[bethcheng15]

hi people!

do anybody know about the busking scheme in hong kong?

can one perform on the streets?

[Eddy Mundo]

There's 2 little old ladies who perform traditional chinese music right outside Jordan Station by the Austin Rd exit every night... so I guess u can.

[chimo]

If you don't have an HKID (ID on a domestic helper / employment visa not good enough) then you might get in trouble if the police decide to do an ID check on you.

[sera]

Unaware of any "scheme" or guidelines re: busking in a "cosmopolitan" city like HK, but there should be.

A handful of musicians, travelling performers frequent Mongkok's long, pedestrianised Sai Yeung Choi Street (South). Even encountered a couple of times that friendly group of Central American guys, playing pipes and selling their CDs there (surprised, saw them last time in Barcelona!).

And from time to time, a bunch of art college students do mini-dramas, weird fun sketches in the middle of the street, drawing curious crowds and blocking that already many-peopled narrow street. But they're certainly a welcome colourful distraction from the usual shopping buzz & bore.

Causeway Bay - near or the next street from Sogo - also attracts interesting "international" buskers. But as with too many busy popular districts here, it's not thoughtfully "zoned", so often chock-a-block with noisy vehicles, making it dusty and unpleasant sitting or hanging around even briefly, sadly.

[hullexile]

Guess it all depends if the authorities classify it as work - if they do then you could be in trouble unless you have PR status as mentioned above.

[bethcheng15]

but im a singaporean.
can show my ID?

[sera]

Singaporean, but already with a work visa in HK?

Am curious too, would busking just an odd few times on HK streets be considered as working without a permit?

Anyways, it's well known there's VERY little dough made here, most still seem to enjoy being heard and seen.

Unlikely that those "international" performers I occasionally see in Mongkok's busy walkways past 10pm-1am have prior "permission". They slowly work their way down Sai Yeung Choi St, so not "obstructing" for too long?

[bethcheng15]

any hong kong buskers here that knows the procedure?cause im really interested in this area.
cause im going for a long break to hk so thinking
if i could execute this during my stay...

[Alby]

The procedure as it has been explained to me in the past by the police department was:

If you do it on govt land you are so suppose to file for permission with the Lands Department - stating in a letter when and where then if they say ok you take that doc to the police HQ and apply for a license.

If you do so on private property you need to get a letter from the property management then go to the police to be granted a license.

You need a HK ID card.
If you plan on collecting money you need to let them know that too and there is another procedure involved but can't recall what exactly.

Sure, people do it all the time without any of the proper documentation but you risk being fined and/or being carted of to the jail house then released with a court date with the punishment being the fine combined with so many hours of community volunteer work.

But I will let you in on a well known secret in HK unless you are causing a public nuisance or have been reported / complained about to the police - they will most likely just stand their and watch and not bother you. Police only get involved if 1. it causes disruption to the peace or 2. they are completely bored and are looking for something to occupy their time

[twocents]

xxxxxxxxxx