Life Style in HK

[Marlene]

I might be moving to HK at the end of the year. It seems I cannot find anyone who hasn't really enjoyed the city. And not that I am looking for any bad press, but what are the benefits and pitfalls of living in HK - with let's just say, an adequate salary and housing benefit - but not extravagant, and I am talking 10 years minimum if things work out - big if? I now live in a small, clean, but boring expensive European city although I hail from North America and the job is secure here. Daughter has left home, middle age, and as usual following my husband with no prospects of a job for me. The usual. I bought a book re living and working there, but it's written by some, younger smitten woman, who in the first paragraph ridicules the non-working 'kept' woman. Yeah...well she should try it! I did have a career lady....and now it's gone, gone, gone. Wouldn't have bought the book had I known...anyway - Any opinions about living in Hong Kong in general. Thanks..................

[Kens14]

Hi Marlene,

I've been living here for 3 years now. I came out from the UK, my first experience of being an expat. I'm now 37, single, no kids. I work in a moderately paid job - that's moderate for expats, but very well off compared to most locals.

I absolutely love life in HK, and have no plans to ever return to UK/Europe. The pluses are that you are in a constantly fascinating Asian city, a truly world city which never ceases to surprise, amaze and entertain. You have everything that Europe offers (food, culture, shopping, reliable infrastructure, high salaries etc) with the best of Asia (exotic, different, polite people, safety etc etc). The territory is varied - from the amazing urban areas of Central & Kowloon, to the beautiful countryside of The New Territories within 30 mins on public transport.

What are the downsides ? Well, these are minor in comparison to the benefits. However, housing in the central area is expensive, my apartment is small - but then there's only me living here & I do live in the city centre. The air pollution can get pretty bad, but I've got used to it.

I'd say make the move, you'll never regret it, and neither do the many expats who live here !

Kens.

[Marlene]

Interesting that no one replied to that one earlier.......thanks so much for your encouraging note....unfortunately we are on hold right now and awaiting answers from the company re some licensing issues. Should know in 1 to 2 weeks though. Great that you love it in HK. Very encouraging. I will remember to let you know how it goes Marl

[Gymshark]

Sounds like a good endorsement, I live in Bangkok (from UK) and love visiting HK for short trips. Might consider a move myself but I heard the price of property (rental) was prohibitive, is that true? I currently live in a great Bangkok appt. with all the trimmings for about 500GBP per month ish, is HK much more expensive?

[senkimsin]

i will come to hk next month, but only for going around, and i hope i can know some more firends there,if anyone,pls wirte to me
danke

[Kuvshynova Anna]

Dear Kens,

I just read your letter about living in HK. Could you please, let me know what is the "comfortable" income to stay in HK? I am going to move and didn't discuss with my company my future income yet. I would like to get more information before. Could you please, help? How much you should earn per year in order to have comfortable life?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Anna

[Sweetmother]

hk is a good place. you guys will love it i am sure. as i stay here for.... about 15 years!

easy transport/ dining/ shopping/ exercising/ hiking etc...

[BenMore]

[QUOTE=Marlene;21307] I did have a career lady....and now it's gone, gone, gone. QUOTE]


It needn't be gone, Marlene. If your husband is going to have a work/residence permit you will be able to work in HK too. Even in your own right, if you get a job offer and they sponsor you for a work permit. My wife and I will be moving there soon after 7 years in mainland China as teachers, but mostly it'll be retirement, if you could possibly retire in such a dynamic place. We wouldn't consider moving back to the UK to live - ever!

Plus you don't have to live in the city - there are loads of lovely places in the islands and New Territories.

[senkimsin]

Originally Posted by Sweetmother

hk is a good place. you guys will love it i am sure. as i stay here for.... about 15 years!

easy transport/ dining/ shopping/ exercising/ hiking etc...

seem good, but everything is seem very high price, just like in Germany

[celia_mok]

I can't say HK is a great city, but HK is a good city for shopping, you can buy anything here but people in here are very money minded