 |
|
|
|
|
Q1 |
Have things changed since the hand over of sovereignty from the British to Chinese? |
|
|
|
|
| |
Basically, no. Hong Kong is still as vibrant and cosmopolitan as ever with most locals and expatriates experiencing little or no change in their lifestyles. The results of the 1998 Legco elections held during the year have reinforced the "one country two systems" policy that the Joint Declaration signed in 1984 and so far the Central Government of China is adhering to this agreement. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Q2 |
What's the most challenging aspect facing an expatriate coming to live in Hong Kong? |
|
|
| |
Probably culture shock. Newly arrived expatriates may be overwhelmed by this unfamiliar environment and besieged with conflicting emotions as they react to new surroundings. One's senses are truly heightened in a new environment and it can be difficult to react with immediate intellect to all the new challenges. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Certainly teenagers will initially find life more challenging and Hong Kong has a teenage drug culture like most developed cities. There are great support networks and the schools themselves have systems in place to monitor such matters such as mandatory drug testing. So the measures that would be in place at home you will also find here. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Q4 |
Is Hong Kong an easy place to live? |
|
|
| |
Yes. Like all international cities it takes time to adjust to how things are done in Hong Kong as opposed to your home country. Once you've settled into life here you'll really appreciate the dynamics of this city. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Q5 |
Is Hong Kong a safe place to live? |
|
|
| |
Completely. Most residential complexes have 24-hour security guards and/or security telephone access in the apartment enabling you to allow visitor access. Petty crime in Hong Kong is minimal and walking the streets of Hong Kong late at night is fairly safe. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Q6 |
What about the pollution? |
|
|
| |
It exists for sure. But its not as bad as other Asian cities and throughout the year we really do enjoy lovely crisp clear skies. Whilst it can be challenging we haven't seen families pack up and leave owing to the pollution. If you have any concerns then we would recommend you chat with friends or colleagues on their views. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Q7 |
What's the standard of accommodation like in Hong Kong? |
|
|
| |
In short, good. However it all depends on what you're looking for. Accommodation consists of detached houses, penthouses, townhouses and apartment style living. For some people determining where they live will be dictated by budget. For others if the budget is generous then the selection criteria is far reaching with many options. However generally speaking there is suitable accommodation for everyone of all budgets. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Q8 |
Should we bring our own furniture? |
|
|
| |
Depends. How long you will be in Hong Kong? How expensive is your furniture and any artwork? Do you want to risk potential damage during the move? Is Hong Kong's humidity going to affect your wood pieces and your art work? What we do suggest you bring is your own beds and those items that are familiar to you on a day to day basis. We feel this is particularly important for children. Some expats need to check if their electrical appliances will run on Hong Kong's 200/220 volts and 50 hertz electricity. Whatever you decide Hong Kong has an abundance of furniture shops offering Western and Asian pieces. The two main furniture leasing firms are Home Essentials (www.home-essentials.net) and Indigo
(www.indigo-living.com). A good place to look for furniture is Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Horizon Plaza is a favourite haunt with expats and offers over 200,000 sf of space showcasing wholesalers, exporters, importers, warehouses and factory outlets. If you are looking for wine, BBQs, shoes, beds, childrens’ toys, designer labels and much more, it’s all found here at Horizon Plaza. |
|
| |
|
|
