Babysitting in Hong Kong

[2010-NewDad]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good babysitting agency/person? We would be looking to have the odd dinner out together and leave our baby in good hands. We don't have a helper, and most of our friends do which limits the chance to "swap" nights and share. Neither of us is from Hong Kong so that rules out family too.

I have seen RentaMum

http://www.rent-a-mum.com/contact-us.html

but at over HK$500 a go it is a little expensive. We might use them for the odd special occasion but it's a bit steep otherwise.

 

[carang]

that's about the going rate.... hence, many people have helpers.

 

[howardcoombs]

Find a set of friends that have helpers or have 2 helpers so you can depend on them once in a while. You can always put up a notice in your building.
Where are you located? We have 2 helpers that would love to get a few extra $$$ in/around Happy Valley.

 

[rani]

There might be some teenagers also in yr building who could babysit.

 

[2010-NewDad]

There might be some teenagers also in yr building who could babysit.

I thought of that, but I don't really want to leave my baby with a teenager without any childcare experience. Would definitely prefer someone who has had children themselves/baby care experience and that we know can deal with a crying, irritable or hungry baby. While it's not rocket science I know we would feel more comfortable that way.

Also not really interested in illegally employing someone else's helper. With the minimum wage at $28 I think there must be some supply here for an occasional evenings babysitting at closer to $300 than $600 from Rentamum. Maybe a combination of helpers and family fill that niche here...

 

[howardcoombs]

With your wish of staying 100% legal, I think you will have a very tough time attracting anyone for $50-$60/hr who will do part time babysitting for you with your requirements. I'm supposing you will also want/need an English speaker.
If you do find someone, please update us as I'm sure there would be others who would jump at the chance.

I still think getting a well known (neighbor, friend etc) helper is your best bet. Although technically illegal, I seriously doubt a few hours of babysitting will land you in any serious hot water.

 

[evgreen]

I employed a neighbors helper a few times to walk my dog for $60/hr which is the going part time rate (obviously with express permission from the neighbor). Not the same as babysitting children of course, but similar concept...

 

[cuppatea]

$28 is the minimum wage but people only work for that little if its a FT job with 40+ hrs pw.
Even an illegal helper working a few hours doing cleaning and dog walking is $60 + !

How many hours is $500 for ?

 

[2010-NewDad]

$28 is the minimum wage but people only work for that little if its a FT job with 40+ hrs pw.
Even an illegal helper working a few hours doing cleaning and dog walking is $60 + !

How many hours is $500 for ?

Rent-a-mum charge $132 to $168 an hour, with a minimum of 4 hours. So $528 to $672 minimum charge.

I would be happy to pay 5x $60 or similar - hence my looking for something closer to $300.

 

[Ai li]

I tried Smart living before. I would think they are legal, and the price is very reasonable.

I hired a nanny at add-hoc basis. I paid $60 or $65 (cant recall well) per hour, PLUS around $12 insurance. The nanny will come in with written receipt from the agency.


http://www.erb.org/smartliving/en/contactus.php