Are you single? If so consider shared housing. For what you have for an allowance you're talking new territories most likely.
Commute to Kowloon isn't bad.

Best bet is to get a serviced unit for one month in a hotel and then find a RE agent ypou trust and find more permanent digs.

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00abuse

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There are a few good options, depending upon your preferences. If you're looking for lots of good restaurants/night-life and a young-ish, single crowd, "mid-levels" on Hong Kong Island may suit. Although, for $8K, you'd almost certainly have to share to get into anything decent.

Discovery Bay is another possibility. It's a bit more of a commute (there is a direct bus from DB to Kowloon which takes about 30-35 minutes or a ferry via Central which would be a little bit longer) but it's one of Hong Kong's "greener" communities (no private cars, lots of parks, mountain trails on your doorstep). It has the highest proportion of expats of any location in HKG but the demographic definitely favours couples or families with young kids. $8K would get you a very comfortable 2 bdrm apartment in DB.

Finally, Kowloon has plenty to offer but it is a very busy/noisy part of the city with not much respite. Very convenient for work but, based upon what you've said, not a very relaxing environment.

I agree with "ejhahn" though... get something temporary for a month or 2 ("leave flatting" is another short-term option) and have a look around once you get here.

Good luck.

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00abuse

08th June 2004

Hello tjc,

Re. Hong Kong Accomodation:

A budget of HK$8K is the absolute bare minimum you will need to secure safe, clean and decent accomodation that is close to or within reasonable commuting distance of Central or Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon).

Most ot the factors that affect your place of abode are: budget, expenses, ease and length of commute, working hours, local or ex-pat community or a community that is an interesting mix of everything.

I lived as an expat in HK(& travelled as a visitor to). The various locales with which I am familiar, are all superb in very different ways:

Wan Chai: within walking, tram, subway & other distance to the MTR (subway), Star Ferry, Peak Tram, The Tram and main island districts of Wan Chai, Admiralty Central, Causeway Bay and Happy Valley.

If you choose to live anywhere close to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, expect convenience - but some noise and air pollution. These locations are a good place to start however. There is one superbly located and little known gem of a place called, The Helena May. I have stayed there during brief visits to HK and the location and other convenient amenities were unrivalled. The place is old and lovely looking, but the amenities are very basic. It is stricly females only (has been since its inception...but the rule may have changed by now). The Central HK location is wonderful, but the noise and pollution - are not recommended fora long term stay. Helena May's costs have almost doubled in the past couple of years, however, so best to research their website for more information.

http://www.helenamay.com/index.html

Mid Levels is a step up - both in ameneties and location - as well as price. Many highrises to choose from. The Peak will probably be out of your budget for now though.

Pok Fu Lam is a fairly short bus/taxi drive from Central and it is one of the more sought after, middle-of-the-road places to live.

Causeway Bay and Happy Valley (close to the main venue for horse races, annual HK Rugby Sevens and major outdoor concerts) are also convenient - but the noise and air pollution negates some of the positives.

The other side of Hong Kong island offers some good opportunities too, such as Stanley (as in Market), etc.

Kowloon side, which is where your employment is, will probably be your best bet in terms of accomodation. Research such areas as Jordan (though not as 'secure') but close to major MTR and places such as the USRC (United Services Recreational Club) & the KCC (Kowloon Cricket Club).

A much longer commute will take you to places such as Clear Water Bay and Sai Kung. All areas that are well renowned for sea food, beaches and hill walking. Lots of interesting, ancient villages as well. I once lived in Long Mei Tsuen (phonetic) or Dragon Tail Village. We had a huge house with a view - but the lengthy and complicated commute before and after a long working day was difficult.

Discovery Bay (a.k.a. Disco Bay) has seen an explosion of development in the past decade. It is not the easiest commute - nor is it the most difficult, and there are many moderately priced flats to choose from, as well as a generous dose of expats from varied backgrounds.

Islands such as Lantau and some of the smaller ones, are much cheaper to live on. Positives are the healther air and sound environment - and smaller enclaves. More of a mix of business & arty expats as well as more rural focussed locals. Negatives are the longer and limited commutes by ferry - and sometimes, fairly long walks through villages to flats. Amenities can range from deluxe to extremely basic.

I suggest you look for a flat-share situation first. Commit to only a month or three at the most. A desposit of 2 to 3 months is usually required up front. You will probably need to secure a fully furnished flat and will need at the very least, a small kitchenette and euro-style bathroom. Look at the premises well in advance, meet your flat-mate(s) in advance. As for the contract, take your time and read all of it...especially the small print. Details are sometimes negotiable.

If you have no contacts prior to your visit to HK, I suggest you communicate with your home country embassy/consulate. You can also look at the major english newspapers such as The Standard and the South China Morning Post.

There are many social/recreational clubs and associations that cater to expats as well as locals, and they might provide some valuable information, if not contacts.

Prior to your arrival in HK, I strongly advise that you secure some type of temporary accomodation until you are more comfortable about the territory, people, culture, language and other relevant factors.

Hong Kong is an extremely expensive place to live, but with some good research, planning and a heavy dose of reality as well as a sense of adventure - it can be a most exciting place to live.

Learn as much as you can about HK in advance. It is esp. wise to learn some basic Cantonese phrases - much of which you will pick up when you are there. Publications such as The "Lonely Planet Guides", the "Hong Kong Expat Guide", "Discover Hong Kong" and other texts will be most helpful.

Best wishes that your forthcoming adventures in Hong Kong be all you hope for.

Jao la!
Enya Sharen

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