Hong Kong Orientation Guide

Life Solutions

Tel: 2778 3282 www.lifesolutions.com.hk In home filtration systems

Water — Beaches

Thewater istested every twoweeksandwarnings areposted ifbacteria levels arehigh.These arepublishedinthedailypapers.Swimming inpollutedwaterwithhighbacteria levelscan result in complaints of diarrhea; and gastrointestinal, skin or ear, nose and throat—and in some cases hepatitis A—infection.

Wet Markets

Fresh FruitandVegetables—Fresh fruit and vegetable stalls abound on the streets of Hong Kong.Wash all fruit and vegetables and always peel when possible. For salad vegetables soak in asolutionofbottledwater andsaltbefore rinsing inbottledwater. Meat and Fish—Wet markets sell fish and un-refrigeratedmeats,which can be questionable. Local meat and poultry is not always inspected so it is advisable to rinse themwith water.Meat purchased in expatriate grocery stores is usually a better purchase. Meat imported from Australia, NewZealand and the USA is also available fromexpatriate grocery stores and many home delivery online food suppliers – see Page 31 for options.

Hospitals

TheHongKongGovernmentrunsseverallarge,well-equippedhospitalsaswellasoutpatient clinics and 24-hour emergency departments. However, these public hospitals, while providing qualitymedical care,may nothave private roomsavailable.Please note that ifyou dial 999 for an ambulance,youwill be taken to the nearest public facility.If youwish to be taken to a private hospital, make your request to the ambulance driver.

The costoftheGovernmentrunhospitalswillvaryifyoudonotcarryaHongKong Identitycard. For privateattendance youmustspecify thatyouwanttobe taken toaprivate facility.

Medical Insurance

Medical costs can be high in Hong Kong and are often required to be paid up front. It is best to clarify charges before they are incurred. Medical insurance is often included in an expatriate employment package. Private and public care is available. Public care costs are often significantly lower than private care.

The most popular hospitals used by expatriates are Adventist, Canossa and The Matilda.

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