[Sibarita]

Hi all:

I´ve been offered a position in HK (moving out from Madrid) as Business Development Manager for a Multinational High Tech Comapny and thnking seriously of making the move.

Married with a 6 months child.

I´ve never been in HK (plan to go there soon to check around) but think that making such a move (leaving home for few years) has to give somthing in return.

I believe that asking how much $ is needed to have a great life there is dumb (I won´t dirve a Porsche, will travel a lot), but would like to get advice of how much is needed for a good life for the family and being able to save something. This info will help:

- Nice / big 3+ bedroom appartment (real 1200sqf+) with all ammenities in the most multicultural residential areas in HK given my job would be in North Point area. Upon landing, I would be going to a Serviced Appartment which I found out to be the best choice. Am I right? Can I consider areas like Discovery Bay as an option to live? Remember I will travel a lot so access to the airport is important.

- Mine would be a full ex pat package, including intl removal, rellocation agent, working permit, a couple of tickets back home per year, company car, medical insurance and some other minor stuff. Anything else I should take in consideration that worths metining? Any heavy expense I should consider? Still discussing the package, but want to put relevant costs in the table asap.

- Taxes: I know there is a complete forum about this and will go through it soon. Any special comment?

- Spanish speaking community: is there any? We have no friends living in HK and -as you may imagine- we spanish need socializing more than air itself (tapas, bares, etc). By the way, we are in our mid 30´s. My wife and I agreed she would be unemployed for a few years taking care of the baby and I know this will create trouble in the long run ..... advices are welcome.

- Holidays: here in Spain 20 working days a year is normal + public holidays ....... quite a lot, I know, but is it realistic there??

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[hk.com]

Aupa! Lo que mas importa es que te traigas bien the jamon serrano, lo demas da igual.

La vida aqui es facil pero antes de cogerte un piso quedate en un hotel un mes para que te de tiempo a selecionar en que distrito quieres vivir.

El coste de vida depende mucho en que trabajas, que nivel social estas etc... aqui se puede vivir con menos que en Espana o puedes quemar dinero a una velocidad increible.

Habiendo pasado las navidades in Sanse me parece HK mucho mas barato.

Gente de Espana hay muy poca, unos pocos cientos.

Bueno, suerte.

[TBJ]

Hola. There are very small groups of Spanish people here, but indeed there are some!

I know the Spanish lifestyle very well, I studied abroad in Granada and spent most of my time out having free tapas with friends.

You will fit in Hong Kong very well. There is a good social atmosphere here. You might not find many Spanish speakers however. Pero, escribes ingles bien asi no hay ningun problema.

Have fun in Hong Kong and if you ever want to speak Spanish just let me know. Some day I will go back to Spain, I love it there. Madrid and Barcelona especially.

[hk.com]

Up north we eat Pinchos or pintxos, tapas are not that fancy.

Pinchos (meaning spike) normally go on a piece of bread, have something on it stacked, seafood or what ever and have a cocktail stick through them.

You don't find those in HK.

Aupa la Real aunque este en segunda!