of transport on Hong Kong Island. It's a slow but scenic way to travel, and the fare is relatively cheap.
Ferry: Hong Kong has an extensive ferry network that connects Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the outlying islands. The fare is relatively cheap, and you can pay with your Octopus Card or cash.
Bus: Hong Kong has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city and provides convenient and affordable transportation to areas that are not served by the MTR. The bus network includes both double-decker and single-decker buses, and there are different types of buses serving different areas, such as cross-harbor buses and night buses.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Hong Kong, and the fares are relatively cheap compared to other major cities. You can hail a taxi on the street, or you can book one through an app.
Uber: Uber is available in Hong Kong, and it's a convenient way to travel around the city. However, it's slightly more expensive than taxis.
Bike: Hong Kong has a growing bike-sharing system, which is a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel around the city. You can rent a bike through a mobile app and pay with your credit card.

🏡 How to find a place

Airbnb: In Hong Kong, it is illegal to rent out an entire apartment for less than 30 days unless the owner has a specific license. As a result, many Airbnb listings in Hong Kong are for shared apartments or private rooms within an apartment. Be sure to check the listing carefully to ensure that it meets your needs.
Hotels: Websites such as booking.com or agoda.com offer apartment-style accommodations that are available for short-term stays. These apartments are fully furnished and come with amenities like daily housekeeping and room service.
Facebook: Join Hong Kong-based social media groups and forums where people share information about short-term rental options. You can also post a message requesting recommendations or advice from the group members.

🏘 Where to stay

Central: This is the heart of Hong Kong and the business district, but it also has a vibrant nightlife and many trendy cafes and restaurants. It's a convenient location with easy access to the MTR, buses, and ferries, and has many serviced apartments and co-working spaces.
Sheung Wan: This neighborhood is adjacent to Central and has a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with many boutique shops and galleries. It's known for its street art, antique markets, and affordable rent, and has many co-living spaces and co-working spaces.
Causeway Bay: This neighborhood is a popular shopping district with many department stores and luxury boutiques, but it also has many cafes and restaurants, parks, and hiking trails. It's a convenient location with easy access to the MTR, buses, and trams, and has many serviced apartments and co-working spaces.
Kennedy Town: This neighborhood is located on the western side of Hong Kong Island and is a more laid-back area with a mix of residential and commercial buildings. It's known for its waterfront promenade, trendy cafes and bars, and affordable rent, and has many co-living spaces and co-working spaces.
Tsim Sha Tsui: This neighborhood is located in Kowloon and is known for its stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the skyline of Hong Kong Island. It's a bustling area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, and has easy access to the MTR and ferries. It also has many serviced apartments and co-working spaces.

🧑🏻‍💻 Where to work from

Coworking spaces

The Hive: The Hive is one of Hong Kong's most popular coworking spaces, with locations in Kennedy Town, Wan Chai, Central, and Sai Kung. Each location is designed with a unique and stylish aesthetic, and the community events and networking opportunities make it a great place to meet and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and digital nomads. Monthly membership for having a hot desk is available for 260 Eur per month.
Blueprint: Blueprint is a boutique coworking space located in Sheung Wan, offering a cozy and intimate environment for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. It offers flexible workspace options, meeting rooms, and community events focused on networking, collaboration, and innovation.
Garage Society: Garage Society is a modern and innovative coworking space with locations in Central and Sai Ying Pun. It offers a range of workspace options, including private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms, as well as a community-driven approach that emphasizes collaboration and innovation.

Coffee shops

The Cupping Room: The Cupping Room is a specialty coffee shop with several locations throughout Hong Kong, including Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. It offers a cozy and inviting environment, fast Wifi, and a range of delicious coffee drinks and food options.
Elephant Grounds: Elephant Grounds is a stylish and trendy coffee shop chain throughout Hong Kong, including shops in Wan Chai, Central, and Causeway Bay. Here you will find a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, fast Wi-Fi, and a variety of coffee drinks, food, and snacks.
18 Grams Speciality Coffee: This shop is a coffee addict must-go. You can find 18 Grams in Causeway Bay close to Victoria Park. The cozy and intimate environment comes with high-speed wifi and a wide range of high-quality coffee drinks and food options.

Others

Hong Kong Library: Hong Kong Library is located in Causeway Bay only a few minutes walking distance from MTR Causeway Bay Station. The library has several designated study areas, with free Wifi and a variety of resources including a cafe located on the ground floor. The library is open daily, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays.

