[Makkino]

Hi All,

Need some advise from all the experts out there for the below;

1) rental apartment near airport
2) living standard in hk
3) how much taxes to pay
4) Transportation prices
5) any housing allowance

My monthly salary is only around $37K HKD. Coming with my wife as well? Is the salary substainable? Cheers

[HKChigger]

new airport? New since 10 years ago Anyways to try to clear up your questions:eek

1) rental apartment near airport
Closest to the airport is Tung Chung. Lots of options there and it is a decent place. A fair amount of pollution from the airport though. Another area to consider is Discovery Bay or perhaps even Tsing Yi as it is a good halfway between town centre and airport.

2) living standard in hk
Compared to what?

3) how much taxes to pay

Taxes in Hong Kong are very low. It is paid yearly though, so you do need to try to save a little for that yearly sum if you can.

4) Transportation prices

Very Very Cheap compared to most places. Bus from Tung Chung to Airport is around HKD$4 I believe. Tung Chung to the city is HKD$15-HKD$20. Taxi is $16 when you get in for Urban taxi and $13 for Lantau taxi's (I believe) This applies for first 2 km.

5) any housing allowance
A lot of people get it and a lot of people don't, it is something between you and your company.

[MovingIn07]

A lot of pilots and airline stewardesses live around me here in Gold Coast. 30 mins on direct residents bus to airport (goes every hour) costs HKD35 (but I think cathay staff get a discount).

It's nicer here than tung chung - also cheaper - more space - but it all depends on what you want. Hard to answer here.

[Makkino]

Thanks guys,

Btw, I'm from SIN and have seriously considered the offer of $37K HKD (from CX) but felt that its a bit too low after paying the rental which costs anything from 7-10K per month.

Looks like will have to negotiate for a higher pay check else the "pull factor" won't be too high.

In addition, going into a new job will need to put in extra effort to proof yourself again. Not sure how is the working environment in CX.

Any comments??? Cheers

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by Makkino

.

In addition, going into a new job will need to put in extra effort to proof yourself again. Not sure how is the working environment in CX.

Any comments??? Cheers

Thats why people move onto new jobs in the first place right? To prove themselves again and for a fresh challenge.

[Makkino]

Totally agree with you!

However, its tough to survive on challenge only without much bread & butter

[jimbo]

Its not always about money though, in HK you can live frugally and still have a good time, It just depends on your lifestyle and how you manage your money.

Many people here earn a lot less than what you've been offered and can still live well.

[chocolatekisses]

dont you get housing allowance ?? CX normally give housing allowance in their expat package

[Makkino]

Hi,

No housing allowance for me, guess its more like a local package than an expat one. Have given much thought about it and more or less decided to reject the offer.

Guess no point to take a 20% pay cut for a new challenge as there are too many other commitments to take care of.

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by Makkino

Hi,

No housing allowance for me, guess its more like a local package than an expat one. Have given much thought about it and more or less decided to reject the offer.

Guess no point to take a 20% pay cut for a new challenge as there are too many other commitments to take care of.

I'm from Spore too. I have to agree with you that coming on a HKD 37K package can be very tight for both you and your wife. And the HK dollar has been dipping slightly too. Have to take that into consideration. I've probably lost about 10 percent or more of my salary in the last 2 years but my employer has been generous in giving raises of about 15% so it kinda evens out.

Yes, you have to pay rent and if you're going to live in Tung Chung or Park Island (which is kinda near the airport), you'll have to put aside about 8 to 9k a month for rent. So when it comes to the bottom line, financially, it might not be viable to leave Spore.

But having said that, your wife can look for a job in HK if she wants to. My hubby did that. I got a job and 2 months later he joined me after securing a job. Take it as a challenge or adventure. After 4 months in HK, we sold our car in Spore and then 8 months on, we sold our flat in Spore too. We'll head home someday but just not sure when.

Guess what I'm trying to say, it is an experience that can't be bought. And yes, we're enjoying it here. Hubby does fly back once a month for work though.