🌍 Overview
Hong Kong has become a digital nomad destination in recent years, with its unique blend of East and West making it an attractive spot for remote workers. As a digital nomad who’s spent over three months in this vibrant city, I can attest that Hong Kong is a fantastic place to live and work. With its efficient infrastructure, fast internet, and high standard of living, Hong Kong has become a remote work hub that’s hard to resist.
One of the main draws for digital nomads is the city’s relatively low cost of living, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $1581/month. This, combined with a thriving nomad community and a wide range of coworking spaces, makes Hong Kong an ideal destination for remote workers. From the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to the picturesque waterfront of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong offers a unique lifestyle that’s both exciting and affordable.
However, it’s essential to set realistic expectations. While Hong Kong has made significant strides in improving its digital infrastructure, it still lags behind other major cities in terms of nature and outdoor access. With a city score of 13/100 for nature/outdoors access, Hong Kong is not the best choice for those seeking a green and peaceful environment. On the other hand, its social and nightlife scene is thriving, with a score of 65/100, making it an excellent destination for those who love to socialize and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Central
Central is Hong Kong’s financial and business hub, with a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for digital nomads. The area is known for its high-rise buildings, upscale hotels, and trendy restaurants. With a range of coworking spaces, including WeWork and The Hive, Central is an ideal location for remote workers who want to be close to the action.
Pros: Central is within walking distance to many of Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks, including the Bank of China Tower and the IFC Mall. It’s also home to many international companies, making it an excellent spot for networking.
Cons: Central can be very noisy, especially during rush hour, and the area is often crowded with tourists.
Rent: A 1-bedroom apartment in Central can cost around $2,500-$3,500/month.
Notable streets: Des Voeux Road, Pedder Street, and Ice House Street.
Why nomads choose Central: Central is a hub for international business and finance, making it an excellent spot for networking and finding freelance work.
Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is a bustling neighborhood that’s perfect for digital nomads who love the energy of the city. The area is known for its shopping malls, restaurants, and bars, making it an excellent spot for socializing and exploring the city.
Pros: Causeway Bay is home to many coworking spaces, including the popular The Loop, and has a wide range of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Cons: Causeway Bay can be very crowded, especially during peak hours, and the area is often noisy.
Rent: A 1-bedroom apartment in Causeway Bay can cost around $1,500-$2,500/month.
Notable streets: Hennessy Road, Lockhart Road, and Jardine’s Bazaar.
Why nomads choose Causeway Bay: Causeway Bay is a great spot for socializing and exploring the city, with many restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from.
Wan Chai
Wan Chai is a charming neighborhood that’s often overlooked by tourists. The area is known for its historic buildings, trendy bars, and upscale restaurants, making it an excellent spot for digital nomads who want to experience the authentic side of Hong Kong.
Pros: Wan Chai is home to many coworking spaces, including the popular The Hive, and has a wide range of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Cons: Wan Chai can be a bit quieter than other neighborhoods, and the area is often less crowded.
Rent: A 1-bedroom apartment in Wan Chai can cost around $1,000-$2,000/month.
Notable streets: Lockhart Road, Queen’s Road East, and Johnston Road.
Why nomads choose Wan Chai: Wan Chai is a great spot for those who want to experience the authentic side of Hong Kong, with many historic buildings and trendy bars to explore.
Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan is a hip neighborhood that’s known for its trendy bars, upscale restaurants, and boutique shops. The area is perfect for digital nomads who want to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and culture.
Pros: Sheung Wan is home to many coworking spaces, including the popular The Hive, and has a wide range of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Cons: Sheung Wan can be a bit quieter than other neighborhoods, especially during the week.
Rent: A 1-bedroom apartment in Sheung Wan can cost around $1,500-$2,500/month.
Notable streets: Bonham Road, Hollywood Road, and Graham Street.
