Moving to Hong Kong, advice please

We came from the US and have been here about 10 months. I love it! Mostly because here I don't have to work and can spend more time with my kiddo! And still have domestic help. Of course there was adjustment and times when I feel very frazzled by it all, but once you learn your way around and figure out the shopping it's all good!

Apartments tend to be small here yes, so innovative storage really helps when it comes to toys. We have IKEA here and I got a little set of stackable bins that really helps with the toys.
 
Was just reading all your replys and I too am thinking of moving to HK with my husband and 5 month old baby. Could I ask how you have found the language barrier, my husband speaks cantonese but I only speak English, would love to get a job whilst over there but not sure how easy this would be. Your help on this would be much appreciated.

Hoping to move in Oct this year. I am from Leeds,we have family in HK and love it!

Thanks
 
Nats1982, although I can't offer any advice about living in hong kong, I can say that judging by all the replies I've had on my thread, everyone sounds so friendly and relaxed. My nerves and worries about moving out have been helped greatly and put at rest due to peoples reponses - I must sound like a right worry wart!

Thank you everyone else for all your advice - I'll be back!!!
 
Thanks Kazbt

I think my main concern is not speaking the language, are you going to work when your'e out there?

I love HK we go every year to see family and have only just decieded that we would like to move out there and experience the lifetsyle etc.

When are you moving?
 
Not speaking Cantonese or Mandarin does not really impact daily life.
Of course, learning the basics will help you (taxis, markets etc.) but you can get by without very easily.
If you are looking for work, only speaking English may limit your options, depending on what you do for a living.

I have been here 8 months, the hardest thing to get used to is the pollution. It really is off the scale and there are days I don't feel like leaving the house because of the smog.
 
Nats1982, no, I won't be working out there. We're only going for 2 years, maximum 3 years for hubby to help out the office! We're still waiting for the deal to be signed off in HK, but have said that we'll go at the end of July/beginning of Aug, although they did want us to go out beginning of July. I've said no as it doesn't leave us a lot of time for packing etc (they've only just agreed a deal to go out).

I am kind of looking forward to it, but apprehensive as it's going into the unknown for me, although he was out there for 5 weeks in Dec last year.

When would you be going out, and do you know where you'll be living? We're going to Happy Valley, as the bank own some apartments there.
 
Hi
I speak and understand very little Cantonese, I wish I had made more of an effort years ago. I may start to learn again - not needed but I would feel better being able to communicate more sometimes, also to understand what people are talking about in certain situations.
With regards to the pollution, it isn't as bad as some places, Clearwater Bay has much cleaner air. I moved to the Middle East for one year and the pollution was terrible, much worse than here.
I was so excited about moving to HK and felt really sad leaving, we thought we were leaving for good after 7 years, Middle Easst wasn't for us and we were fortunate to get a job back here in HK, we love it and couldn't wait to move back, don't think we will be leaving again anytime soon.
 
Hi neighbour

Kabzt,

Hello neighbour, I am living one road down to your place in Happy Valley. I have a 15-mth old boy be happy to be a playmate with your kids. I will be more than happy to answer your questions about HK. I will PM you my details for contact. Cheers and welcome to Hong Kong.
 
Hi
I will be moving to HK in Feb/Mar with a 3yr old and newborn.

I will be living in Hng Lok Yuen.

Any advice will be most appreciated.

Thanks
Susheela.
 

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