Living in Hong Kong is easy - things work and processes are in place to make life happen efficiently and effortlessly.

English is widely spoken and is one of the two official languages of Hong Kong (the other being Chinese). Local Hong Kongers are adept at operating bilingually.

Hong Kong enjoys a constitutionally-guaranteed free press and freedom of speech, which coupled with the telelcommunications strengths means the city is well served with international media, from all channels including TV, print and online.

There are a number of places, on line and otherwise, to meet foreign nationals in the city. Private clubs, chambers, consulates and clubs for a special interest are a good first stop. There are many other associations and networking groups that can help you assimilate into the city. One example is hongkong.asiaxpat.com

More details about other lifestyle elements:

Healthcare - in addition to the many Government clinics and hospitals, Hong Kong has a broad range of private practitioners, who offer healthcare ranging from Western medicine, to traditional Chinese medicing, to holistic approaches. The standard of medical care is very high and the hospitals are very efficient.

Safety - Hong Kong is one of the safest international cities in the world. The overall crime rate is lower than that of many other metropolitan cities. For example, you don't have to think twice about walking around the city at night.

Cars - not many people own a car in Hong Kong. The transport systems is that efficient and good value! Second hand cars are very good value although Hong Kong is also the place with the most Rolls Royce per capita in the world. There are a very few places where you may hire a car. Cars require separate registration to be able to drive in the Mainland. There are rules governing the import of cars to Hong Kong.

Weather - Hong Kong is sub-tropical. It is located in the Eastern Hemisphere, about 2,475km or 1,537 miles north of the equator. It is at approvimately the same latitude as the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Mexico City.

More information about the climate in Hong Kong is available from the Hong Kong Observatory.

Hong Kong has a weather warning system to ensure the populace is safe during the heavy rain season (in June/July) and in the typhoon season (in August/September). Hong Kong is not in an earthquake zone.

Help at home - It is very common for individuals and families to employ someone on a full or part-time basis to help with looking after the family, household chores and such like. These helpers, typically called amahs, sometimes live with the family they help.

Pets - Hong Kong allows quarantive-free entry for inoculated animals from nearly 40 countries. Details are available from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. A special permit is required to import many animals into Hong Kong. There are many veterinary and kennel/catery services.