[jimbo]

Originally Posted by pistachico

With 3.5 K you should set your mind on a flat share, the money will go a lot further. You could share a decent enough place (600-700ft) in mid-levels, Wanchai, or Sheung Wan.

You can get your own place for 3.5 K, but it'll be a small crampt place, perhaps even a flat split into rooms with ensuites. It'll be a lot better to do a flat share.

Or you could get yourself a 700 sq ft place out in the new territories for that sort of money if you want to be on your own.

Travel time into central will be about an hour or so.

[fromIndia]

Originally Posted by jimbo

Or you could get yourself a 700 sq ft place out in the new territories for that sort of money if you want to be on your own.

Travel time into central will be about an hour or so.

Can you tell me territories around central for that..

[jimbo]

New territories is kowloon side not Hong Kong Island, So you're looking at places such as Sha Tin, Tai Po etc, anything along the KCR route as opposed to the MTR route.

They're all village houses so will be out of the way but think of the fresh air etc etc, But I will warn you now the commute will get to you after a while.

[nation]

This might be seem a little far fetched but a few people live on house boats quite cheaply. I'm not sure of rents or locations but some have used them as an alternative. Maybe someone on here knows more.

Failing that to stay within 1/2 hour of work and to mainatin a decent level of quality and size (400 sq ft) your best bet will be shared accomodation. May even consider posting on the classifieds here to see if you can get takers.

[lowlight]

Originally Posted by Expatriate

There is some cheap accomodation in Shenzhen, but then you need to add travel cost and travel time.

This reply is so appropriate

[Expatriate]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

Expatriate: lets not get snotty and unhelpful .. there are other sites where you can practice your windups.

Well, my colleague, also an expat, lives in Shenzhen and comes over to Hong Kong every day. He says it's cheaper, it just takes time.

[Bobbybo]

Soon Shekou to Hong Kong bridge will be built and Shenzhen-Hong Kong highway too. Shenzhen is cheap and a nice city. From Luohu Customs to Tsim Sha Tsui East it takes around 1 hour (depending on how many people at the border).
It's not a bad idea to move to Shenzhen. And then learning Mandarin there is cheap and easier, cause everybody speaks it.

[Viper]

Surely if you were living in Shenzhen you'd have to deal with the draconian Chinese laws, restrictions, censorship and monitoring...?

[Bobbybo]

Things in China are quite easy for expatriates.
Viper, have you ever lived in China? If yes, where? And when?
I lived in Shanghai 7 years and never felt monitored or censored or restricted, except for some problems with my dogs. And Shanghai is stricter than Shenzhen in rules and regulations. I have an office in Shenzhen and go there every week. It's ok and a lot of Hong Kong people moving there and buying apartments think the same as I think (this is what I heard from people I know).

Hope to hear your experience and get some new points of view.

[Viper]

No, I haven't. That's why I was curious - it was a genuine question.