It is important to learn the Hong Kong business culture before doing any business in the country because it will definitely affect your relations with them. Know that Chinese culture is the dominant business and social influence in the environment. The pace of life in the country is hectic and its residents are highly entrepreneurial with strong commercial instincts. Chinese are also hardworking and very competitive. They are also very conscious of their face or image that is why they highly value their education which according to them will ensure one’s social and economic mobility. Families are hierarchical and members are committed to upholding the family’s honor through loyalty, respect and obligations. Introductions and connections are not essential in Hong Kong although they help in establishing credibility for business. Hiring a local representative to initially develop the business is advisable.

It is good to learn how to do the proper Chinese way of greeting so as to show respect for the culture and establish a good impression on them. Bowing is their way of greeting and when a handshake is made be gentle because they are not used to close and intimate interactions with foreigners or strangers for that matter. Because they recognize seniority, be conscious of greeting the most senior member first.

Hong Kong Business Culture may also be described as results or role-oriented rather than that of the Western values of personal and social growth. Avoid confrontation and aggression. Remember to use language diplomatically. Refrain from directly refusing anyone by saying “I will try” or “I will see.” Be modest in all you behavior and also keep you calm.

Gift giving is also a part of doing business in Hong Kong. It helps establish or maintain relationships. Avoid giving clocks, books, green hats and anything covered or wrapped in blue. Gift money in a red envelope is known as hong boa. Accept gifts with both hands and remember that gifts are to be reciprocated. A meal could also be a form of gift for the Chinese.

All makes of cars are available, with some models possibly differing from your home country. The most common vehicles on Hong Kong roads would be BMW, Mercedes and Toyota. Most of these vehicles can be found, as used cars, for reasonable prices, although not many dealers offer any kind of warranty.

One thing many expats find confronting when dealing with local used car salesmen, is that many of them who are not used to dealing with us will require you to negotiate and decide on a price for the car before you test drive it. This is standard practice for many used car dealers here as to them it shows that you are serious about buying the car. Of course it should be understood that you are free to change your mind or renegotiate should the used car’s test drive not be up to expectation.

If you’re thinking of buying a used car in Hong Kong you must have somewhere to park it. May sound obvious but many apartments will not have a parking space included, or even available. There is a healthy market for car parking spaces as many people who are not using theirs often lease or sell it.

The Kowloon peninsula is the gateway to China. But it’s also a bustling small city, so small you can walk across the narrowest point in less than a day. Kowloon is made up of several districts with names like Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Mongkok, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. The main avenue called Nathan road runs through all these districts so if you’re on Nathan road you’re never lost.

Now the best hotels in Kowloon are found near or on Nathan road. Hong Kong’s underground train system also runs mostly beneath Nathan road with many stations above ground. The MTR also runs through a tunnel beneath Hong Kong harbor and straight into Hong Kong island. Plus there are many great restaurant options from cheap eats to gourmet delights with top price. Whatever your budget is you’ll be able to fill your stomach with food that’s way better than the take out back home.

Several of the best hotels in Kowloon are found in the Tsim Sha Tsui district such as the Holiday Inn and the Mira Hotel. The Holiday Inn of course is a popular chain of hotels in the USA but the rooms here are small. The Mira Hotel was recently renovated and the rooms here are more spacious with a hip boutique style design. Back since the 1940′s it was one of the fanciest hotels in the neighborhood and after an extensive overhaul it still is today. Both hotels are right on Nathan road with MTR train stations within easy reach.

Just further up Nathan road is the Prudential Hotel and BP International Hotel. These two hotels are even more affordable and also offer easy access to the MTR and is a great area to explore local culinary delights. The Prudential Hotel however has bigger rooms so it’s quite popular with returning guests. The BP International’s rooms are smaller, yet very clean, comfortable and modern.