Re-Locating to HK from UK

Hi,


Looking for some experienced x-pats to answer a few of the Q's below. I'm moving out to HK from the UK with my girlfriend in August.


1. Being British, where are the largest x-pat communities on the main HK island? Looking to stay close to an MTR station.


2. TV + Broadband - Interested in setting up TV + Broadband in the apartment, who are the companies that I should be looking at?


3. Gyms - Will be signing up to a gym, working in Central or Quarry Bay. Any recommendations to signing up to the local gyms? / Would it be cheaper trying to find an apartment with a gym?


4. Alcohol - I've visited HK previously and alcohol was very expensive to buy in hotels / bars. Are there local supermarkets that are cheaper to buy alcohol or should I ship some bottles prior to leaving the UK? E.g. vodka, morgans spice etc.


5. Any tips / advice when apartment hunting? / Mandatory questions.


6. Will my UK tvs work in HK?


All advice is appreciated.


Rosco

1) SOHO/Mid-levels on HK island but is expensive. Sheung Wan/Kennedy Town/North Point may be cheaper and close by. Only real expat ghetto is in Disovery Bay which is not on the island and you will either love or hate (I'm in the latter category but others swear by the place).

2) No problem. Go to PCCW shop.

3) I'm a member of Pure Fitness. It's very reasonable and has lots of classes. Apartments with gyms are usually empty but many do exist.

4) No need. Go to Park'n'Shop or Watsons Wine.

5) No tips really. Most estate agents are as honest as you can expect estate agents to be. They will of course say nearly anything to close a deal but they won't cheat you. Main agencies are Midland, Centaline and Ricacorp. All estate agents must pass an exam. When negotiating your tenancy agreement, make sure the landlord can't increase the rent after 1 year. This is often seen as a standard Hong Kong contract now but there is no such thing as a standard contract. Ask for 2 years with option to quit after 1 year with one month's notice. Make sure the landlord doesn't have the right to increase the rent after the same period. When I was renting, I used to do this. Many landlords, though, may walk away from this but constantly amazed by the number of people willing to sign such contracts. Also, don't freak out when you see the size of the flat and bathtub.

6. yes.

Hi - have you moved already? Would you be kind enough to allow me to pay to add 5cm to your container? I am moving some things from UK to HK, but it's a small amount and am trying to avoid a long waiting time to get here. Happy to contribute to costs, as I said.

Thank you - Kerrin