cars in HK

I have three children and was hoping for advise as to whether or not to get a car when we move. One of my kids has cerebral pasly and doesn't walk yet.

depends on where you're moving to really.

Petrol is about $2 aus a litre.Rego and insurance is more expensive than oz,parking is a problem if you do not get a space where you rent.Cars quite cheap to buy not very old models and low kilometers.But most people don't have cars the public transport is great,taxis always around.

St Kilda Beach,

Where can I buy a 2003 Picnic for "80,000HKD"?

Definitely recommend a car. Not just for the convenience but the safety issue with little ones. You get the time and chance to make sure they are strapped in properly which you do not in public transport or taxis. Car parks are usually safer places to load and unload as well.


From having lived in a "house" with stairs with young children, I would recommend thinking twice before you do the same. You can get some decent size (for Hong Kong) 3-4 bedroom apartments all on one level with parking. With multi level apartments also note that you do lose some of the quoted floor space in the internal stairs.

Ouch St Kilda! So I am an infirm maid ill-treater with no family life who doesn't know any of her neighbours ;-)


I am sorry if you took offence at my post - maybe because I put house in "" - was meant to be a reflection of my place at the time not yours. At the time I had one non walker and one barely and no maid. Everyone is different and I still think it is worth considering in weighing up the whole "where to live" issue. In my case I have found apartment living very neighbourly.

let's be real here. how many "expats" can afford to live in a big house on the South Side or even Sai Kung? it would sure be nice, but it isn't the norm.

Thanks for the responses we have many more questions to follow

To tmag22.

As the parent of a wheelchair dependant child (now teenager), I would definately recommend a car. We have an old Previa, and the wheelchair fits in the boot with only taking off the wheels, (to fold it would require taking off seak, back and headrest).Parking is really not expensive in HK, most flats have a parking space included in the rent, and most houses have at least 1 free parking space. Car park charges have not gone up in the 10 years I've been here, in fact they've gone down as now many places give you 2 hours free parking with your shopping. Public transport here is extremely difficult with a wheelchair, and hard with a pushchair. As for housing, for a better quality of life definately look at Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay. We have been looking at maybe moving, and we need a wheelchair accessible house with a downstairs shower and bedroom. I have seen several village type houses with a downstairs helpers room and fairly large shower that would be suitable for a disabled person, although it would mean giving up a bedroom for your helper or having them live out. Your child may be small and easy to carry now, but as they start getting bigger it certainly makes it easier not to have to carry them upstairs to bed and showering etc. Plus the other kids get the benefit of a fairly large house, often a garden etc as opposed to living in a flat. And it does make a difference, we spent 2 years in a large 4bed, 3 bath 2800sf flat, which by HK standards is enormous, and now live in a 3000sf house which on paper is only 200sf bigger but feels at least twice as big. In the flat we felt we had to take the kids out every day to stop them feeling cooped up, but with the garden they just go outside, ride their bikes up and down the street, hit a tennis ball against the wall etc. And I agree with st kilda,it is definately easier to meet your neighbours in a house, after 2 years in our flat I could probably name 2 people in our whole building, unless you happen to get in the lift at the same time you just don't see them. But we sometimes have bbq's with the neighbours, you always see tham going up and down the street, and the kids all play together.

It will all depend on where you choose to live (or can afford to live) and whether you find driving in HK to your liking. I'm lucky enough to live in a large house in the New Territories (Tai Po) with loads of parking and where driving is easy and not overly stressful. I have two children, active in sports, and opted to purchase a 7 seater Pajero 2001 as it still have room for loads of items when the rear seats are being used. It would fit a wheelchair easy folded without having to remove wheels and have more room for gear and spacious unlike some of the 7 seater cars Ie Picnic which just is a people mover but expect your gear on your lap. Good luck but again its hard to recommend what to buy when you dont know where you'll live, the lifestyle you lead and your view on driving. Cheers and best of luck.

Thanks so much for your advise. It is making our decisions so much easier.