Moving to Hong Kong: the good, the bad, the ugly???

[Lyrebird]

My dp looks to be offered a role in Hong Kong and we are seriously considering the move. We have a 3month old dd and I was wondering if there were any other MNetters with babies who had experienced HK and could let me know what the good bits were and what the challenges were?

[JJsandcat]

I have 2 friends who live there with their now 3 and 1 year old babes. I love HK, partially grew up there. Thought there was an old thread on living there with bbes. Have you tried geocities HK section or britishexpats abroad.com?

I think one of the biggest challenges is the smog from Pearl River delta though it has lessened somewhat (many factories closing). Another issue is finding good, affordable accomodation. Schooling will be expensive, too. (Just in case you happen to stay there for many years to come.)

I lived on HK Island and SOHO (South of Hollywood Rd), not sure if that works for a baby but friends of mine used to be very happy in Scenic Heights, Mid Levels. Small, but beautiful apartments. Another option might be Repulse Bay, not sure where your hubs is gonna work and how long he wants to commute. Not keen on the New Territories btw.

I hope you find more info on the aforementioned sites. Good luck!!

[queenofallshesurveys]

Hi Lyrebird,

I am moving to HK in 3 weeks with 3 year old twin boys (we fly on their third birthday) and a 16 month old son. I am going to be living out in the new territories (at the Chinese University of HK, near Shatin). As far as I can make out from friends and friends of friends who already live out there, it is a really lovely place and very child friendly. Have a look at geobaby.com, as there is a lot of info on there. Let me know if you want to get in touch, as if you do decide to move out there, it would it would be great to have your company. All the best in making you decision.

[Lyrebird]

Thanks guys (sorry have been unexpectedly offline for a while). It now looks like his role will be based in Singapore although we should know more by the end of this week. I really like to plan things so this is kinda killing me! Pity re the change as it would have been great to have a friendly contact there QOASS . Now have to start getting my head around Singapore (although happily I notice there is a recent thread!)

[queenofallshesurveys]

well so far, so good for us in HK. I hope Singapore comes good for you, I have heard great things about it, especially for people with small children as it is small and easy to get around and also has a good expat population. We have only been in Hk for a couple of weeks, and so far I love it here, and have found it easy enough to get around, meet people and so on. Drop me a line if you ever come over to HK, and good luck in Singapore, I'm sure you'll love it.

[blueshoes]

I am from Singapore, though lived in the UK for the last decade. As a gross generalisation, Singapore is known amongst expats for being a more family friendly place than HK, which is more for free-wheeling singles. But I am sure in both places there are pockets that defy the generalisation.

Make sure accommodation is included in the package, as it is expensive in both, particularly if you are looking at houses with a garden. Most people live in flats.

Your dd is young enough for you to not have to worry about education as yet.

It will be good fun, seriously!

[Lyrebird]

Just found out that Singapore is go!!! Now just sorting out the details and am really looking forward to it. Thanks guys, it's great to hear positive stories - I've never moved to a place that I haven't even visited (eek! but yay for Google ).