With rich heritage and history, Hong Kong has become an attractive city to move to, especially for expats. With extreme versatility, Hong Kong is not too tough to get used to. Here are some tips to get started.
Navigating through
Navigating through Hong Kong and its culture is quite easy as an expat because English is an official language! Therefore, the most important signs are also in English, apart from Cantonese. There are many expats in Hong Kong who do not speak Cantonese and manage to navigate through just fine. During your first couple of visits, when you stay at hotels in Wan Chai Hong Kong the likes of Cosmo Hotel Wan Chai Hong Kong, you can try and learn a few basic Cantonese greetings for a start!
Cultural differences
You ought to keep in mind that the cultural practices in Hong Kong are likely to be very different from where you live. Due to this reason, remember to be respectful in all social situations. For instance, the concept of ‘saving face’ represents an individual’s reputation, so be mindful of how you treat others.
Drinking and eating customs
Foodies will love Hong Kong! Drinking tea is a custom in Hong Kong and your cup will be refilled as soon as you finish it and is usually a very relaxed affair. If you’ve been invited for a meal, it’s a practice to let your host begin eating. Learning how to use chopsticks will also come in handy!
Business etiquette
Remember to arrive on time for all business commitments! Expect plenty of small talk in the beginning, with plenty of pauses, which you are not required to fill.