Moving to HK SOON!

Hello,


I am moving to HK from the US in 4-6 weeks. I'll be working in Central (near the Mandarin Oriental) and have no idea where I want to live or what an appropriate budget is. Ideally I would like to live in a fairly modern, upgraded building (it does not have to have all the amenities though), in an area that will allow me to both walk and take public transportation to work, but is also near bars and restaurants. Any suggestions would great!


I would also love to hear from people who have moved from the States to HK. Is there anything in particular you wish you had brought? I am planning on only brining my cloths, bedding, etc. and purchasing a tv, computer speakers, printer, etc. in HK. Is this a good idea or are HK prices pretty astronomical compared to the US (I do know that HK is supposed to have good prices for electronics)? Any tips or suggestions are welcome! Thanks!!!

If you do a search on this forum there should be some recent threads with advice on what to bring, where to live etc. which will help you plan your move here. Exciting times ahead - enjoy and welcome!

I may recommend Taggart in Repulse Bay where most occupants are expats...good luck!

Electronics prices are higher but not astronomically so compared to the US. However given the 110/220 voltage divide you will need to purchase some stuff. Do check your TV. If it is pretty recent there's a good chance it will work in HK. Most newere plasma and LCD screens work worldwide.


"I may recommend Taggart in Repulse Bay where most occupants are expats...good luck!"


Nice place, but note that Taggart is only one tower of "The Repulse Bay" and "Repulse Bay Apartments".

It can be a good idea to stay in a serviced apartment for a couple of months until you figure out which area of the city is best to live... http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/serviced.asp

Thank you! I am thinking that I want to pay between 20,000 and 25,000 HKD. I could do a bit more, but I don't really want to! I am staying in a serviced apartment for the first month and am then on my own.

Check out the Star Street area. Walking distance to work and a lot of restaurants/bars etc. Plus, easy access to all forms of public transport

Welcome to HK! You can consider Kennedy Town of HK island which is very convenient for shopping, restaurant and transportation. You can easily to find an apartment around HK$15,000 up depends on size and bedrooms you desire and most of them including their private club house for gym and other activities. Travel time to central or kowloon side only take 15 mins. BTW, I am living there and have some foreign friends living around. You can email to purplegoldsand@yahoo.com.hk for some other advice as I always giving hand for my foreign friends about shopping tips and dining information in HK. Cheers, Lavenda

There are many posts here giving advise on what to bring and where to live. Search away but I hope you get new responses from people with recent experiences. I moved to Hong Kong 4 months ago and was very lucky to find a flat that was in a great location - on the escalator where Mid Levels and SOHO meet. If I hadn't, the best thing would have been to find a serviced apartment for at least a few months. They can be quite reasonable. That would give you a good chance to see what is available in the areas you really want to live. Everyone seems to love their own Districts on Hong Kong Island. I think you can find what you are looking for very close to or in Central.


Soho and LKF are two areas with an abundance of restaurants and bars of all types.


As for what to bring, there is nothing you can't find in HK if you know where to look. Small appliances from the US will probably not work here. Wing On and Sincere are two decent department stores on the western edge of Central and Sogo in Causeway Bay is also good. Medicine, both perscription and over the counter would be a good idea. Ibuprofin (Motrin) is not readily available but Panadol (Tylenol/acetiminophen) is. Neosporin for example is perscription only.


If you cook, spices are pretty expensive compared to the US and you really have to look for variety.


You do not say where in the US you live, but you will find prices here for most things pretty comparable - other than rent! Good luck, enjoy and welcome to Hong Kong.

"Ibuprofin (Motrin) is not readily available but Panadol (Tylenol/acetiminophen) is. "


Ibuprofen is readily available in pharmacies. Motrin (which is a brand name) is marketed as "Nurofen" here but it is the same stuff. You can also get Ibuprofen in generic form.


Medicine is cheaper in the US though, and as you say more is over the counter there.


"If you cook, spices are pretty expensive compared to the US and you really have to look for variety. "


Depends where you look. At the supermarket I would certainly agree. However a lot of spices can be found in Indian food stores for a tenth of the supermarket price.