New to Hong Kong?
Start with what needs doing first
Choosing a school, getting a SIM, checking a tenancy, finding work, seeing a doctor or getting around: browse a guide for the task you need to tackle.
New to the topic? Start with these guides
Start with the requirements, then see what to prepare and how to proceed.
Your first month in Hong Kong
Put identity documents, communications, housing, banking and family arrangements in order.
Step 2Consider schools and housing together
Compare curriculum, languages, travel and cost before narrowing down areas and schools.
Step 3Keep useful records once you start work
Understand employment rights, MPF and tax, and retain genuine records.
Complete guides and resources
22 guides · Page 1. Open an article for the full text, steps, checklists and official sources.
Choosing a Hong Kong school: public, DSS, private and international
Choosing a school means looking beyond the curriculum and results. Work through teaching languages, daily travel, costs and admissions to build a shortlist that suits your child.
- Start with the languages and progression your child needs over the next three to five years, then compare school categories.
- A school category cannot replace checking its actual curriculum, support and daily journey.
- Public-sector placement and applications to DSS or private schools follow different procedures. Check each separately.
Everyday transport: routes, transfers, payments and backups
Break the school or work commute into walking, waiting and interchanges, check live notices and keep a second route for rain or late travel.
- Door-to-door time includes walking, waiting and exits, not just station distances.
- Check current official or operator information for fares, frequency, concessions and payment.
- Test routes during the first week and plan separately for severe weather and last services.
Finding a rental: budgets, viewings, neighbourhoods and ownership checks
Start with the daily life the home needs to support, then compare costs, viewings, agents, ownership and payment arrangements.
- Budget for deposits, commission, stamp duty, moving and utilities as well as rent.
- View the property and verify authority to let before deciding to pay.
- Compare schools, commuting, noise and wet-weather routes together.
FPS and Octopus: receiving money, travel and loss protection
Distinguish instant transfers from stored-value payments, set the correct receiving account and review links before changing your phone or number.
- FPS is an instant transfer channel: check the payee and amount before confirming.
- Octopus products and devices differ; lost-card protection is not universal.
- Before replacing a phone or number, handle banking links, wallets and transport cards separately.
Healthcare in Hong Kong: family medicine, emergencies and records
Understand public and private entry points and eligibility, and prepare medical, medication and emergency information before someone becomes unwell.
- Hospital Authority general outpatient clinics were renamed Family Medicine Clinics and related names from 11 October 2025.
- Check current Hospital Authority eligibility, charges and booking instructions.
- Do not wait for an ordinary appointment in an emergency; use appropriate primary care for routine needs.
Helping children settle into Hong Kong school life
New classrooms, languages and friendships take getting used to. Use preparation and observations over the first eight weeks to understand what is difficult and when to ask teachers or other professionals for support.
- Adjustment includes classroom expression, homework habits and belonging, as well as understanding Cantonese.
- Initiation and Induction Programmes serve different purposes; ask the school or Education Bureau about suitability.
- Build a safe, predictable routine before adding support based on observed needs.
Kindergarten admission: K1 applications and registration documents
School applications and Education Bureau registration documents both need attention. Start with your child’s age and intended school year, then compare schools against everyday care needs.
- Applying to a kindergarten and applying for a Registration Certificate are separate tasks to manage together.
- Use the Education Bureau and school timetable for the actual entry year, not dates from an older year.
- Half-day, whole-day and long whole-day provision differ in collection times and holiday care.
Mobile and broadband contracts: fees, number porting and moving home
Compare total costs and exit terms, checking coverage, contract duration, additional charges and cancellation procedures before signing.
- Compare spending over the entire contract, rather than judging by a discounted first month.
- Number porting and contract cancellation are different; old-contract charges can remain after a successful transfer.
- For home broadband, verify installation at the actual building and unit, technology and moving terms.