Are you ready for life after settling in Hong Kong? Are you familiar with the local customs and traditions? Are you worried about potential awkward situations? Don't worry, we have summarized 30 things you need to know below. See how many of them you are already aware of.
1. Hong Kong locals speak Cantonese in their daily lives. English is an official language and the primary medium of instruction in higher education institutions. The English proficiency of Hong Kong residents is generally high; many also have a good grasp of Mandarin, and even if some cannot speak it well, they can generally understand it.
2. Hong Kong uses Traditional Chinese. However, due to computer system settings, some places actually use Japanese fonts, which may look different from the Traditional Chinese characters used in Taiwan.
3. Traffic rules in Hong Kong are different from those in the Mainland: cars drive on the left side of the road.
4. Hong Kong residents generally have good queuing habits. Do not cut in line, and when in doubt, check if someone is already waiting nearby.
5. When riding an escalator in Hong Kong, remember to stand on the right side, leaving the left side open for those in a hurry.
6. Once you have your Hong Kong temporary identity card, make it a habit to carry it with you. The police may ask to check your identity; while this is rare, carrying your ID will save you from a lot of trouble.
7. Power outlets in Hong Kong differ from those in the Mainland, so you will need a travel adapter for any electrical appliances brought from the Mainland.
8. Hong Kong is a "nocturnal society" with rich nightlife. It is quite normal to go to sleep at 2:00 AM, and the streets are often quiet at 8:00 or 9:00 AM.
9. Prices for electronic products such as computers and mobile phones are generally lower in Hong Kong than in the Mainland. With the continuous appreciation of the RMB, this advantage has become even more pronounced, so you may consider purchasing them in Hong Kong. Many telecom operators offer subsidies when purchasing a handset with a service plan, but this often requires signing up for a specific monthly fee, so it may not necessarily be cheaper—it is recommended to compare prices before purchasing.
10. Many universities in Hong Kong partner with world-class laptop suppliers annually to provide students with high-configuration, low-price student laptops (usually around 60% of the market price in Hong Kong). In 2007, HKUST and HKIEd offered IBM laptops, and students, faculty, and alumni queued up to buy them.
11. Taxis are expensive in Hong Kong: the flag-down charge for the first two kilometers is 22 HKD, with 1.6 HKD for every subsequent 200 meters, plus additional charges for luggage. With high fuel prices, taxi fares are expected to rise further.
12. Hong Kong's public transport system is highly developed, including the MTR, Light Rail, buses, minibuses, ferries, and the "Ding Ding" (trams, a unique sight on Hong Kong Island), all of which are convenient and affordable (though still more expensive than in the Mainland).
13. After immigrating to Hong Kong, a single Octopus card allows you to take any form of public transportation and make small payments at various chain restaurants (such as KFC, McDonald's, Café de Coral) and retail stores (ParknShop, Wellcome, 7-Eleven, Circle K, etc.).
14. By using a personalized Octopus card with student status, you can enjoy nearly half-price discounts on the MTR.
15. Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), which is issued by three banks: HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and Standard Chartered (the 10-dollar note is issued by the HKSAR government). With the RMB constantly appreciating, many merchants in Hong Kong welcome RMB payments, though it is generally not used within universities.
16. Public security is excellent in most parts of Hong Kong, but students should not let their guard down; never leave personal valuables or cash unattended.
17. While there are no large warehouse supermarkets, supermarkets like Wellcome and ParknShop, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K are found almost everywhere. Although their floor space is limited, they are well-stocked with a wide variety of goods.
18. A meal in Hong Kong typically costs around 20 HKD, with better meals ranging from 40-50 HKD to several hundred. You will soon discover that KFC and McDonald's are among the cheapest options.
19. Hong Kong's universities are fully open, and anyone can enter and exit the campus freely at any time.
20. University dormitories in Hong Kong provide 24-hour electricity, hot and cold water, and free broadband access. Students can enter and exit at any time, but remember to carry your student ID and room card/key.
21. Male and female students in Hong Kong university dorms usually live in the same building. Except during late-night hours, students can visit the rooms of classmates of the opposite sex, and some schools allow visits at any time.
22. In Hong Kong, treating others to a meal is rare; splitting the bill (AA system) is the unspoken rule for dining and entertainment.
23. Hong Kong has a mild climate year-round. A long-sleeved jacket is sufficient even during the coldest times. Therefore, you do not need to pack down jackets, sweaters, or thick quilts.
24. Designer fashion and cosmetics in Hong Kong are significantly cheaper than in the Mainland.
25. While Mainland students were initially not allowed to engage in any paid work while on a student visa, the Immigration Department has gradually relaxed regulations, allowing Mainland students to work within a certain scope while in Hong Kong.
26. Hong Kong's social service system is very sound, and there are many volunteer activities. Volunteering is an excellent way to improve your personal skills and understand Hong Kong society.
27. In Hong Kong, you can legally marry at 16 (provided both families consent), so don't be surprised if your teacher asks if you are married.
28. Communications in Hong Kong are developed and economical—all university dorms have free landline telephones, and mobile phone rates can be as low as a few cents for local calls and around 20 cents for calls to the Mainland.
29. There are relatively few internet cafes in Hong Kong, but many public places provide free wireless internet access.
30. Chicken is relatively cheap in Hong Kong (slightly higher than in the Mainland), while vegetables and fruits are relatively expensive. You will often encounter the "spectacle" of meals with more meat than vegetables.