Local advice on your doorstep at our Hong Kong branch

Hong Kong is home to people from countries all around the world. This magical and fast moving territory may appear quite daunting to you on arrival. However, our Hong Kong team will make you feel welcome - they understand life as an expatriate.

You're welcome to come in and meet one of our Relationship Managers. They will be happy to discuss all your requirements, and to answer any questions you may have about offshore banking.

They'll put you in touch with an International Wealth Manager who can offer appropriate, independent financial planning advice to help you make the most of your time abroad.

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Tax information

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Local information

Air operators: Over 50 airlines operating to and from the county

Buses: An excellent bus service runs from 06:00 to 24:00. Tram services on the northern edge of Hong Kong Island

Railways: A railway runs from Kowloon to Lo Wu and on to Canton. The Airport Express runs from the Chek Lap Kok International into the city centre

Car hire: Avis and Hertz are available from the city centre

Shopping hours are 10:00 - 19:00 Monday to Friday. 10:00 to 17:30 on Saturdays. However, shops are open until 21:30 in many areas

Banking hours are 09:00- 16:30 Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 -12:30 Saturdays. Banking is completely automated in most areas, with ATM's in convenient locations. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted in major institutions and a continuously growing number of shops, restaurants and taxis accept credit cards

Post offices: generally 08:00 - 18:00 Mondays to Fridays and 08:00 - 14:00 on Saturdays

Electricity: 200/220 V AC 50 Hz

Plug type: Either 2 round or 3 square pins]

Light fittings: Bayonet

Health and safety: Take care with drinking water on arrival. Avoid re-heated rice

Health care: Hospital facilities are good with many highly qualified healthcare specialists

Schools: International schools have long waiting lists. Contact should be made early

Cuisine: Over 4 000 restaurants are listed in the phone directory. Eating out is expensive

Specialities: Dim sum - an assortment of Chinese dishes

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Background

Total population: 6.975 million

Languages: English, Cantonese

Religions: Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity

Weights & measures: Metric; Imperial and traditional Chinese

Composition: Situated on the SE coast of the People's Republic of Chin, to the east of the mouth of the Pearl River

Total land area 1,098 square km.

Features: Mainly hilly with some peaks rising to nearly 1000m. Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island rises 552m (1810ft) above sea level

Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with a definite change of season. Summer is from mid-April to September and is hot, humid and rainy. Typhoons can be expected from May through to November

Head of State: The President of the People's Republic of China

Head of Government: The Chief Executive

Political composition: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region. The Civil Service supports a 15 member Executive Council

Hong Kong is Cantonese for"fragrant harbour", a name inspired either by the numerous incense factories that once dotted Hong Kong Island, or by the profusion of scented pink bauhinias, the national flower

The view of sky-scraped Hong Kong Island is arguably one of the most unforgettable urban panoramas in the world. Check it out from The Galleria on top of The Peak

Festivals: Chinese New Year takes place in mid- to late-February, and many people get four days off for the event. Expect a massive fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. The Tin Hau Festival is a Taoist festival falling around late April. The Dragon Boat Festival is held in June, with dragon boat races taking place in Hong Kong and Outlying Islands. Lantern Festival takes place in September or October

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The Economy

Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

GDP: US$161 billion

GDP per head: US$24,047

Major industries: Shipping, finance, textiles and garment industry and electronics

VAT: A free port except for a few items

Inflation: 1.6%

Fiscal year: Starts 1 April

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Visas

Visas, permits and residence: A passport with 6 months' validity is required for all visitors

Visitor's visas: Everyone except holders of certain Hong Kong documentation, e.g. permanent residents, needs visitor's visas

Temporary residence: Length of stay depends on nationality. The HKSAR travel pass is valid for 3 years and enables multiple entries to Honk Kong (2 months per trip)

Driving licenses: Hong Kong driving licenses are required to drive a private vehicle. An international driving permit is acceptable for up to one year

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