Advice needed: Moving to HK from Shenzhen

[Simatai]

Hello...let me first say, what a great forum! thanks to all for sharing your insights...

I am a Chinese American currently working/living in Shenzhen as a Design Manager for a trading company that exports giftware for US Market.

Currently I make net USD3500/mo, rent is USD250 mo/utilities & wkly housecleaner included, for a decent 450sq ft apt (w/doorman, A/C, hot water, modern electric/gas set up). Company pays for all my meals and travel. I am able to save 2/3 of my income, because life in China is pretty cheap. I live quite comfortably, with a middle class American lifestyle.

Okay, here are my questions:
1) What would the equivalent salary be in HK, taking into account the living expenses here?
2) For similar apt set-up in HK, what would cost of living expenses be if I lived in areas like Wanchai, Causeway Bay or Sheungwan?
3) If I wanted to live in a more rural but conveniently located neighborhood in New Territories, with easy access to KCR, how much less is living expenses, and which areas would you suggest for an open-minded expat leaning towards American tastes (but with fairly high threshold of tolerance)?
4) What kind of compensation package should I expect to receive from this sort of company? Housing/food/relocation/other?

I know that the glory days of expat packages are over, but as I am pretty ignorant about what I should ask for. Any advice would be much appreciated!

[shiny]

well actually i don't know if this is much use to u as i am just a design student, also non-local (indonesian chinese) but what i've heard is for quite some time now that design doesn't pay really well in hk.. ppl are not willing to pay for anything here and work long hours with low salary..

i was really surprised to hear that a junior designer here only makes hk$7000 a month.. it is even less than a guy who cleans toilets in holland (where i used to live before i came here) .. ppl always suggest to go to mainland china instead where there's still a lot of opportunities for design and ppl are willing to pay for it.. besides, designers in mainland are said to be better than the ones in hk now..

but actually i don't know whether you're coming to hk as an expat or a local because that can make a huge difference..

[links]

you may look into HKD$30k and above if you want to maintain your living standard in HK. One apartment of which you are living in Shenzhen may cost you atleast HKD$12k per mth.

There are companies paying that kind of amount in HK but has to depend on what type of product you design and your experiences.

Good luck!

[Paulo]

Hi All
I'm looking around for somewhere to live in Shenzhen for my family. I have three children under 6 years old and I need a big place to live that is safe for young children. I'm thinking about moving from Australia to Shenzhen for business for 1 year.
Any clues where to start looking and contacts?
Regards

Paulo

[hongkongtong]

australia to shen zhen with ur family? r u crazy????