Posted by
HKJess
15 yrs ago
Hi Everyone,
Just looking for some advice really. I moved to HK a few days ago. I am over here on an employment visa (currently 1year) and my employment is based in Tai Wai.
I am married and my husband is going to come out on a dependents visa in around a months time. I'm looking for any pointers/tips on finding accommodation around Tai Wai (my budget is 10,000 HKD pcm), furnishing the flat and generally getting established (tips on where to visit, how to get emerged in the culture etc!).
We do not know any cantonese at the moment but would like to learn more about the language and the way of life out here, so again any pointers welcome! we hope to leave HK in a few years time more experienced in my job, and well versed in hong kongs' culture, hopefully making us much more worldly wise!
As mentioned, any tips/ideas/pointers very welcome! Thank you!
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For accommodation, visit some agents offices in the area (s) that you would like to live in.
As far as culture/language, etc, are concerned, the most important thing is not to have any expectations or preconceived notions. Hong Kong is Hong Kong, it is not going to change in the near future, accept it how it is, make the most of its good points, and learn to ignore or tolerate its less pleasant aspects.
Frankly, I would forget about learning cantonese, unless you have a pretty good aptitude for languages, opportunities to practise, and time to put in. You can get by in English. Speak clearly and listen carefully. If somebody does not understand you, be patient, repeat what you said, use slightly different words if necessary. There is no point saying exactly the same phrase many times, if it is not being understood.
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It can be a big help to learn at least some Cantonese, but as woods99 says, you can get by without it. I pretty much just know numbers, "taxi commands", greetings, weather and some place names. Very helpful in small shops and just for being mildly sociable with guards and such.
Just make sure you get the pronunciation just right or close to it. A slightly different tone can make (what westerners think of as) a word mean something completely different. In fact if you don't hit the tone right to a local it probably just sounds like gibberish. Very different from Indoeuropean languages where a different tone can mean emphasis or something else.
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Point well taken cara. You are completely right hat it depends on the area.
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Agree with Kindy - don't feel tied to having to live where you work as public transport is quick and easy. Sometimes it's nice to have a little separation and get to experience different parts of the city.
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I'd take Tai Wai over Sha Tin centre. Pop into Speakeasy in the evening which is one of the bars frequented by expats. You'll learn a lot from the long termers there on places to live, budgets, where to eat, etc. More expats in this area than other areas of Shatin. Lots of villages close to MTR which will suit your budget as well as older apartment blocks.
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you could also look at Hyatt Sha Tin serviced apts, right beside University MTR station, 3 stops from Tai Wai, while you get sorted and have a chance to look for your own accoms.
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Thank you to everyone who has left a reply to my post. I have been looking at many flats since. There is one I like in City One - any thoughts about the area?
Thanks
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Cityone - HEAVILY populated.. when i mean heavily populated - Its always busy! Just imagine a mega complex with 40+blocks!
pro
- its got a bus direct to central, about 30 mins for the trip.
- nice area that is family oriented
- great transportation
Con
-you'll never get rid of the busy feeling
- wont be able to relax on the weekends
- everything there is a bit older
- bad irrigation. I used to work there.. every time it rained it flooded.
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