[dilly]

Hi all!!!
So I am moving from California to Hong Kong for the summer - for a job.
Questions for all you seasoned expats.
1. will I be able to get wireless internet on my normal Dell laptop in coffee bars, etc.?
2. What should I do about a cell phone? If I buy a new one there can I use it in the states when I return?
3. For power plugs: is a prong converter all I need? Should I get that there or here, before I go?
4. Do I need travellers insurance?

I would really appreciate all your help! Thanks!

[Sleuth]

Hi Dilly.
Can't help with everything, but here is some insight:
#2--key to doing what you are asking is being able to remove/change the card, otherwise it will be really expensive.
#3--voltage in HK is different from US, so the prong converters only work if the appliance accepts HK voltage.

[penguinsix]

1) Wifi is wifi, pretty much anywhere in the world. You should have no problems.

2) Your US phone needs a) to be a GSM phone and b) be unlocked. Who is your carrier? Basically you will buy a pay as you go SIM card for your time in Hong Kong and slip it into your phone (provided it is UNLOCKED). If it is not unlocked, call your carrier and ask for the unlock codes, or go on the net and see if you can find them, or just buy a phone in HK.

If all this is foreign to you, then just buy a new phone in HK.

3) Hong Kong is 220v. The USA is 110v. Somethings, like your laptop, have a "black box" on the power cord that handles anything from 100-220, i.e. just get a plug convertor ($1 USD in HK) and plug it in, or buy a new cord to plug into your laptop power convertor (they are all standard, usually--$4 US in HK) and use it for four month (my recommendation--safer).

Small appliances, hair dryers, shavers, etc. You can get a convertor but usually it is easier to get new ones over there.

4) Travel insurance. Not essential, but you need to check with your current insurance re: overseas treatment. It very possibly will only cover 'emergency care' and 'expatriation' back to the US. Maybe not. Don't expect to go to the Dentist or the Eye Doctor or a regular physical based soley on your US plan unless you check with them first.

We really can't answer that last one--it will depend entirely on your current insurance.

[nyj]

Hi dilly - congrats on your move, just got here from US recently so I have dealt with some of these things, though I think penguin was pretty much spot on so I am just adding one other thing to remember -

A lot of people forget to set up phone/fax wire permissioning on your bank account. Make sure you do that 2 weeks before you come over, otherwise it is difficult to fund your HK account when you get it set up, and I can tell you from experience its not cool.

Best of Luck.

Nate

[zen_ni]

money transfer /other options:


1. b4 u leave cali , get a bank draft under the bank of america, citibank, hbsc etc ... or even your own current bank, usually there is a fix charge like usd 20 max .. take the bank draft with u to any HK bank, open an account with your passport and u will get your money within 3 to 5 days .. depends. it will be better if u have a few thousand cash or traveller cheque b4 the bank draft is cleared.wiretransfer is workable , but the fee is much higher ~~ my experience.

2... travel insurance, check with state farm, or AIA or ...transamerica ( assumed u r from bay area ), they usually have full package in travel insurance life insurance ..etc, some banks do have that too , i dont know what bank u have there.

3... just let u know, its better to get an octopus card right after u land, tell me later if its useful.

4... look for internet cafe, if dell doesnt work well in wifi area

good luck!

[PDLM]

Er, 2 year old posting!