Moving Questions - PLEASE ADVISE

[tlatour]

My wife and I will be moving to Hong Kong from the US in a couple of months and we have a few lingering questions...

1. Computer...I've read that someone's computer was fried because they didn't switch the voltage...I understand that I can change it, but where do you find a cord to plug it in? Do they make the same kind of plug that will fit the back of my computer and the wall outlet

2. Printer...I have a HP 3 in 1 printer with the same delimma...will I be able to find an adapter that it suitable?

3. Phones...Same plugs? Or different from US?

4. Records...yes, I mean old school record albums. Can you find a record player over there...I'm sure it's a hopeless cause to bring mine

5. VHS tapes...can you find VCRs there too?

6. Shipping...I read that some people's stuff got damaged by the condensation on the ride over the ocean. Is that a big poblem, or should I not worry about it? I know a guy who makes that silica stuff that soaks up all the water...should I pack some of that stuff in my crate?

7. Communication back home...I am thinking about getting a web cam to talk to my family back home instead of the phone. Is this a good investment?

8. My wife getting a job. She has a college degree and a realtors license and loves to work with people. It doesn't have to be in real estate or sales...maybe teaching or a teaching assistant...something "customer service" oriented.

Any help would be GREAT!!!
Thanks!
Tim

[KnowItAll]

>> where do you find a cord to plug it in? Do they make the same kind of plug that will fit the back of my computer and the wall outlet

Most computer powersupplies have cords that can be removed and replaced. A quick trip to the local computer mall will fix this problem. Your printer should also have a removeable cord which is replaceable. There are also plenty of shops which sell conversion adaptors which let you plug your US style plugs into Hong Kong sockets (UK standard). You can always change your plugs yourself...

>> Phones

Same issue get yourself a new cord or a conversion kit. The sockets are different here from the US.

>> Record players

I'm sure you'll be able to find one in the electronics shops in Mong Kok or Ap Liu Street (bit of an electronics / audio / video flea market).

>> VHS tapes...can you find VCRs there too?

Don't bother ... seriously, most of the content here has switched to DVDs. It is difficult to rent VHS here in Hk.

>> Shipping...

Let your shipping company take care of it. I'm assuming with the amount of stuff you're moving (records?!?) that you're using a shipping company.

>> Communication back home

Take a look at skype ... ( http://www.skype.com/ )

>> My wife getting a job

Can only be dealt with when she gets here, meets people and gets a feel for what she might want to do. Lots of niches here which a business minded person can exploit ...

[fly]

:welcome: to HK!

Hmmm, where to start..

1. Computer...I've read that someone's computer was fried because they didn't switch the voltage...I understand that I can change it, but where do you find a cord to plug it in? Do they make the same kind of plug that will fit the back of my computer and the wall outlet

2. Printer...I have a HP 3 in 1 printer with the same delimma...will I be able to find an adapter that it suitable?

Just check if your equpment takes 110-220 VAC, if that's the case then just a physical adapter is suitable to account for the uh, physical differences in the plug. If you're inclined, you can use some pliers to change the physical plug itself. However if for some reason you need an actual transformer, these are relatively common to find.

3. Phones...Same plugs? Or different from US?

Try this site: http://kropla.com/phones2.htm
I brought my old (cord) phone over and it's working fine since my place has both standard RJ11 and British style jacks. (Of course I plug it into the RJ11). If your apartment only has the British plug, there's an adapter you can use again.