Just moved to HK

Hi all,


I've just moved to HK on a 2 year contract, and my company have put me up in a serviced apartment near our office in TST for the 1st month. They have given me an allowance of $22,000 per month for rent, is this reasonable, or should I be asking my boss for more money? I'm looking for advice on the best places to live. The flat I'm in just now is OK, but I think I'd rather live in central. My concern is that the rent here is $26,000 and it's a pretty small one bedroom apartment. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks,

First thing you should learn while living in Hong Kong is living within your means

mkw, you are paying more because you're in a serviced apartment. You need to look for a regular, unfurnished flat - or even furnished, just not serviced. The size of flat and number of bedrooms depends on how much you're willing to pay - you won't get a huge place for 22K if you want to be in or near Central.


Whether the allowance is reasonable or not depends on how much you're getting paid. A lot of us live here with no allowance at all so it seems pretty reasonable to us! But if you're earning, say, 100K a month or something, then 22K could be seen as a bit measly.


I think you need to get out and about looking at flats within your price range. If you feel that it's absolutely impossible to find something you like for that money, then maybe talk to the company and see if you can get more. Do remember, though, that you probably won't get the same size flat here that you're used to at home.


I'm an agent. If you'd like me to send you a listing of flats in your price range that my company has, please send me a personal message.


Good luck!

.. the best place i could recommend you is here in park island.. cheaper rent but good flats.. and the environment is ok.. i think only 8000 with 3 bedrooms

Do you have to spend the whole allowance? Can you keep whatever is not used? If your office is in TST, then i really do suggest you stay closer to your office. Why bother living further away? It becomes a hassle when you have to wait for buses, cabs, taking MTR etc. You can get a 600 sq ft, 2 bedroom serviced apartment in Hung Hom for bout 10,000. Fantasic clubhouse etc...and regular shuttle service into TST.


I work in The Gateway (TST) and moved to this serviced apartment whilst my apartment was under renovation. Was very impressed with it!