[tex]

most employers are as good as the level you're brought in at. look at the package they're offering you in terms of $$, housing, clubs, other perks. aside from that, i think hsbc is generally a good employer here. they are just so huge here and i think this works for you.

[carang]

for the healthcare....all you need is a hkid card...then you're covered...

[tiny]

I can tell you that working in HK, then London and now HK again (our choice), HK is definitely better.

1) Less tax in HK
2) Public transport always dirty, late, broken down, no air con and lots of dodgy people.
3) HK less crime than London
4) HK less tourists
5) HK less refugees (you supplement them with your taxes in London)
6) Yeah, London has the NHS but most people can't get an NHS GP or dentist because they are oversubscribed or the waiting list is too long - you'd be dead before they find out what's wrong with you!
7) Going out is expensive and a headache to organise (unless all your friends live close by) cos cabs cost a fortune and the nightbuses are dangerous.
8) Food not as cheap as HK
9) Housing expensive and not as nice as HK (very old, grotty and badly planned).
10) it 80% grey, cold and rainy.
11) everything shuts REALLY early!


Hope the above helps.

[Anne]

@tiny

I do agree with a lot of what you say re transport and prices but:

in HK 'old' housing seems to be older than a few years. There a lot of really nice buildings in London as well, and as a plus, you don't have to share your building with hundreds of other people.

And come on, about the refugees-this and part of your 'etiquette' post suggests a certain racism. Ethnic diversity makes London the cosmopolitan city it is.

And the weather- yes it's nice and warm here, but come on, it doesn't rain as half as heavily in London.

London has a sense of history and an artistic and cultural breadth you can't find in HK. (And finding a decent rock club is near impossible here). There are parks and open spaces right in the centre of London.

That said, if I was back home right now, I'd be wearing three jumpers and commuting 45 mins to work, so I guess it's swings and roundabouts...

[alabama]

agree with Tiny. very good points.

[Taguro]

London is my choice, if you are single or have no kids and you dont want any hassle london is the place to be. Great parties, vast selection of great food, nice people etc etc... I know many ozzie mates that love staying in London and then only come back to Oz when they are ready to stay there for good. London is the way to go. And I personally think the pollution is less there and no bloody monsoon...

[jenniferc]

living in london, you're REALLY going to miss being able to go out at 8pm and shop... i dont know, i'm sick of london at the minute and glad i'm in hong kong for now. it's nice to live somewhere where the tube doesn't break down every 10mins.

[Janetw]

As London has now got the olymoic bid I would stay as far away as you can......... we have a terrible transport system that is going to be completely swamped......Things don't work here properly on a good day..add several thousand tourists more.......!!

[abcdefghi]

Hehe, right, JanetW! It's a building site at the best of times, I don't want to imagine what will happen in the next seven years ...

Still, lots of work for landscape architects!

[Anne]

god I miss London! for all the dirt and the trains not running on time -it's a great place. I never got tired of going over Westminster Bridge every morning-even with a hangover, at 8.30 am.
guess the grass is always greener (not that I've walked on any for weeks..)