Possible move to HK?
Discussion
Hi Asia Phers.
I have recently been offered a Job in HK, which I am very interested in. The experience I'm guessing would be fantastic. I am yet to discuss the wages and other things, but I have a few questions about living.
Basically, what would someone new to HK be looking to achieve wage wise in order to "live" in HK? Rough figures would be fantastic, as I can work out from my pay at if it would be possible to live in HK.
My initial accomodation was ruled out (Aunties flat in Tai Po) But was told by my mum that it was too far from where the place of work would be. Apparently it would involve crossing the bridge which would be too far.
And to keep it PH, I know its very expensive to drive in HK, but what about the likes of either Scooters or Motorcycles? And is it hard to obtain a license for those in HK?
I have recently been offered a Job in HK, which I am very interested in. The experience I'm guessing would be fantastic. I am yet to discuss the wages and other things, but I have a few questions about living.
Basically, what would someone new to HK be looking to achieve wage wise in order to "live" in HK? Rough figures would be fantastic, as I can work out from my pay at if it would be possible to live in HK.
My initial accomodation was ruled out (Aunties flat in Tai Po) But was told by my mum that it was too far from where the place of work would be. Apparently it would involve crossing the bridge which would be too far.
And to keep it PH, I know its very expensive to drive in HK, but what about the likes of either Scooters or Motorcycles? And is it hard to obtain a license for those in HK?
A no one has answered I'll try, but I know nothing about HK, so I'll be generic, as a general rule for a first job overseas, you want,
1 Accomadation paid, try to include everything like power and TV.
2 Transport/car paid
3 Your old gross salary in the UK to be your net salary now.
You wont go far wrong if you can get the above.
As regards a license if it is like Malaysia it is almost impossible to pass your test unless you speal the lingo, as you will find it impossible to find the man who takes the 'coffee money' unless you speak some of the lingo.
I ride a bike in Asia a lot and it is OK, people see bike, and assume that everyone on one is going to ride into them and be uninsured so they avoid you, In fact it is worse to drive a nice car, then they assume you are rich and insured and they will actually drive into you.
1 Accomadation paid, try to include everything like power and TV.
2 Transport/car paid
3 Your old gross salary in the UK to be your net salary now.
You wont go far wrong if you can get the above.
As regards a license if it is like Malaysia it is almost impossible to pass your test unless you speal the lingo, as you will find it impossible to find the man who takes the 'coffee money' unless you speak some of the lingo.
I ride a bike in Asia a lot and it is OK, people see bike, and assume that everyone on one is going to ride into them and be uninsured so they avoid you, In fact it is worse to drive a nice car, then they assume you are rich and insured and they will actually drive into you.
hey Jeremy PM me if you like with any specifics.
I moved here 2 years ago and never looked back. Basically tax is far less i.e. 9-15% and payable at the end of the year (you do put some upfront for the following year).
Unlike the UK there are no hidden charges here such as council tax, NI etc so overall in the pocket is far better.
Living compromises are made though. Accoumodation is expensive i.e. between 2k or so a month for a reasonable size appt, in HK this is bewteen 800 - 1000 sq feet. Driving is not really worthwhile for a few reasons, the 90-100% (this may not be totally accurate as I have not bought a car) tax on cars, the cost a fuel and the lack of parking.
There are so many benefits living here, eating out is generally cheap as is hired help and the city really never sleeps and 24/7/365 partying is a must. The outdoors is pleantyful with activities from surfing, wakeboarding, hiking or just sight seeing. The air quality can be bad however and the city can get busy.
Worklife is far more relaxed than the UK with an 1hr 30 - 2 hour lunch break that most people take and a far more relaxed office environment. People do work longer but I guess thats more because we commute less so home is never more than 20mins away and homes are smaller.
Let me know if you have any specific q's
I moved here 2 years ago and never looked back. Basically tax is far less i.e. 9-15% and payable at the end of the year (you do put some upfront for the following year).
Unlike the UK there are no hidden charges here such as council tax, NI etc so overall in the pocket is far better.
Living compromises are made though. Accoumodation is expensive i.e. between 2k or so a month for a reasonable size appt, in HK this is bewteen 800 - 1000 sq feet. Driving is not really worthwhile for a few reasons, the 90-100% (this may not be totally accurate as I have not bought a car) tax on cars, the cost a fuel and the lack of parking.
There are so many benefits living here, eating out is generally cheap as is hired help and the city really never sleeps and 24/7/365 partying is a must. The outdoors is pleantyful with activities from surfing, wakeboarding, hiking or just sight seeing. The air quality can be bad however and the city can get busy.
Worklife is far more relaxed than the UK with an 1hr 30 - 2 hour lunch break that most people take and a far more relaxed office environment. People do work longer but I guess thats more because we commute less so home is never more than 20mins away and homes are smaller.
Let me know if you have any specific q's
Thanks Tobin,
My parents are from HK and I've been for a few visits so I'm usually quite aware of the surroundings and what there is to do. My main concern is whether the wage I recieve would cover my living costs.
You mention 2k for rent, is that $2000HKD or $20,000HKD? I shouldnt need anything large at all since I'm only going by myself, although an extra room could be handy if I have friends/family visiting from the UK. I've been offered the job but its not 100% set in stone yet, and I am yet to hear back about the wages offered.
I realise that driving would be a very rare option if I do move over so I'm not too bothered. Just wondered if it would be easier/cheaper to get a bike.
In regards to the taxing system, would you usually have to set a side a predicted amount for the end of year tax?
Luckily for me, as both my parents are from HK and do also hold a HK ID card, getting a Visa/Id shouldnt be too hard.
My parents are from HK and I've been for a few visits so I'm usually quite aware of the surroundings and what there is to do. My main concern is whether the wage I recieve would cover my living costs.
You mention 2k for rent, is that $2000HKD or $20,000HKD? I shouldnt need anything large at all since I'm only going by myself, although an extra room could be handy if I have friends/family visiting from the UK. I've been offered the job but its not 100% set in stone yet, and I am yet to hear back about the wages offered.
I realise that driving would be a very rare option if I do move over so I'm not too bothered. Just wondered if it would be easier/cheaper to get a bike.
In regards to the taxing system, would you usually have to set a side a predicted amount for the end of year tax?
Luckily for me, as both my parents are from HK and do also hold a HK ID card, getting a Visa/Id shouldnt be too hard.
np
Rent can very wildley depending on location etc as with most places but I guess if you set aside a rough range of 18-22k HKD a month you won't be far wrong. That said you can move to one of the islands such as lamma / lantau and save some rent there.
As for tax, yes its best to set aside enough to cover the bill at the end of the year. the first year is tough as you need to pay towards the second year too. I normally put away aound 15% but the bill (which they calculate online for you in advance) is always shy of this (more beer tokens for me!)
Rent can very wildley depending on location etc as with most places but I guess if you set aside a rough range of 18-22k HKD a month you won't be far wrong. That said you can move to one of the islands such as lamma / lantau and save some rent there.
As for tax, yes its best to set aside enough to cover the bill at the end of the year. the first year is tough as you need to pay towards the second year too. I normally put away aound 15% but the bill (which they calculate online for you in advance) is always shy of this (more beer tokens for me!)
One of my collegues pays 3500hkd for about 150sq ft in wanchai now. So it's gone up a bit since 05. 550 sq fy in wanchai would run probably 20000hkd now. Www.gohome.com.hk should give a good feel for costs. Tai Po is quite a trek to the island.
Gassing Station | Asia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff