Relocating to HK from USA

HI


I been offered a position in HK starting in July. I have a family of 4 with one child attending the 6th grade. I have no idea about where to live and the cost of rentals. I will not be getting a relocation package so all cost are on me. Could someone give me advice on who to contact concerning housing. Also I want to know what my taxes in HK would be and what taxes I still have to pay to the United States.

Glenn,


I have been asking a lot of the same Q's and will be moving to HK the first week of July. But was lucky enough to visit and do a some research while I was there.


For referance I was looking for a nice one bedroom on Kowloon or HK island and they range about 2400 US to 3400 US. These were all about 700 to 800 sq feet. There are no closests in the apartments and the SQ can even include the entrance and hall way.


I just contacted a inter-national moving company to pick up my house hold goods from Houston, TX to be delivered to HK and what I found to be the most professional with all costs explained up front was just at 6,000 for a 20ft shipping container with door to door service.


I'm not sure about the HK taxes if they are on a sliding scale but I have been working abroad for the last 3 years so I can be some help with the US taxes.


Its is broken down in 2 parts, I am assuming you will be provided with a living allowance.


First your base salary is excempt for the first 85,000 US any thing over that you will be taxed at 33%. So for example at 100,000 US you will be taxed on 15,000 at the 33%


Now for your living allowance you will need to pay 33% on the first 13,000 over the course of a year.


Hope it helps, sorry I can't spell.


Ash

Hi Glenn,


It would help us to help you if you can give is a bit more info on what you are looking for so we can try and steer you in the write direction. Example..since everything is on you, what is your budget for renting, how big of an apartment you are looking for, where is your office, do you want to live near work etc. Also schooling here is a big issue. Most international schools here are quite costly and have no space so you may want to see if your company have a debenture with a school because that can help. I would suggest contacting the schools immediately and putting in your admissions.


It's definately a lifestyle change living in Hong Kong. Chances are you are coming from a house with a backyard to living "the city" life with no yard or green grass.


There are plusses and minuses it's gonna all depend on your openous to adaptation. With that being said, HK is great in terms of safety and education for your children.


Good Luck!!

Hi Glenn,

I'd be very happy to send you a list of properties so you can get some idea of what you can get for your money. But first you'd have to narrow it down a bit and let me know what you think you can afford. Also whether you have school places for your children yet, or if you have particular schools in mind.

Linda