With low tax rates and liberal trade rules, Hong Kong really is a great place to do business. But just like with any other place in the world, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of preparation before you make your first business trip to Hong Kong. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five tips for your next business trip to Hong Kong.
Know how to get around the city
If you’re in Hong Kong for a business meeting, it’s a good idea to learn how to get around the city. First of all, remember that not all taxi drivers speak English and if you want to make sure you arrive on time, always have your destination written in Chinese. Tipping your taxi driver isn’t obligatory (unlike in some other places) but you can be assured they’ll be happy to receive a tip. In case you don’t enjoy taxi rides, you can get around the city using the subway. Announcements on the trains are always given in English as well and you won’t have trouble reaching your destination.
Forget about business casual
Depending on the country you live in, you might’ve got used to dressing casually for business meetings. However, business casual has not come to Hong Kong and your clients or business partners expect you to dress more conservative. For men, these are mostly suits while women should wear dresses. In case they’re taking you sightseeing, t-shirts and sandals are okay but make sure you don’t go for something too revealing. Have in mind that temperatures tend to get quite high and weather in general is humid, so always try to go with a lightweight suit or dress. In case your trip to Hong Kong takes place between August and March, bringing an umbrella is recommended.
Choose the right place to stay
Taking a business trip is usually all about making a good impression. Since you can expect your client or business partner to ask you about your accommodation, choosing the right hotel is a good idea. Not only this but staying at a hotel that offers quality services is the key to bringing your A-game to the meeting. If you’ve never been to Hong Kong before, chances are you don’t know much about hotels there and you’ll probably end up checking reviews online and looking for useful travel tips. Luckily, there are some places such as the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel that you can never go wrong with. Opt for a place like this and you can be assured you’ll get the best service available.
Stay connected 24/7
The good news when traveling to Hong Kong is that you’ll be able to stay connected 24/7. This can turn out to be quite helpful, especially when you’re waiting for the person you’re meeting to send you an e-mail or message you on social media. Also, you might need some help finding the address and using the GPS system on your smartphone can be a real lifesaver. The real reason why you’ll be able to stay connected is because of the government’s initiative to make Hong Kong a wireless city. Free Wi-Fi is provided by Wi-Fi.HK and if you want to access the list of all hotspot locations, make sure you download the Wi-Fi.HK app as soon as you get there.
Use the opportunity to network
Hong Kong isn’t just an amazing place for doing business, it’s also a place where you can connect with both local and professionals from all around the world. There are websites such as Meetup that you can use to identify networking opportunities in Hong Kong that might make your trip even more worthwhile. The site gives you a chance to find your interest group and check whether there’s a networking event for you. Another thing you can do to connect with other professionals out there is visit some of the popular bars where colleagues head to straight after work. In case this is what you decide to do, visiting places like SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong is a must.
Hong Kong isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a real experience and there’s no doubt you’re going to enjoy it. Follow the tips covered in this post and you can also be assured your business meeting will yield good results.
