Hong Kong Corporate Traveller Guide

Hong Kong, China

The Chinese for Hong Kong (heung gong) translates as ‘fragrant harbour’, unsurprising given that the city’s development into the powerful trading and financial centre it is today began with the trade of natural oils used for fragrance, opium, and liquor production. Since its humble beginnings, Hong Kong rapidly gained dominance within Chinese trade and has now anchored its status as one of Asia’s most vital economic centres. In part due to its powerful economy, many large corporations have headquartered operations in Hong Kong making it one of the most popular Asian destinations for expat workers specifically in banking and finance.

Renowned for its impressive infrastructure, low crime rate and high standard of living, Hong Kong is known globally as one of the most hospitable cities for foreign workers. Fancy seeing for yourself whether this is true? If you have plans to relocate to Hong Kong, read on for our ultimate corporate traveller guide and brush up on the basics before you arrive.

Hong Kong Key Information

Weather in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s hot season spans May to October with highs consistently topping 32°C. The hotter months also see increased rain and humidity with the city’s wet season spanning April to September and high mugginess recorded throughout most of the year. The cooler season is December to March, but average lows are still around 14°C. We recommend breathable clothes, a handheld fan and an umbrella make it into your suitcase.

Currency in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

In the city centre, paying with cards or using contactless (phone or card) is the preferred method, although there are plenty of ATMs if you favour using cash. If you are staying in the rural areas or plan on frequenting remote places, you will need a cash supply. A discretionary tip of around 10% is typical for good service in Hong Kong, alternatively you can leave your change if paying cash – remember to do so discreetly, it is considered bad manners to make it obvious.

Health & Well-being in Hong Kong

Whilst you won’t struggle to find public, free-to-use gym equipment in parks around the city, outdoor exercise is usually reserved for the cooler winter months. Jogging solo or in running clubs is common in cool season, and hiking on trails like High Junk Peak or Dragon’s Back provides a good workout as well as impressive views. As for indoor gym classes, CrossFit is a popular option for those looking for an intense and social session.

Data in Hong Kong

In an increasingly online world, a local SIM card while abroad is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must have’. In Hong Kong you can buy one in mobile provider shops or in convenience stores and the majority of plans are very affordable. China Mobile Hong Kong, CSL and Three are the recommended providers, and remember to bring your passport for identification when you go to buy your SIM.

Plug Shape: Types D & G

Cuisine in Hong Kong

Don’t be surprised to find kitchens in most houses and apartments in Hong Kong don’t feature an oven. When they aren’t eating out, locals do their grocery shopping almost exclusively at street markets and cook home meals on the hob. Cantonese cuisine consists mainly of rice dishes with meat and pickled vegetables, and popular practice is to share a mix of dishes between a large group. Top dishes to try include beef brisket noodles, Sichuan wontons, and fried chickens’ feet are said to have various health benefits.

Language in Hong Kong

While Chinese and English are the two national languages, the primary language spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese which is spoken day-to-day as well as being used in education, broadcasting and legislation. Cantonese is known to be very complex to learn, not least due to the fact that speaking the language is vastly different to writing it; spoken Cantonese has nine tonal differences to navigate!

Despite the nuance in Cantonese tone, locals always appreciate you giving the language a go and will usually be able to understand what you mean. Here are a few phrases to start with, but we suggest the best way to learn is by asking locals and copying them.

Nǐ-hǎo:  hello

Dor-jeh:  goodbye

Sik-jor-fahn-mei-ah?:  This directly translates to ‘have you eaten yet?’ but in Cantonese is a common greeting synonymous with ‘how are you?’

Mm-goi:  thank you/please/excuse me

Dui-mm jyu:  sorry

Heui (location) you dim heui ah?:  how do I get to (location)?

Gay-dor-cheen-ah:  how much is this?

Mai-daan:  bill please

Transport in Hong Kong

One study in 2022 claimed that Hong Kong has the best public transport in the world. A big claim but the city ranked top among the likes of Zurich, Stockholm and Singapore in various categories from affordability, maintenance and innovation. Hong Kong’s transport network consists of Mass Transit Railway (MTR), buses, trams and ferries. Passengers can pay for trips using cash or the city’s loadable travel card, the Octopus Card. Octopus Cards can be purchased from MTR cash desks and in 7-11 convenience stores.

The railway has 9 local lines that cover the northern side of Hong Kong and run every 2-4 minutes between 6:00am and 1:00am. There is also an Airport Express Line connecting the city to Hong Kong International Airport, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link which links the city to the mainland, and a northwest light rail network. Fares start at HK$3.20.

Buses serve the entire city but are especially popular in the south of Hong Kong where the MRT is lacking. With air-conditioning and double deckers with great views of the city, buses are a great option for getting around. If paying with cash, make sure you give the exact amount as no change will be given.

Hong Kong’s tram fleet is one of the biggest in the world and operates the north corridor of the island. The fare is a flat rate for any route and, like on the buses, no change will be given when paying in cash. Remember you board the tram at the back and depart the tram at the front, paying on your way off.

Taxis are another popular way to get around the city as they are easy to find, clean and comfortable. All city taxis run on the meter and liable to surcharges for baggage and going through tunnels. Cash is the most commonly accepted payment method, but some will accept credit/debit and Octopus cards.

Download Citymapper for live travel alerts, station locations and route planning – it’s a one-stop shop for all your public transport needs.

Culture in Hong Kong

Given its history, Hong Kong is a melting pot of culture and heritage. Chinese, British, Thai, Canadian, and Indonesian are just a few of the common origins among the dense population of locals and expats. A rich variety of cultures and religions means there are plenty of cultural festivals to celebrate: Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Christmas to name a few.

In Cantonese culture, the concept of ‘saving face’ is very important. Demonstrating dignity and protecting the reputation of yourself and others should be considered at all times. This is especially important to note in business meetings when offering feedback and ideas that you do so in a respectful way.

When invited to somebody’s house, you should never arrive empty handed. Bringing a small gift is usual practice, but don’t be insulted if the host declines your offer at first. You should continue to insist until they accept the gift – this is common courtesy here. Make sure you present the gift using both hands!

If eating at somebody’s house, it is best practice to allow your host to start eating first and follow their lead. Communal eating is usual so you can enjoy trying a range of different dishes. Remember to leave something on your plate when you are finished to show you enjoyed your meal.

Dress code is not strict in Hong Kong, however smart business dress is normal in corporate settings. Be mindful of the weather and of air-conditioned offices, layers might be your best bet for changeable seasons and varied temperatures.

Hong Kong Map

Now that you’re armed with all the necessary knowledge for relocating to Hong Kong, browse our selection of Hong Kong serviced apartments and get in touch to book today.

SilverDoor offers a varied portfolio of serviced apartments in Hong Kong ideal for corporate travellers. From the six best serviced apartments in Hong Kong for business travel to eight things to do in one day in Hong Kong, you'll be well-equipped for making the most of your new city.