Why nomads choose Sheung Wan: Sheung Wan is a great spot for those who want to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and culture, with many trendy bars and upscale restaurants to choose from.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Hong Kong has a wide range of coworking spaces to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities. Some popular options include:
- WeWork: Starting at $400/month (day pass available)
- The Hive: Starting at $300/month (day pass available)
- The Loop: Starting at $200/month (day pass available)
Internet Quality: Hong Kong has an average internet speed of 78 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering fiber-optic connections.
Nomad Community Scene: Hong Kong has a thriving nomad community, with many Facebook groups and meetups to choose from. Some popular groups include the Hong Kong Nomad Group and the Remote Workers in Hong Kong Group.
Best Cafes to Work From:
- The Cupping Room: A cozy cafe with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent coffee.
- The Coffee Academics: A popular cafe with a wide range of coffee options and a spacious atmosphere.
- Cafe Deadend: A trendy cafe with a unique atmosphere and excellent coffee.
Visa Options: Hong Kong offers several visa options for remote workers, including the IATA Visa and the QMAS Visa.
Banking and Practical Setup Tips:
- Hong Kong has a well-developed banking system, with many international banks offering services to expats.
- To open a bank account, you’ll need to provide identification, proof of address, and a minimum deposit.
- Many coworking spaces offer banking and accounting services, making it easy to set up your finances.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Hong Kong has a unique culture that’s a blend of East and West. Here are some local customs and etiquette to keep in mind:
- Respect for elders: In Hong Kong, it’s customary to show respect for elders, especially in traditional settings.
- Dining etiquette: When dining with locals, it’s customary to use chopsticks and not leave them standing upright in your rice bowl.
- Language: While English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, it’s still a Chinese city, and learning some basic Cantonese phrases can go a long way.
Food Scene Highlights:
- Dim sum: A classic Hong Kong dish that’s perfect for brunch or dinner.
- BBQ pork: A popular dish that’s often served at street stalls and restaurants.
- Roast goose: A classic Cantonese dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
Nightlife and Social Scene:
- Lan Kwai Fong: A popular nightlife spot that’s home to many bars and clubs.
- Wan Chai: A charming neighborhood with a wide range of bars and restaurants.
- Causeway Bay: A bustling area with many shopping malls, restaurants, and bars.
Arts and Cultural Attractions:
- The Museum of History: A popular museum that showcases Hong Kong’s rich history and culture.
- The Hong Kong Arts Centre: A hub for arts and cultural events, including theater, dance, and music performances.
- The PMQ: A historic building that’s now home to many art galleries and studios.
Language Situation:
- English is widely spoken in Hong Kong, but Cantonese is the primary language.
- Many locals speak Mandarin, especially among the older population.
- Learning some basic Cantonese phrases can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture.
⭐ Highlights
Here are some must-see attractions and experiences to add to your Hong Kong itinerary:
- Victoria Peak: The highest point on Hong Kong Island, offering stunning views of the city.
- The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: A popular spot for sunset views and street performers.
- The Wong Tai Sin Temple: A historic temple that’s perfect for those interested in Chinese culture.
- The Ladies’ Market: A popular market that’s perfect for souvenir shopping.
- The PMQ: A historic building that’s now home to many art galleries and studios.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when planning your trip to Hong Kong:
- Visa requirements: Check with the Hong Kong Immigration Department for visa requirements and regulations.
- Getting around: Hong Kong has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and taxis.
- Safety considerations: Hong Kong is generally a safe city, but be aware of pickpocketing and petty crime in crowded areas.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Hong Kong is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and comfortable.
- Money matters: Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar, and many ATMs and currency exchange services are available throughout the city.
- Healthcare and insurance: Hong Kong has a well-developed healthcare system, but it’s essential to have health insurance that covers you in case of an emergency.
Overall, Hong Kong is a fantastic destination for digital nomads who want to experience the unique blend of East and West. With its efficient infrastructure, fast internet, and high standard of living, Hong Kong is an ideal spot for remote workers. From the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to the picturesque waterfront of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong offers a lifestyle that’s both exciting and affordable.
