Residents » Overview » Before You Arrive

So you’re moving, congratulations and hooray! Be warned though, space is tight in Hong Kong, and with the high humidity for much of the year it’s not the best place to bring everything and your kitchen sink. What to bring and what to leave behind is every expat’s dilemma. Another important thing is to tie up all your domestic business before you leave home. Here are some things to consider before you arrive:

- Double check you have all your documents and certificates attested, and make lots of copies

- Bring plenty of passport photos – you're going to need them

- Find out your tax status early so you don’t get stung when you get home

- Get your finances in order, and make sure your bank is aware of your move

- Check the situation regarding pension payments

- Consider renting out your property in your home country, rather than selling

- One option is to buy an open return ticket. That way you can go home for your holiday and re-buy a ticket from home – which is much cheaper than buying a ticket from Hong Kong

- Try and get your shipping done in advance so you’re not waiting too long for your belongings when you get to your new home

- Get reports and transfer letters from your children’s school. Some schools will be happy to send them straight to Hong Kong

Of course you could skip much of this fuss and fuddle by hiring a professional mover that will do all of this for you!