[newbee]

Hi Applefan,

Can't sleep? That kinda sucks!
Don't let it go down on you.

Well, to be honest, as my name suggests, I'm very junior in my company (i'm in my very early 20's, and out of university), but because my division is 'hot', i'm getting shipped off immediately, so I'm really not so good witheverything at all.

There are a lot of helpful people on this blog who are much more senior than me, and whom I suspect might be actually my co-workers, hence I will not reveal too much.

From what I understand, as long as you can prove that you're using the money for rent (and it's specified in your contract it's a housing allowance, it's partially deductible. (have to gross up 1.1 times)

For example, if your base pay is 100k and housing is 20k, and you use all of your housing, your taxable income is 100*1.1=110k.
Therefore you will be paying tax on 110k instead of 120k for income tax purposes.

Because i'm relatively junior, I'm only getting a lumpsum shipping allowance (it's pretty large though) and airtickets, housing is included too. but i have no family, dogs, children, etc. just me. so maybe that's why they choose me. =)

With regards to looking for a house, I actually will start work the minute i land, I don't think my bosses in HK are going to give me anytime whatsoever to look for an apartment =( (i'm still at work and it's 1am on a saturday)
just like you, i'm actually working with the mother ship more than with HK. so that will mean late nights with my blackberry?
i wonder why i'm being sent so far away??

well, good luck. write to me if you have any questions.
i'm actually not even in HK yet. Only moving in a couple of months!