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Living in Hong Kong

The variety and pace of this vibrant, ever changing city should keep the most demanding expat satisfied. If there was ever a city where east truly meets West, Hong Kong is surely it.

A short distance from the high rise architectural masterpieces of this densely populated city, you'll find that 40 percent of the HKSAR is parkland. Even Hong Kong Island itself has a number of walking trails. There's plenty to amuse those keen on getting close to nature and greenery.

Everything you could want can be found in Hong Kong, from cinemas to theme parks, numerous restaurants serving food from the World over, to the Worlds finest hotels.

The expatriate communities in Hong Kong range from the outgoing, to the insular and close knit. Largely British and American, many working in the financial sector, they tend to socialise in the highly Westernised districts of Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai, the two major entertainment areas on Hong Kong Island. There are also significant communities from other East Asian countries. Many choose the expensive hotel bars and discotheques as their meeting place. Many large multinationals choose Hong Kong as the base for their Asian headquarters and as such, there are a fair number of affluent expats living in the expensive Mid-Levels area above Central district.

Central is where you'll find Lan Kwai Fong, the traditional expat hangout. Even though it's a small and compact area, it is host to a large variety of restaurants, trendy bars and nightclubs, all huddled into this popular expat haunt. Drinks are fairly pricey with even your basic beer costing $60 and up. In spite of having quite an upmarket feel to the place, it's relatively relaxed in terms of dress code.

A short taxi ride will take you to the other expat hangout on Hong Kong Island. Wan Chai is a major commercial district and this short paragraph doesn't do it justice. Regarding nightlife, Wan Chai is an example of the seedier side of Hong Kong. Home to a handfull of discos, many of which are open until the sun comes up, you'll never be short of female company in the shape of Thai, Filipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian and women of many other nationalities working in the sex industry, only too happy to let you buy them an overpriced drink, for which they will earn a commission from the bar (the women are allowed free entry to the clubs as the management know very well that they will attract male clients - good for business). Also, you will find a strip of gogo bars along the main road near the MTR station. If you're into that scene, be prepared for a hefty bar bill. You have been warned. (See: Prostitution in Wan Chai)

While there are large numbers of expatriates living on Hong Kong Island, many choose to find accommodation on the smaller surrounding islands, where relief can be found from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cleaner air, open spaces and a slower pace can be enjoyed but the trade off is a longer commute to work.

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