Advice on moving and living in HK

Hello everyone,


I am moving to HK in May from NYC and although I've seen a similar thread on this forum, I wanted to start afresh since that discussion seemed really heated.


I've never visited HK before and I am looking for advice on where to live etc. I'm an outgoing single guy, 28 yrs old, and want to live close to work (central). People I've been talking to recommend either mid-levels or LKF/Soho area. My budget is between 20k and 25k per month for rent. Are these the best areas to consider for someone who wants to live in the heart of the city or is there some place that is equally close and convenient where I’ll get more space for the same price?


I also had a few more questions:


1. How easy is it to get cell phone connections when you get to HK? And how much do plans cost (including data for iphones)?


2. What’s the process like to get utilities installed in your apartment (cable, internet, etc.) when you move in and how expensive is that?


3. Are furnished apartments easy to rent or are they very scarce? Also, would you recommend taking a furnished apartment and paying a little premium? I plan on selling all my current furniture in NY and starting afresh.


4. I’ve been reading on this forum that the best way to house-hunt is to find agents. Are they generally trustworthy and easy to find? I know I’d never trust a broker in NYC!


5. My firm will be putting me up in a serviced apartment for the first month. I’m half tempted to just sign a longer term lease there. Is that advisable or will that option just cost way too much over comparable or better apartments?


Many thanks in advance for your time and advice. I cant wait to get to HK!

1. Very easy. There are several operators. If you don't have a HKID yet, you need to leave a deposit of a few thousand, which you can get back once you have your ID. I pay 100 something for voice and 230 for unlimited data.


2. Very easy. Many agents will take care of it for you. Deposit for at least electricity. Depending on the size of the apartment this can be from a thousand to several thousand. The actual monthly charges are not big for gas and water. Electricity is the big one. If you have a small apartment it will normally be under a thousand but can go up during the summer months when A/C is on a lot.


3. There are many serviced apartments, which do have furniture. For "normal" apartments, there's everything from barren to fully furnished. I would say most are "empty" but many will have built-in shelves and things like that. You can often negotiate with the landlord to get furniture.


4. Agents generally trustworthy I would say, especially if you're talking the big chains like Centaline and so forth.


5. You will pay a hefty premium for a serviced apartment. If you like that kind of living I would recommend finding a "normal" apartment in a building which has quite a few amenities, including reception, pool, gym and so forth. A place like Centre Stage or Island Crest comes to mind.

You could also look at the ads on Asiaexpat's direct owners listings. There are a number of fully furnished apartments available, and you get to know the landlord directly (and establish rapport) rather than go through an agent later on when you need to contact the landlord.


Plus, you do not have to pay commission to the agent if you rent direct from

the landlord.


For cell phones connections, when you arrive in Hong Kong, go to the 7-11 convenience store in the Airport, and get a SIM card. They cost HK100 (stored value) or thereabouts, and are useful to have as a first measure before you register with a service provider on a monthly plan.

Hey - I am also from NYC and moving to HK. I am a 25yo single male and am moving over in the beginning of June, though my company is also sending me over for the first two week's of May to meet the team. My office is between Central and Sheung Wan, and based on the little research one can really do online, I think I want to live around there as well. A few questions to supplement the first few in this thread:


(1) Am I right in thinking this is the right area for me to live. I certainly want to immerse myself in the local culture, but want to have some sense of familiarity. My budget is probably going to be under HKD18k. I live in a studio currently in the east village, so I am used to small, unkept spaces, though with the move would ideally like something a little more updated. Furnished, at least basically is sort of a must as I dont think it's worth it to ship my furniture. I also really would like some sort of outdoor space and an oven - is this realistic in this budget, in this area?


(2) Will it be possible to find something for a June 1 start while over there in May. I am just used to the terrible NY real estate market, where you basically have to look, sign, and move withing a week.


(3) How diverse is the Shueng Wan / Central area? Am I being ignorant by even grouping them. Just trying to get an idea while I look on line if I should be more specific in my desired location.


Thanks for the help

1) The more west from Central, the more "local" it gets. Sheung Wan is not a bad area. Close to everything. On 18k you'll get a small one bedroom or a largish studio.


2) Yes. Typically you can move in within 1-4 weeks, depending on the state or renovations.


3) Central, at least the northern parts, is wall-to-wall office and retail space. Southwards and up the hill you get more bars and restaurants. Further south you're in Midlevels, which is mostly residential.


Sheung Wan is in many ways an extension of Central. There is no clear demarkation. As you go West towards Sai Ying Pun (I would also look for apts here) the area becomes less commercial and more residential.

Thanks Axptguy and Machi!


To follow up - how expensive is furniture in hong kong as compared to the US? Since my firm is offering me free shipping, I'm wondering if it makes sense for me to buy some new stuff here and have it shipped. Can you give me a sense of how much a sofa set and bed etc would cost (above ikea quality)?

i would ad, re realtors, that if you have a fixed budget in mind, make sure the agent KNOWS that you will walk if they show flats above your budget...upselling is endemic here...