[Cassie]

Hi
I work for an FS company as part of their International Assignment Team. Things you need to consider when moving are:

- will the company be tax equalising you or are you responsible for your own taxes. HK being a low tax jurisdiction means tax equalisation is not a good option for most.
-most companies will pick up the cost of visas, temp accommodation, international health plans, etc. Query if they're not offered.
-for guidance on salary take a look at the robert walters and other agency websites. They all have very basic salary survey's on them that you can view.
- What about your insurances such as life, disability? If you're coming on to local insurance plans check the level of coverage. If you own a house in your home country the coverage may not be adequate particularly as your salary is likely to drop.
- does the company offer cultural training / language courses / relocation assistance such as help finding a school, etc.
- try and negotiate a club membership.
- review the relocation policy. It should cover you for flights, temporary accommodation, break costs associated with your home country lease / contracts, shipping, set-up costs over here (don't forget you'll need to have enough cash to pay up to 4 months rent up front as a deposit on a property).
-get some estimates of rental costs from this site before agreeing your package. Rental costs are v v v expensive here unless you're willing to live up to 30 mins from the business district.
-check your repatriation clause. It is a given you can go home when your time comes or is it a business need - the two are very different things.......
-have you an entitlement to home leave flights?

Lastly think about the personal side of things. Can you live without your friends? Do you like travel (there's lots of options here)? Look at you main social costs and see how they weigh up in the HK cost wise.

I hope this helps......

[sp1key]

Originally Posted by Cassie

Can you live without your friends?

ya this is something you should consider too... I've just started work and the problem is you are left without much time to socialise and make new friends which could be unhealthy. However I will be getting to it! tks to this site/forum.

hope you'll be happy with what you've got. HK is indeed a very vibrant and happening place

[MelissaM]

Thats how u feel... my 9months here and I feel that the people no offence to anyone but the local breed are really very practical and bother a lot on how much u have in yr wallet n not so much on what you are ...

Like the Cantonese saying: " hen Sit"

They have a who u are mentality and it really puts me off...I mean come on we come with nothing into this world and so we should go with nothing.

[fsklee]

In HK, there are different types of people. Most are energetic, but in different ways - some are workaholic, some play hard, but most yuppies work hard and play hard too. Explore the social circle.

[Alby]

What you have already been in Hong Kong with one company and you change company's? What kind of packages have expats gotten?

[Victoria006]

Hi
I'm another expat looking to see if they have been offered a good package in HK!!!

I've been offered HKD30K a month in addition to paid accomodation for the first 6 months and then HKD7800 a month (taxable) to get my own place. They are also offering medical insurance and one trip home a year. No mention yet of financial help with shipping my stuff over but trying to negotiate!

From what I've been reading so far, seems like my offer's good but is there anything I'm missing or any advice anyone can give???

Would appreciate!!
Thanks.

[MelissaM]

What about career growth and advancements?

I think we should look beyond the bigger picture...

No point being offered the stars and moon.. when at the end of the day ...u cannot move anywhere....up ...

[pin]

Originally Posted by Victoria006

Hi
I'm another expat looking to see if they have been offered a good package in HK!!!

I've been offered HKD30K a month in addition to paid accomodation for the first 6 months and then HKD7800 a month (taxable) to get my own place. They are also offering medical insurance and one trip home a year. No mention yet of financial help with shipping my stuff over but trying to negotiate!

From what I've been reading so far, seems like my offer's good but is there anything I'm missing or any advice anyone can give???

Would appreciate!!
Thanks.

I guess it depends on the line of work you are in. Six months free and then giving you some money is pretty good.

The one trip home a year is also pretty good.

Basically I didn't get the rental allowance or the flight home a year package, but my firm did provide me with money to move some of my stuff over.

[Victoria006]

Thanks both for your comments.
I work as a designer which isn't the best paid industry to be in anyway but figure that the offer is pretty good and planning to take it.

Melissa, I understand what you're saying but don't get me wrong I'm not being totally materialistic! I just heard Hong Kong is an expensive place to live and don't want to have to live like a student again!! Also while I'm out in the Far East I really want to travel around in between working and I need cash to do that. But appreciate your comments and the move will definitely be good for my career too.

[funnie]

Originally Posted by Victoria006

Thanks both for your comments.
I work as a designer which isn't the best paid industry to be in anyway but figure that the offer is pretty good and planning to take it.

Melissa, I understand what you're saying but don't get me wrong I'm not being totally materialistic! I just heard Hong Kong is an expensive place to live and don't want to have to live like a student again!! Also while I'm out in the Far East I really want to travel around in between working and I need cash to do that. But appreciate your comments and the move will definitely be good for my career too.

From a financial angle, your offer is good.