Asia

Hong Kong

Hong Kong's WHV is open to Australians 18-30 for 12 months. High wages in finance and hospitality, very high rents, but the MTR makes it a small city to live in.

Currency

HKD

1 AUD = 5.15 HKD (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

110% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

Working Holiday Scheme

Age 18-30 | up to 12 months

Smartraveller

Check live advisory

Emergency: 999

Working Holiday Visa

Scheme: Working Holiday Scheme
Visa class: WHV
Eligible age: 18-30
Max stay: 12 months

Source: www.immd.gov.hk

Tourist or short-stay entry

Visa-free entry

Up to 3 months. Work rights: none.

Australians can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days.

Source: www.immd.gov.hk

Highlights

Strong job market in English-speaking finance, hospitality and education.
MTR is one of the world's best metros; daily transit under AUD 10.
Easy weekend trips to Macau, Shenzhen and the rest of Asia.
Low tax rates compared to Australia.

Watch outs

Rent is extreme; expect tiny rooms (under 15m2) shared with multiple flatmates.
Cantonese helps, English universal in business and tourism.
Humidity and air quality fluctuate; check AQI app daily.
Political situation has shifted since 2020; check Smartraveller advisories.

Money tips

HSBC, Hang Seng or Standard Chartered are the major banks; HKID needed to open an account.
Octopus card pays for transport, convenience stores and most fast food.
Tax year runs April-March; provisional tax catches many WHV-holders off guard.
Tipping is not customary; restaurants add a 10% service charge instead.

Typical costs (AUD)

Hostel bed per night: $50
Budget meal: $12
Mid-range meal: $28
Beer (bar): $9
Public transport day pass: $8

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Practical basics

Power plug: Type G
Drives on: Left (same as AU)
Emergency number: 999

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-21.