Posted by
Mick!
17 yrs ago
I'm moving to HK from Australia in a couple of months for work, and I'm pretty clueless about what to expect. On the top of my mind are things like accommodation, meeting people, language, recreation, etc. I'm interested in hearing about the experiences of other people who have made the move, and how different the lifestyle is from a city like Sydney. Are there any important things I should add to my todo list. I'll likely just take a suitcase and buy everything I need once I'm over.
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1) Accomodation tends to be pricey, at least if you expect the same surface area as you would get in Australia. Also HK is quite "compact" and dense, so fewer people have houses. More apartments. As cara said it's hard to know what to recommend without knowing what you want. Lots of green? By the beach? City living?
2) Meeting people is easy. Lots of things to do. What do you like to do?
3) As cara says.
4) There is certainly a lot to do. It's a big place and very varied.
Maybe if you tell us a little bit more about yourself we can help more.
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Ed
17 yrs ago
To research property you would want to start here - we have more listings, serviced apartments, owner apartments, share flats etc than any other site in HK http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/
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Ed
17 yrs ago
Another way to control expenses is to buy quality used stuff from our classifieds... we have nearly 400 new ads daily http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/classifieds/
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Ed
17 yrs ago
I agree - rather than commit to a two year lease it makes sense to find temp accommodation and get a feel for the city.
You might consider a share apartment or alternatively a serviced apartment - you can find over 90 serviced apartments and loads of shares here http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/
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Totally go temporary. You will have no idea where to live during the first few weeks.
I would recommend an 1-2 day orientation so you get an idea of where things are, where to buy what, how to get around, what different areas are like etc... The major relo companies provide these. I do as well. PM if interested.
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Mick!
17 yrs ago
Ok, a bit more about myself. I'm in my twenties and on my own, so I'll be looking for a one bedroom place. I want to live close to everything, and ideally be in walking distance to work which is on Hong Kong island. After having a brief look, it seems rent is very expensive compared to Australia, so I'm currently thinking of budgeting up to 20k HKD a month on rent; not too sure what that will get me though.
As for what I like to do.. anything really. Most things are fun with good company. Here in Sydney I typically go to local pubs, play pool, have bbqs, and I also do a bit of rock climbing.
I'm also considering trying to learn Cantonese and Mandarin. Which is harder to learn, and what is more useful? I figure I'll enjoy myself a lot more if I can speak the language. How much would classes cost?
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SVicY
17 yrs ago
for 20K u can get a decent apartment on HK island side like central and causeway bay which is in the middle of 'everything'. (like pubs, shopping areas)
alot of my expat friends who come to HK on their own love service apartment because you dont have to worry as much, asiaexpat has some good links you can try take a look. they wont be big so be prepare.
as for languages, cantonese is definitely more useful in HK, but globally mandarin is more useful(also for business) and easier to learn. Depending on rather you want to take one on one course or do it in a classroom setting (which is one way you can meet new friends too), the price varies. Asiaexpat also have 'language exchange' on their personal space, some people offer to teach you cantonese or mandarin in exchange of learning a language like english from you. I'm not sure about the rate for professional one on one course.
if you want to learn chinese professionally, some of the local universities offer certificate courses, like this one http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/clc/e_ssp.htm#2
hope it helps and good luck~
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Mick, as a fellow "aussie", albiet way past my single twenties, you will want to be in SOHO/Mid-Levels, 20K will get you something nice, but small. All though it is pretty hard to compare, the places I mentioned have the conveience of say, Surry Hills/Darlinghurst in Sydney. Walk out your door and your amongst it all. In saying that, the good thing about HK is it is geograghically small, so does not take long to be anywhere. In regards to language, you will have no trouble whatsoever getting by in English, Cantonese would be more of a bonus to speak in HK, depending what sort of work your in, Mandarin would be more useful if your dealing with mainland China.
Anyway, make the most of it, wish I discovered HK when I was 20 and single.
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My colleague (who is also an Aussie) stays in The Pinnacle, 16K
Near Bar and MTR station...
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As others have said, I think Midlevels is for you. It's worth noting again that HK is very compact. From Midlevels you can take a taxi or a bus and be at the beach in 25 minutes, in shopping frenzy in 10, on the hiking trail in 10, at the bar (walking) in 10.
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After 3 years here, I must admit I have never felt I needed to speak Cantonese. The only place it may be helpful is in some cabs, but often, even if you try to speak Cantonese you ll be responded to in english.
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Mick!
17 yrs ago
Thanks for the input guys. I've been doing a bit more looking, and a serviced apartment seems like the way to go for the first month. I had a look at the Pinnacle that you mentioned Amparo, and they advertise apartments from 18k. I'd expect that prices should be lower than when your colleague signed on, yet you say he pays 16k. Are the rates advertised on websites the rate typically paid, or are they inflated?
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Ed
17 yrs ago
Best thing to do is try the form at the top of this page http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/serviced.asp
I got the idea for this when I called Ascott in Bangkok to find out if they had any special deals - they had an awesome offer that was not on their website and you only got it if you called or emailed...
That form helps you contact all serviced apts in HK in one guy requesting deals.
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"Are the rates advertised on websites the rate typically paid, or are they inflated?"
You can typically get away with a bit less once you start dealing. I always get the impression landlords want to keep the sticker price high. They don't want to discount until they have to.
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hey mate heres my 2cents
for accomodation, depends on a few things, for example, ur housing budget, do u wanna be close to ur work place etc. Service apartment would be the best for Xpats, less hassle and things to worry about. In kowloon, i know there is a new hotel with service apartment opening in mid of october, called Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees. They got some pretty good deal, i heard is around 12k HKD per month you should go check it out!!
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ldavy
17 yrs ago
Hi Mick,
Check your inbox, I've sent you a personal message with a listing of properties which are currently available to give you an idea of sizes and prices.
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I thought that was good advice, boring, but good nonetheless. haha.
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Bear in mind that when you rent a place you will need to pay two months' rent as deposit as well as half a month's rent in commission to the agent. So at 20k, you would need to stump up 50k at the outset. Nobody told us that! Some companies will lend this to their employees to be paid back over time - if you are lucky. Does not take long to pay off though.
Definitely start in a serviced apartment but if you are in SoHo, check it out at night first. They can be bloody noisy.
Where on HK Island is your job located? It's a lot bigger than you might think. If you are in Central, you could even live in Sheung Wan although pretty hot for walking right now.
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You can get further details from www.proway.com.hk
I would suggest you to get a serviced apartment for the first month or even the first year so after you familiarize Hong Kong then you can decide which area you want to live.
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