Hiring a driver

[Trying]

We are looking to hire a driver - can anyone share some thoughts on average salary and the best way to go about this? Thanks in advance...

 

[evgreen]

Word-of-mouth is usually how drivers are hired (from my own experience). If not, you can also try going thru the HK labour department. http://www2.jobs.gov.hk/1/0/WebForm/

Average salary per month is about 10k-12k with overtime pay. I would definitely give them a probationary trial period.

 

[evgreen]

Now that I think about it though, finding a driver who can also speak English in HK might be a little tougher...

 

[bagel]

Post an ad on geoexpat and look through the ads there?

 

[plumtree]

Apart from drivers from the Philippines, the drivers in Hong Kong that would most commonly speak English fluently are Nepalese. There are agencies that can help, I believe.

 

[Trying]

Thanks everyone, I'll try those suggestions.

 

[Liquorice]

Hi Trying, I think salaries of $10-12k are for local Hong Kong drivers. We paid our driver $4,500, he was Sri Lankan. My friend paid her Sri Lankan driver $6k, but he had a lot more experience than mine. I interviewed 3 or 4 other drivers when I was hiring and they were looking for $5-7k (Filipinos and Sri Lankans).

There are some women who drive too - but not many. But they are around.

 

[Trying]

Thanks liquorice!

 

[vc3231]

Hi Trying, I think salaries of $10-12k are for local Hong Kong drivers. We paid our driver $4,500, he was Sri Lankan. My friend paid her Sri Lankan driver $6k, but he had a lot more experience than mine. I interviewed 3 or 4 other drivers when I was hiring and they were looking for $5-7k (Filipinos and Sri Lankans).

There are some women who drive too - but not many. But they are around.

Liquorice: May I know where can I find Sri Lankan drivers? How many years of experience do they have (at the rate 4500-6000)? Are they under a domestic helper contract? Do they live in or live out? I am urgently looking for a family driver but most of the filipino drivers (under a domestic helper contract) request 11000.
Thanks for the advice in advance.

 

[mummymoo]

I would second vc3231 comment. I have never found a fillipino driver, under domestic helper contract, willing to accept 11 000 unless you sponsored their licence in the first place. 11 000 asked for includes, salary = 8000 , live out costs = 2000 and food + travel =1000 allowance. Even at this rate quite a number of my friends have had their drivers leave as they could obtain a better salary elsewhere or the drivers found the hours too long. (I have never employed a live out driver - just stating what the market conditions are....)
Liquorice, how did you find your driver?