Bar work as an expat? what are the chances?

Closed Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
  1. #1

    Bar work as an expat? what are the chances?

    I am an Australian moving to HK at the end of the month with a Working Holiday Visa.

    I am interested in getting work in a bar in hong kong. I cannot however, speak any chinese. Are there positions available for expats to work in bars? Are they readily available?

    I have not worked in a bar before, but I have been working as 2nd in charge at a liquor store here in Australia for 3 years, and I hold a 'Responsible Service of Alcohol' certificate, which I imagine is of some advantage.

    Also, what are the wages/tips like? I am not really concerned, I am really just looking for something to fill in a bit of time, and to make a bit of money. But it would be interesting to know.

    Any information would be much appreciated.


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    23,205

    Getting work shouldn't be a problem - there are plenty of bars which function essentially in English. Non-Chinese-speaking Gwailo bar managers are common - barmen less so, but not unknown.

    In general people don't tip in bars here (or at least only a few coins, not to American standards). Bars do add 10% service charges, but I'm not sure how much, if any, of that goes to the people doing the serving.

    Wages are I think in the HK$5-8K/month range for basic bar/wait staff, depending on how many hours you do.


  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    In the Lair of the Village Idiot's Apprenctice
    Posts
    3,385

    So tell me what exactly is this Working Holiday Visa.?


  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    In the Lair of the Village Idiot's Apprenctice
    Posts
    3,385

    that was quick

    wow all my questions regarding the visa have been answered. Not a bad gig if you can get it.
    Just wave your visa in front of the prospective employer and you should be in-just remember to leave in 3 months.


  5. #5

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    17

    i am pretty sure the 10% service charge does not go to the waiter. but i think they get better paid than just $5000 a month. i would say around $9000 -$12000 for a full time.


  6. #6

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    36

    lapin, never ever.... 5,000 to 8,000 (max.).


  7. #7

    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    12,383

    Having said that .. if you have a working holiday visa, try your luck as a management trainee or something slightly higher up on the food chain.

    Some of the larger groups like Igors, ElGrande etc are always on the lookout for good talent.


  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    23,205

    Indeed - I was quite surprised to see a gwailo start working behind the counter in the IFC Pacific Coffee a couple of months ago... (albeiut in the uniform of a supervisor)


  9. #9

    The 10% service charge goes to the company who owns the bar/restaurant, most waitstaff make around7-8000 per month. depending on experience. Gwailo managers are fairly common, (I'm one) Like most other jobs in this place it helps if you know a few people to get in. Tips, depending on how the company is run, they are on a points basis and given out at the end of the month. Or they aredivided up at the end of the night.
    How long is your visa for?


  10. #10

    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    6,734

    PDLM..that guy looks Eurasian to me. He might well be 1/2 Chinese. Was just at PCC in IFC and I saw him there..


Closed Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast