Moving to Hong Kong, advice please

K

kazbt

Registered User
Hi all, I'm new on here and gathering all the information I can about HK. My hubby has taken a relocation package from work (HSBC), and we're moving out for 2-3 years at the end of August. We've been told we're staying at the Wendy Apartments in Happy Valley (understand they're bank owned). We have 2 children, 1 boy aged 6, and a girl aged 15 months.

I am worried about the children out here, and me! What will I do? Is there lots to do, you all look a friendly bunch on here.

Any advice would be gratefully r'cd!

Many thanks

Karen
 
Hi
You will either love HK or hate it. We came out in Dec 1999 from UK for around 2 years and we are still here. We love it.
There are lots of things to do for yourself and for your children. A few things for the kids are Ocean Park, HK Park, Botanical and Zoological Gardens, lot of play parks scattered around. There are many clubs to join, not sure if your husband will get a club membership or not - ask him to ask the company. There are many public swimming pools and recreation centers.
My son does socatots and swimming lessons.
Then when it's not raining or too hot there are lots of hiking to be done, junk trips (boat trips) etc etc, the list just goes on and on.
Going out in town is also great, many fantastic restaurants to try.
Have you been to HK before?
I am sure lots more people will be adding more things for you.
Hope you enjoy your time here.
 
I am sure you will love it here! There is loads to do. In addition to Ocean Park and Disneyland, our daughter loves the beaches, riding the Midlevels escalator, taking ferry rides to the outlying islands, and the Peak Tram. There are many, many good playgrounds around town too. We also do Kindermusik and there are other similar playgroups (where you attend with your child) that would be great for your 15 month old. Hopefully the relocation package for you also will include some help with schools for your 6 year old - there are lots of good ones here.

If you haven't heard this yet most people get a domestic helper - a full time live in housekeeper/nanny/cook. It will free up your time to do things with the children, and there are also lots of things for moms to do. The YWCA offers some great classes to help you get acclimated to Hong Kong and the American Women's Association (which is open to everyone, it is American in name only) also has lots of fun activities. There are shopping trips and tours, cooking classes, etc. And basic errands just take longer here when you are getting around on public transport and dealing with HK's many markets and shopping areas.

Are you thinking about working as well?

It's great here, we're here to help with your questions!
 
:thanksThank you so much for your replies, they have helped put my mind at rest. Husband has been out there for 5 weeks last December, and he loved it, and has told me that I will love it too. Yes, apparently we will get a sports club membership, our 6 year old and hubby loves football, so hopefully they'll play somewhere, and maybe something for me and little one too! Yes have also heard about the domestic helpers - worth their weight in gold apparently!

I'll probably be back soon to pick more brains about things when I start panicking!!!

Thank you
Karen
 
Hi you will love it here with 2 little ones that age!!! One of my closest friends lives in Wendy Apartments so if you would like me to put you in touch with her please let me know!
 
Noella, thank you for that offer, yes please, I would love to 'meet' someone before we get there (in cyberworld!).

Where are you all from originally, and how long have you been in HK?

Thanks again

Karen
 
Hi
Can't believe I forgot Disney Land!!
I'm originally from near Blackpool in the UK. I've been here since Dec 1999, we love it here, lots to do.
It sounds as if your husband has the 'Football Club' membership, if so you will have loads to do, there are many facilities there. If you like netball you could join the team and many more.
The only think I don't like now is flying all the way back to Manchester from here with two young children, don't like flying very much and haven't yet done a long haul with my daughter who will be one next month.
Good luck with all your packing arrangements etc.
 
Hi,

I agree with what everyone has said. I have been in HK for just 5 months and really love it. Originally also from UK.

However just bear in mind with any move there is a settling in period, and it can be difficult at first. It will be very different from the UK, there will be new friends to make, new schools to find, new places to find etc. There is no Tescos or Sainsburys here, although there are some really good supermarkets. Just give yourself chance to settle.
 
Hi all, thank you so much for all your postings, all full of useful info. Yes, that will be the next step, what to bring out and what to put in storage! I suppose it's a good way of chucking out the clutter! In an apartment, do you think there'll be enough room for kids toys etc. Also, our boy has a Wii, but heard that the UK ones are not compatible out there - has anyone experienced this?

Thanks ladies, be in touch

Karen
 
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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