[M Khan]

Hi, I'm moving to HK within the next 8 to 10 weeks and will be on a relatively low budget (salary hasn't been confirmed, yet, but I'm expecting the offer to be less than 20k per month).

I have no particular need to live in an expat area, although aside from price, convenience of getting to work is a high priority (I'll be working in Central). I know there are high-speed boats running 24 hrs from DB, however a brief bit of research suggests it might be too expensive.

Sha Tin is an area I particularly like, but honestly I'm open to suggestions. I speak Mandarin and can read Chinese fairly well, so Chinese communities are ok (just as long as the apartment is of a modern / western standard).

I'd be really grateful for any advice on which areas to start looking in.

Thanks

[wtbhotia]

if u can speak/read Chinese then your choice is limitless. search Hong Kong's #1 Property Website - www.GoHome.com.hk for your set budget in HK island area, you should be able to find loads. bear in mind, you might have difficulties searching for homes as some owners are quite racist and dont like to rent homes to south east asians. looking at your username i assume u r south east asian or maybe i m wrong.

[timklip]

try looking in Kowloon, near the Tsuen Wan line or Tung Chung line . Both will get you to Central with little hassle, and you'll likely find the rents cheaper there than on the island. Farther out and needing a train transfer, the Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O lines have good deals too, but travel time is a bit longer and not quite as convenient (but still closer than Sha Tin.)

check out www.ypmap.com to orientate yourself (pun intended)

[M Khan]

Thanks, guys, that was some really useful advice. Looking at the sites you suggested (plus a map of the KCR/MTR system) has really given me some ideas about where to look. The trick, now, will be how to stay in HK cheaply whilst conducting the actual search.

[leghk]

Originally Posted by M Khan

Thanks, guys, that was some really useful advice. Looking at the sites you suggested (plus a map of the KCR/MTR system) has really given me some ideas about where to look. The trick, now, will be how to stay in HK cheaply whilst conducting the actual search.

mirador mansions or chungking (sp?) mansions on nathan road, Tsim Sha Tsui. - lots of guesthouses 100-200HK$ per night. Small rooms and the quality varies from bad to bearable.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by M Khan

The trick, now, will be how to stay in HK cheaply whilst conducting the actual search.

Just a word of caution before you get too far into this...

Do you have the right to work in Hong Kong? If not it is really quite unusual for Immigration to grant an Employment Visa for jobs paying salaries below $20K/month. So you certainly shouldn't be making any commitments on accommodation until you have the Visa (and it will be hard for you to get a decent rental until you have a HKID anyway).

[M Khan]

Originally Posted by PDLM

Just a word of caution before you get too far into this...

Thanks for the words of caution. Although the starting salary is low, the employer is a fairly large and well-established corporation and has promised to take care of all of the necessary visas and so-on. I have a friend who has recently started working there and she has confirmed that the company does, indeed, do this.

I will be sure not to make any firm arrangements or financial commitments until all the legal paperwork is sured-up. I think it's prudent, however, to start making preparations now, especially since my buget will be low and the search, consequently, more difficult.

[desmondng]

I worked in the bank before and now I am a freelance worker, helping expats to rent/buy apartments, providing "suggestions" living in HK. PM me if you want the help.

[gilleshk]

If you want convenience and cheap rental, I suggest Kennedy Town, Sai Wan Ho and Aberdeen for cheaper rent on HK island. Another sensible way would be to look for a flatmate.

DB and Lamma are very cheap and even though you have to add the cost of the ferry, you'll still be ahead but it's a pain if you go out at night.

If you enjoy nightlife, I'd recommend HK island. If you like wide open spaces, peace and quiet then NT or the islands.

[M Khan]

Thanks for the advice. How is the commute from Aberdeen? Is it the sort of place where I'd need a car? All things considered I'd rather be on HK island than out in DB (although I realize that prices will be higher and I will have to make some sacrifices).