Thinking of making the move. What lifestyle can we expect?

[batman3298]

There is nothing illegal about leaving Hong Kong and coming back. Even for a day trip to do some sightseeing in Macau or shopping Shenzhen.

Many foreigners from Hong Kong do that on a regular basis.

Maybe they could even take a short trip to Singapore or Thailand for their vacation during their year in Hong Kong.

Originally Posted by JWilliamson

That is illegal and they in time will find out.

[AndrewC]

It's a loophole, loads of people do it

[JWilliamson]

Lots of people do it and yes lots of people do what they want but every time you go out for one day then come back it is all documented and I have meet people who did that lots of times that were kicked out of Hong Kong for ever.

[JWilliamson]

Loopholes are not about doing the right thing it is more about doing the wrong and not getting in trouble.

[cylshain]

Good afternoon, EasyJoe!

My wife is a subscriber to this website, but she asked me to answer your post this time, because I have the first hand information of your questions.

I am originally from Boston, Mass., U.S.A. However, I have worked overseas a lot. I have worked in China, and Hong Kong for over 16 years. Then we moved back to the States. We have been back for about 12 years now. However, I work from time to time in Hong Kong, and China during this period of time.

Updates: my wife and I will be moving back to live in Hong Kong in mid April.

Regarding your offer, the pay and benefits seem to be reasonable. However, one thing you might want to consider is to include in your package the housing allowance.

In Hong Kong, if you want to get a reasonably sized apartment in a decent neighborhood, you usually have to pay between U.S. $3000 to $4000 easily. Of course if you live further away from the city, it might be cheaper.

As for the transportation systems there, they are absolutely fantastic; you don't need to own a car to go from one place to another, and they are well designed, so almost every corner of Hong Kong is connected by the public transportation, which is safe, efficient, clean, and inexpensive.

If your work requires you to travel frequently between Hong Kong, and China, you might want to consider living somewhere near to any of the MTR stations (MTR is the subway system, or underground /tube in Hong Kong), or near to any of the train stations.

Hong Kong is one of the most wonderful cities in the world. People are extremely efficient and capable there. It is a very beautiful place with lots of excellent restaurants, terrific shopping malls, and mild weather. Also, the health care there is top-notched, and inexpensive compared to that in the States. That is why we are relocating back there.

The taxes in Hong Kong is very low, too, and there is no sales tax. The living cost is comparatively lower than that in U.S., UK., and France; you should be able to save a lot of money for your retirement later.

If you have children in future, you will have no problem finding very good schools for them.

Since we will be moving back there in a few weeks, and my wife can speak fluent Chinese, so if you and your family need any assistance while you are there, please let us know, perhaps we can be of some assistance.

Take care, and all the successes with your new job!

Larry


Hi,

I have the opportunity of taking a job in Hong Kong and wanted to check with you good people if the package was reasonable?

Monthly salary 105,000HKD
16% pension
a 13th month bonus payment (withhold for tax?)
School fees for up to 3 kids (I have none)
Private medical and dental

It's just myself and my soon to be wife. Would we have a decent lifestyle on that money while being able to save a bit? What sort of areas should we be looking to live? (we're both fairly young but don't want party party all the time, peace and quiet is a must too!). Any good expat/local mix areas?

Anything else which you can think of?

Thanks very much in advance![/QUOTE]

[dunmovin]

Originally Posted by JWilliamson

Lots of people do it and yes lots of people do what they want but every time you go out for one day then come back it is all documented and I have meet people who did that lots of times that were kicked out of Hong Kong for ever.

the trick is to go over 24 hours.... even 25 hours can make it legal.

[Bloombergur]

Hi JWilliamson,

I've been reading your posts, and found them really helpful.
I am from Dallas, and recently got an job offer in HK for roughly 31k per month. Is it do-able in HK for 23 year single man? I like to party (obviously)a bit and work out, a solid gym is essential to me.

And regards to housing, I don't really mind the size really, but I'd like to have a nice surroundings. I going to be working in central finance district on HK island, where would you recommend to live? Hopefully keep the rent under/equal 10k HKD.


Thank you very much!
appreciate your time

p.s. is there any place in HK where you can run outside?

[Golo]

[/QUOTE]

p.s. is there any place in HK where you can run outside?[/QUOTE]

Depends where you are but you should have no problem finding somewhere local.

[Bloombergur]

Thanks!

[dunmovin]

Originally Posted by Bloombergur

Hi JWilliamson,



is there any place in HK where you can run outside?

on Kowloon side try Beacon Hill, the riverside in Sha Tin, the walking trails near Kowloon resivior " Golden hill", Mah On sha country park, Tai Po also has a few country/public parks.