Hong Kong

Communications Authority (CA)

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
 

Q. Are there any requirements, when sending HKD?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment.

Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Hong Kong.

Q. How much can I send?
A. While there are no limits, the minimum amount must be HKD 50 (approximately £5).

Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment time. Please note the working days in Hong Kong are from Monday to Saturday.

Q. Who can I send HKD to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.

Q. Is sending HKD expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.

Q. Can you use forward contracts with HKD?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book an HKD exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.


Information courtesy of Currencies Direct.

Film Services Office (FSO)

Visas & Work Permits

Hong Kong maintains a different immigration policy to the Chinese mainland. Clients and agency personnel can enter on a holiday visa. Those travelling on Western passports can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 or 180 days (depending on the passport). Filming crews are required to have a business visa to film in Hong Kong.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, check with the HKSAR Immigration Department for further details. There are also specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.


Film Location Permits

Hong Kong is a busy business centre and one of the most densely populated areas in the world. As a result, it can be quite restrictive to film in. Permission to film is determined on a case-by-case basis.

For a basic street corner shot, which doesn’t restrict traffic, allow around three days for permits. It is also possible to close some city streets, as long as they aren’t major streets. Permitting the closure of a street can take up to three weeks, as it needs to be cleared with both the police and transport department.


Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Hong Kong is an ATA carnet country.

When to Film

Hong Kong’s climate is sub-tropical.

November to December are the best months for filming, with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. January to February are colder and cloudier. March to April becomes more humid, with occasional fog affecting visibility. May to October experience monsoon rains with hot, humid weather.

In Hong Kong, the most popular religions are Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity.


Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is generally a little more expensive than Shanghai and Beijing. Many local productions choose to film in Guangzhou, China’s third largest production centre.

At the time of writing, there is no VAT or sales tax in Hong Kong.

Funding

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK)

Film Development Fund (FDF)


Tax Incentives

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up-to-date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up-to-date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.