Expert Info

Posted by
on 17 Feb 2016
Hi, I am moving form Malaysia to Hong Kong soon with my wife and baby, getting job offer in HK. 1) Any decent and new apartment to rent, 2 bedroom, budget around 15,000 per month? Which apartment nearby tsim sha thui is better, surrounding area is fine too as i can take mrt or bus to work as long as not too far within 15-20mins. 2) Can my baby enter local HK school as I not from HK? 3) Which way best way to transfer money back to Malaysia, better rate?
Anonymous (not verified) on 26 Feb 2016 - 05:19
Hi, I have been living in Hong Kong for five and half years now with my husband and cat after moving from Dubai. Given your budget, I recommend looking around Homantin, which is popular for families, and is easy to travel by bus to and from Tsim Sha Shui, which I would avoid, unless you like light pollution, noise and high density of air pollution. As accomodation costs vary greatly as also the size of the apartment or village house, I do recommend, if you have the time, visiting HK first for a week to look around the city and get a feel for where you feel comfortable putting down roots. Many families are now moving further out into the New Territories and the outlying islands. Contact Santa Fe or Crown relocation companies as they have specially appointed staff to help you search for an apartment or even a school. I do recommend Santa Fe for this. As for transferring money back to Malaysia, this is probably best done through your bank. Cantonese, and Putonghua is becoming more popular and widely used, although there are many international schools where it is not necessary, unless you plan to stay here until your child is old enough for the job market. then I do recommend them learning Chinese.
Anonymous (not verified) on 22 Feb 2016 - 09:53
Hi there,

You should be able to afford a decent 2-bed place in Hong Kong but obviously accommodation prices depend on the area you want to stay in as well. I suggest taking a look at the Areas and Suburbs of Hong Kong page to get you started. 

There are no barriers to expat children entering a local school, but some will struggle if they don't have any knowledge of Cantonese. Some local schools have an English stream which would help. Obviously, schooling choices will also depend on your child's age and how easy it would be for them to make the transition.

Good luck

Shantalie
Anonymous (not verified) on 30 Mar 2016 - 06:19
Hi, south horizons is popular for families in Hong Kong Island. MTR will be connected by year end 2016. Cinema, playgorund, international schools, etc all around around. Nice deco with newly made floor tiles, air con, fridge, wardrobes, beds and cabinets. 2.5 bedrooms with 2 toilets. Specially large master bedroom and bed. thanks. Welcome to Hong Kong!
Jane KW on 15 Jun 2016 - 09:45
Hi, so have you ever considered staying in Hong Kong rent serviced apartments? I stayed with these guys, DASH Serviced Suites before, they are real professionals in serviced apartment in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. More importantly, the rent is reasonable ($13,000 to $20,000), still could not forget the pleasant lemon smell in the corridor:)