Hi,
I will be working in HK as of September. I am born and raised in the UK.
My questions are really this:-
All my appliances were bought in the UK. Is it worth considering taking these with me such as TV, kettle, microwave.
If I can get my TV to work in HK, are there any UK channels? Can I even tune a UK TV to work in HK?
As I am currently based in the UK and my work is going to move me to HK, how much should I consider % wise as a salary uplift? I am currently earning about £50,000
Finally...how much in general does a pint of beer cost? :-)
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What do you mean by beer - if you are expecting draught bitter you might be dissapointed
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"All my appliances were bought in the UK. Is it worth considering taking these with me such as TV, kettle, microwave."
Yes they will all work.
"If I can get my TV to work in HK, are there any UK channels? Can I even tune a UK TV to work in HK?"
There are some UK channels depending on cable operator. Yes your TV will work here.
"As I am currently based in the UK and my work is going to move me to HK, how much should I consider % wise as a salary uplift?"
Lower taxes but higher housing cost in HK. I guess it depends.
"how much in general does a pint of beer cost? :-)"
Depends on the bar. HK$25-60.
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Housing is going to be your biggest cost here. Take a look at some of the apartment rental prices on this site to get an idea of what you get for your money. The answer is not much space for big bucks. If your company gives you a reasonable housing allowance you'll be fine.
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In no particular order of importance:
Sorry, can't answer your salary question, but I would say that for small appliances and white goods you've got a better choice in the UK at roughly the same price. If your company is paying and you're looking at staying in HK a while, you might as well ship your stuff over rather than buying it all again (unless you need to leave behind if you plan to let your current place out fully loaded).
Terrestial TV is very limited; cable and broadband TV kind of similar to the UK's offerings, though not so many channels.
Lots of different beers available here - some of the British bars do sell traditional ales and keep them well. Also, with so many different bars and restaurants concentrated in such a small area here you've got a huge selection of beers from around the world to sample. Prices pretty uniform but can depend on the establishment, the area (they have to get their enormous rental costs back somehow) and Happy Hour etc.
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"You should get an increase of at least 15% in your base salary plus an extra allowance for housing (at least 15k), comfortable moving allowance, full coverage medical and education allowance for your children and a flight home every year."
-plenty of people manage on your salary range with none of the above - we personally have the medical only, but I'd happily trade the equivalent towards school fees, as there's a good public health system here, but not much choice if you're paying for school yourself & can't function in the local (i.e. Cantonese speaking) system.
Also HK is not a big place so for a reasonable commute you can still get a decent place to live, there's no requirement that you live in the mid-levels where you get so little for your money.
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BTW bringing appliances depends of course on whether you are paying for the move or your employer is.
If the cost of bringing them is not great, do so. Really no point selling perfectly good stuff just to buy again here.
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Thanks for all the replies people. It's a real insight.
To explain a bit more about my situation. My work is going to pay my accommodation for yhe duration of time I'm in HK (2 years). My work will also be paying for medical, shipping fees, storage fees too.
Sounds like it will be worth taking my personal belongings with me. If I did, I guess I would just have to buy a couple of UK to HK power adaptors then??
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if you're committed to only 2 yrs, why not look at a serviced apt (they are fully kitted with maid service)? put your stuff in storage in the UK, come live here with no worries for the two years, then go back to your stuff with no hassles.
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What serviced apt would you recommend?
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"If I did, I guess I would just have to buy a couple of UK to HK power adaptors then??"
There are no adaptors. HK uses the same plugs and electrical system as the UK. No change since the handover. Sorry I was unclear before but all your UK stuff will work perfectly here. Just plug it into the wall.
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Ed
14 yrs ago
http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/serviced.asp
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All Euro standard electrics and electronics work as well. However they will need a (cheap) plug adaptor.
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I'm with Mr. Smith. 2 years often become at least 3-4.
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