All the information you need from locals in Hong Kong.
Most Immigration Mistakes Aren’t Made on the FormThey’re made six months earlier — at the kitchen table.Every move is two moves: the one on paper, and the one in your life. Get the paper one wrong and the life one becomes very expensive — in money, in time, and sometimes in years you cannot get...
Relocating within Asia is not just about headline salary. Tax efficiency, long‑term wealth planning, healthcare standards, safety, education, legal certainty, and social integration all materially affect quality of life.At AsiaXpat, we compare the key differences between major hubs — Hong Kong,...
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Have you found a domestic helper in Hong Kong and don't know what to do next or don't have the time to handle the paperwork yourself? A helper around the house is invaluable to making the most out of your own time. Save as much time as possible by hiring a helper through an agency.Let AsiaXPAT -...
Looking for the best long weekend getaways from Hong Kong that aren’t the usual Bali, Phuket, or Tokyo round trips?For busy Hong Kong expats and Hong Kong families, ideally it should be under five hours’ flight time, easy logistics-wise, and have good food, with solid hotel choices as well as...
"Second-hand books are wild books, homeless books; they have come together in vast flocks of variegated feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack." — Virginia WoolfThere's something quietly magical about picking up a second-hand book. A dog-eared corner on page...
Look for great Deals on AsiaXPAT AutosHong Kong remains one of Asia's leading markets for sports cars, where discerning buyers prize performance, prestige, and strong resale value. Whether you're searching for a new Porsche 911, a used Nissan GT‑R, or a BMW M4 for sale in Hong Kong, AsiaXPAT...
Established expat districts such as Mid-Levels, Discovery Bay, and Repulse Bay remain popular for their international communities, leading schools, and mature lifestyle amenities. However, rising rents and limited availability are prompting many newcomers to consider emerging neighbourhoods that...
Pickleball in Hong Kong has grown from a niche expat pastime into one of the city’s fastest-rising sports. With affordable government courts, premium indoor venues, private members’ clubs embracing the game, and a US$1.1 million international finale this October, Hong Kong is firmly on the global...
Some shopping trips are transactional. Others feel like strategic missions.Our recent visit to Shenzhen’s Art Design Center (ADC) — also known as Yizhan Center — was firmly the latter: a cross-border design expedition blending logistics, negotiation, caffeine breaks, and serious interior...
Looking to declutter your flat in Hong Kong? Hunting for a great deal on furniture, electronics, or a car? Maybe you’re relocating and need a fast, reliable way to sell your household items?Welcome to AsiaXPAT Classifieds – one of the most well‑established and trusted online marketplaces in Hong...
Visa Rules for Hong Kong Families (2026)For many expatriate families in Hong Kong, travelling with a domestic helper provides reassurance and practical support — especially with young children. However, one critical question often arises:Can a domestic helper legally work while travelling...
Thinking about buying a car in Hong Kong?If you’ve recently moved here, you’ve probably noticed two things: the public transport system is world‑class… and there’s no shortage of high‑end cars on the road.Car ownership in Hong Kong is very different from other cities like London, Sydney, or New...
For expats living in Hong Kong, finding meaningful ways to give back to the local community can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re searching for dog adoption in Hong Kong, puppy rescue in Sai Kung, or ways to volunteer with animals, Catherine’s Puppies is a grassroots organisation making a real...
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✈️ A Convenient Formula 1 Escape for Hong Kong ResidentsFor Hong Kong–based motorsport fans, the 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix (March 13–15, 2026) highlighted why Shanghai remains one of the most accessible races on the F1 calendar.Held at the Shanghai International Circuit, the event drew...
"When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be..." —— The BeatlesIt is a mark of Arundhati Roy’s particular genius—and her bone-dry, often savage wit—that she would borrow a line from the most comforting lullaby in The Beatles' songbook to...
AsiaXPAT is back with a redesigned site, support for four languages, an expanded Property section covering rentals and sales, and a refreshed Domestic Helpers experience that now includes a fully managed Premium Helper service. This is the most significant update we have shipped in years, and it...
If you live in Hong Kong, you’ve probably heard of Sai Kung’s seafood, hiking trails, and sleepy bays. But every year, this coastal district transforms with the sound of gongs, the scent of incense, and the dazzling costumes of Cantonese opera performers. These aren’t just performances — they are...
Hong Kong's stamp duty regime for property acquisition has seen major simplification since 2024, shifting from heavy cooling measures to a more buyer-friendly system. Key Reforms Since 2024In February 2024, the government scrapped Special Stamp Duty (SSD) and Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) entirely....
Ice skating… in Hong Kong? Absolutely. Despite the subtropical climate, Hong Kong boasts several world-class indoor ice rinks that host everything from casual public sessions to international championships.For newcomers to the city, ice skating is a surprisingly accessible and popular...
HONG KONG — In a city better known for soaring rents, neon-lit streets, and relentless pace, a handful of second-hand bookshops are fighting for a different kind of rhythm — one measured in worn spines, pencilled margin notes, and the quiet rustle of paper.From a mid-levels hideaway to a Sai Kung...
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International Booker Prize 2026: A Decade of Dreams, Dictators, and the Dark ArtsTen years into its current incarnation, the International Booker Prize has settled into a distinct critical rhythm. No longer merely a discovery engine for Anglophone readers, it has become a tastemaker of a specific...
Your domestic helper should only reside at the employer's residence. This fundamental requirement is clearly stated on page 1, No. 3 of the standard employment contract. Serious penalties apply to both the helper and employer should the government discover the helper is living out. Understanding...
We have asked our Domestic Help team to pass along questions that are frequently asked about hiring a domestic helper -- we will be sharing them on this forum on a regular basis to help employers navigate their responsibilities and ensure compliance with Hong Kong employment regulations.The...
While at work, we trust the care of our infants and children to our domestic helpers. Is your helper capable of handling an emergency or an accident? If not, then you need to enrol your DH in a first aid course to ensure he or she is capable and confident of dealing with a medical emergency....
This is another very popular question from employers that is asked of Thessa and Nareena, and for good reason. Understanding your domestic helper's annual leave entitlements is not just a legal requirement—it's an essential part of maintaining a fair and respectful employment relationship.The...
And yet another area of uncertainty amongst employers who are hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong relates to whether or not a helper must live in the employer's residence. This question arises frequently, particularly among first-time employers or those living in smaller apartments where space...
The Overview of Working HoursWhen employing a domestic helper, it is essential to understand the legal and ethical guidelines surrounding working hours and rest days. According to the Domestic Helper (DH) Team, there is no specific number of hours that a helper must work each day. This...
Essentially, domestic helpers in Hong Kong have limited rights when it comes to employment protection. Under current Hong Kong labor laws, employers can terminate their employment without providing a specific reason, as long as proper notice or payment in lieu of notice is given. This creates a...
This is another concern that expats raise with our domestic help team, and it's one that requires careful handling due to the legal implications involved.It is illegal for a domestic helper in Hong Kong to accept part-time work if the helper is on a DH visa. The Immigration Department is clear on...
Hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong comes with specific financial obligations that employers must understand before bringing someone into their household. The city has established clear guidelines to ensure fair treatment and compensation for domestic workers, making it essential for...