[JJ in Hong Kong]

Where can I find pictures of rental units in HK?

I am trying to work out what I should expect to pay for rent according to my life style in various areas in the general HK area. Perhaps someone knows of a few websites to recommend.

I am looking to find something not too big but clean. I don't mind going a 15-30 minutes away from HK Island. I presume I can locate this for about 5,000K? Perhaps a bit more?

My problem is this, I will need 3.5 months rent (including the agent .5 fee & deposit of course).... just to move to HK and coming from Vancouver Canada, we only have to pay 1.5 months in advance. AND the rent prices are half the cost, lol.... geeez.

Thanks,

JJ

[carang]

www.gohome.com.hk will give you an idea of what you'd be paying. please keep in mind that compared to the size of places at home, the places here are shoeboxes, especially in that range.

another option would be to rent a small serviced flat. they would include all utilities, internet access, cable tv, etc. they would be a little more, but from what i understand they don't require the same kind of deposit.

[JJ in Hong Kong]

They don't require the same desturbingly large deposit you say...... I like the sounds of this, at least to start off.

Any idea where to look and inquire deeper into this?

Thanks Carang!

Are you still living in HK? What type of work do you do?

Cheers

[carang]

i don't think they require the same deposit. you'd have to check it out though.

yes i still live here...i've been here for 10 years. i came right out of uni(22 and didn't know a soul). i was supposed to be here for a week long holiday and i've never left.

i started off teaching english... then about 2 years ago i went to beauty school. now i'm working as a beauty therapist.

[dragons4ever]

Carang, you are a warrior

JJ I am having the same problems as you. Shame you are coming out so late, otherwise we could share on an apartment.

[JJ in Hong Kong]

You were a teacher, perhaps you could help me a bit more if you don't mind. I am looking to begin teaching right about a week after I get there. I have taught in Vancouver and Thailand over the past few years. Do you know of how I can pick up some part time and full time hours teaching? I have been told to expect about 20,000 - 60,000 depending on qualifications. What are your thoughts?

Hope everyone is well!

[carang]

it completely depends on your qualifications. you need a work visa(i don't anymore, i'm a permanent res.). in order to get a work visa you need a place to sponsor you. in order for them to spaonsor you, they have to provide a salary with a minimum or around 15-20k/month. technically, if you are working for a company, your visa only entitles you to work for that company, anything on the side is illegal. now, this doesn't mean that people don't freelance on the side. for freelancing tutoring, 3 years ago i charged $350/hour minimum. the going rate now is about $400/hour. so, if you teach even a few extra hours every week, it can affect your income dramatically.

the $60k/month is generally for qualified teachers working in an international school for a few years.

anyway, i don't mind answering any questions, except that i'm now on holiday and i currently don't have much access to a computer...so, it may take me a while to respond.

[JJ in Hong Kong]

I would appreciate that very much. Do you think it is best that I hope on a plane and go looking once I get there? I don't know anyone in the city so I was just planning on checking into a hostel for a while until I could find a place to stay. Ideally I would like my own place but do to the exchange rate and inflated start up costs when attempting to rent a location, this could be difficult.

How long have you been in HK? WHere are you from?

A few more questions please:

Where should I go to check out good Cantonese lessons? What is the standard price for lessons? I would like be begin learning the language right when I get there.

Do you know where there are good hostels and at what price.......... can I get one with my own room? This will give me some time to look around, get work and save up for my 3.5 months rent charge needed to get my place.

Thanks for your time,

JJ

Feel free to email me when yo have time (this goes for Carang too)

me@jessijohnson.ca

[JJ in Hong Kong]

When you say serviced, you mean apartment in a hotel right?

Any to recommend?

[solagirl]

Hey JJ,
I am also a Vancouverite moving to Hong kong, via Los Angeles. I have heard that is should be pretty easy to find places to rent upon arrival, but I am a planner, and like to have things in place before arrival.

The serviced apartments I have seen have really exhorbitant rents, the lowest I have seen is 11-14K HKD a month, but yes, these are only for short term. If you think you may want to stay longer term, I would opt for a furnished apartment.