🎖Must see

Victoria Peak: Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, is the highest point (552 meters) on Hong Kong Island and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. There are several ways to reach the peak, including hiking trails, a historic funicular railway called the Peak Tram, and a public bus. The Peak Tram, which was built in 1888, is one of the oldest funicular railways in the world. Another interesting reason for visiting Victoria Peak is that it has been featured in several movies and TV shows over the years, including the James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun" and the TV series "Sense8".
The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery: The Big Buddha statue is a huge bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni that stands 34 meters tall, making it one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. It is a remarkable sight to behold, and its serene and peaceful presence makes it a popular spot for meditation and prayer. Close to the Big Buddha, you can find another attraction, The Po Lin Monastery. The tranquil Buddhist monastery was founded in 1906 and has since become a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The monastery features traditional Chinese architecture and is home to several prayer halls, a vegetarian restaurant, and a tea house. Already the way to The Big Buddha is an adventure itself. You get there within a 25-minute ride with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. There is no admission fee to visit the Big Buddha statue or the monastery but donations are appreciated.
Temple Street Night Market: The bustling Night Market operates from 4 pm to midnight every day, located in the heart of Kowloon's Yau Ma Tei district. The market is named after a nearby temple, Tin Hau Temple, and is also known as "Men's Street" due to its popularity for men's clothing and accessories. The market is a great place to experience the local culture, food, and shopping scene in Hong Kong. You can find a wide range of goods, including clothing, electronics, souvenirs, antiques, and street food. At the market, you can also find fortune tellers, street performers, and traditional Cantonese opera singers. Keep in mind that bargaining is a common practice at the market, so don't be afraid to haggle for a better price.
Symphony of Lights: The Symphony of Lights is a light and sound show that takes place every night at 8 pm in Victoria Harbour. It's a stunning spectacle that shouldn't be missed.

💡Good to know

Internet: The average internet speed for fixed broadband is 143.33 Mbps download and 94.21 Mbps upload.
Socket Type: Type G, Type D.
Sim card: Three offers a prepaid sim card, called "Supercard" which is particularly popular among digital nomads, as you get unlimited data usage for a fixed fee (4 Euro) per day.
Climate: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Typhoons can occur from May to November, and the best time to visit is from October to December when the weather is cooler and less humid.
Safety: Hong Kong is generally considered a safe country to visit. The crime rate is relatively low, and the city has efficient and well-trained police. However, visitors should exercise caution and take standard safety precautions, such as avoiding dark and secluded areas at night and keeping valuables secure. It's also essential to be aware of the ongoing protests and demonstrations that have taken place in the city in recent years and to stay updated on the current situation before traveling to Hong Kong.
Digital nomad community: Hong Kong has a thriving digital nomad community, with a range of coworking spaces and cafes offering high-speed internet and comfortable workspaces. The city also has a vibrant startup scene, with various networking events and opportunities for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Currency: Official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar. 1 Euro is 8.50 HKD.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Hong Kong is relatively high, with the accommodation being the most significant expense. However, food, transportation, and entertainment can also be costly. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 14,000-20,000 HKD (1,650-2,400 Euro).

🚧 What to avoid

Inappropriate clothing: Some venues and events in Hong Kong may have specific dress codes. For example, some restaurants may require formal dress, or religious sites may require visitors to cover their heads or shoulders.
Food waste: In Hong Kong, it is considered impolite to leave food on the table, so make sure to only order what you can eat!
Disrespecting customs and traditions: Hong Kong has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Avoid showing disrespect to religious sites and symbols, and avoid wearing revealing clothing in conservative areas.
Illegal activities: The city has strict laws and regulations, and engaging in illegal activities can lead to severe consequences. Avoid activities such as drug use, gambling, and solicitation.
Littering: Hong Kong is a bustling city, and it is important to respect the environment by avoiding littering or other forms of environmental damage.
Discussing politics: Hong Kong has a complex political climate, and it is important to avoid discussing sensitive political issues that may be viewed as disrespectful or offensive by locals.

🚴🏻‍♀️ How to stay healthy

Stay active

Hiking: Hong Kong is known for its scenic hiking trails, with varying levels of difficulty. The Dragon's Back trail, Lantau Peak, and the Lion Rock trail are some popular options. The best way for getting to the Dragon’s Back trail is by taking the MTR to Shau Kei Wan station on the Island Line. From there, take exit A3 and transfer to bus number 9 to To Tei Wan. This is the starting point of the Dragon's Back trail. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Grab. The hike is around 8.5 km and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
Water sports: You can easily find plenty of beaches where you can enjoy water sports like surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. Some popular beaches include Repulse Bay, Shek O Beach, and Big Wave Bay.
Yoga and fitness classes: There are many yoga studios and fitness centers in Hong Kong that offer classes such as Pilates, spinning, and boxing. Pure Yoga and Pure Fitness are popular choices.
Martial arts: Hong Kong is home to several martial arts schools, including Wing Chun, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi. You can join a class or watch a demonstration at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
Outdoor sports: All over the city you can find outdoor sports facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. You can also rent bikes and cycle along scenic routes in the city.
Swimming: Popular options for swimming include the Victoria Park Swimming Pool and the Tsing Yi Swimming Pool.

Health Risks

Water quality: Yes, generally you can drink tap water in Hong Kong.
Air quality: The air quality in Hong Kong is moderate.