Move to hong kong?

Hi i have been offered a role in hong kong but woul like to hear more about what it is like to live there. I have a 3 year old and my husband who is an engineer would also like to find a job if we move.

People have so many different views and opinions on 'what it is like to live in Hong Kong', that it's difficult to give you much constructive advice without having specific questions, such as with regards to housing, education, entertainment, living expenses, places to live, etc. What exactly would you like to know about living in Hong Kong? If you can be a bit more specific about what you would like to know I'm sure you'll get lots of helpful information. Also, there are already many posts on this site from people who are moving to Hong Kong, so there may be some answers to questions you would like answered if you do a search. Hope we can be of help:-)

Oh. There are already lots of posts. Are we allowed to say this?

Personally, I would think again before moving here if I had my chance over again.


The pollution is appalling, the environment is not great for a child, especially if you live in a high-rise. Personally I don't but then village life also has its downsides, although it will allow you child greater access to outside space if you are lucky.


And the attitude of the locals leaves a lot to be desired. Read some of the comment here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfxZL-Dl8Wc for a taste of the views of the locals towards foreigners. Fortunately as a westerner you will not be the only minority experiencing the local contempt, they seem to be quite xenophobic towards all cultures.


As for schooling, with your child already 3 you will struggle to find a place at an international school for year 1, and although the local schools pay lip-service to the open entry policy, the reality is it is far from open, plus your child will have to learn Cantonese before getting any value. Of course, the emphasis in local education on rote learning rather than critical thinking also leaves a lot to be desired. Hence why international schools with their emphasis on problem solving rather than parrotting answers are so over subscribed, as local parents are also desperate to get their children in. I would not attempt to come until I had a place for my child to start school in. Read here for more info: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h-dEkeZTFvsPms_ksZ3qbseGORrQ?docId=CNG.803594f3e58a026a9e4a29eb6537b520.e1


The only plus side is the money and the tax, but in my mind it takes a lot of money to make up for the loss of lifestyle. But if you have an enormous salary then it would probably be ok as you can live life in a bubble without experiencing much of the above, except the pollution of course, even money can't keep that at bay 100%. It might buy a few air purifiers though!

Thank you for your responses. It is good to know how difficult it Will be to get a place in school for my daughter. Is this something the company employing me might help with?

Also, is it difficult for an electrical engineer to get work in hong kong?

Some companies do. Always a point for negotiating. Companies here know how difficult the schooling situation is. there are such things as corporate debentures for some of the more expensive international schools, if your company has one of these it would be a big help. If you are looking at schools like the ESF ones, which are somewhat cheaper, then from December thru to June they operate a corporate surety scheme. However this only gets a place, not a place at your nearest school.


We used this route, and after my husband being out here on his own for 10 months we got a place at a school 1 & 1/2 hours commute away from our flat. Our then 6-yr-old spent a year of leaving home at 6.45 and getting home at 4.30. Needless to say it was not the best, but by getting a place we then got priority for a transfer to our local ESF, and she started there a year later.


So definitely get help from your company - even the ESF charges a debenture now on top of the surety scheme fee.


Regards electrical engineers, anything in the construction industry is in good demand, provided he has good qualifications and experience.


ultimately I think your perception of Hong Kong depends on where you are coming from. We came from the Yorkshire Dales, with a large house and garden, and fantastic local school 5 minutes away. hong Kong will never compare with that. but like I said, the money is the compensating factor. We have a plan and know how long we have to last here to achieve our goals,and the money my husband makes here makes those goals possible.

How about child are before School age? How does that usually work

Is this kingergarden what people use as child care?