Last minute advice for move to HK in three days!

Peter72 · 23-06-2010, 02:48 PM

Hi all

I am getting ready to move to HK in three days from now. I think I've covered off most things, but would love for anyone to give any hints or tips of last minute advice for things I should do for the move!

I'm really looking forward to the new life over there. I'm coming from Sydney (I'm Australian) and I enjoy big cities and experiencing different ways of life so think it should be a really good place to live.

I've got a job sorted, and also booked a place to stay for the first couple of weeks, but will need to sort out a more permanent place soon. Rather than ask for the typical questions about where to live / how to meet people, I thought I would be more general:

If you could give some advice to yourself as you were at this point (just a few days before travelling) what would the best advice be?

Thanks in advance

PS the coolest advice will earn a drink on me!

hullexile · 23-06-2010, 02:58 PM

After serious thought my advice would be to buy a drink to the first person to respond to your post

carang · 23-06-2010, 03:01 PM

i would just say, come with an open mind...

do not try to recreate your "home"

remember it is supposed to be an adventure... adventures are never boring... life here shouldn't be either!

although locals can seem uninterested in making friends with "foreigners" be persistant... they are really some of the most thoughtful people around... IF they know you!

try to experience ALL that hk has to offer and not just what the "expats" think it does....

remember that "culture" does NOT just include "western" culture...

lastly...

ENJOY IT!

Katiedot · 23-06-2010, 03:06 PM

Remember to take it easy. You can't do everything all at once and you're undertaking a massively stressful event of moving countries and starting a new job at the same time. Things won't go perfectly and there will be times when you feel like you hate everything and everyone in this city. At that point try to remember that this feeling passes.

penguinsix · 23-06-2010, 03:39 PM

Know that there is going to be a day in the near future when things are going to just suck. Don't let it get you down too much.

So things to do in Aussie land--go local. Goto some food joint that is local (i.e. not a chain) and get something that tastes, well, local. It's a taste you won't recreate here more than likely and will be something to remember.

If there is some locally made something, say like a bbq sauce or some other flavor that you like, buy a jar of it and bring it with you for that day in which everything sucks and you feel like going home, etc.

(I should note I'm not being pessimistic--you are going to have a blast here--it's just there are days when, well, you just feel a bit down or something and might need something to remind you of home).

Other than that my advice is to pack all the things you are taking in your suitcase TODAY and then 'live' out of your suitcase for the next 48 hours. Yes, bring dirty laundry with you. Get the packing done so it's not hanging over you, and once that is sorted resist the urge to get 'one more thing' from whatever pile you might be leaving behind with a friend or something.

Claire ex-ax · 23-06-2010, 03:49 PM

Check your passport has six months left to expiry. (Yes, some people do forget.)

campas12 · 23-06-2010, 04:17 PM

have some beers, kick back with some friends, go eat at all the places that you may currently take for granted.

oh- and stock up on meds - not sure about oz, but in the states, normal over the counter meds may be prescription based, or non-existent over here! i'm lactose intolerant- lactaid gets me over that barrier, unfortunately it's not sold here. naxopren- an active ingredient in a more powerful painkiller that OTC back home is presription here .

eggmonster · 23-06-2010, 04:29 PM

Remember to change some money for first week or so (for public transport/taxi, food and drink, Octopus card and other basic that you may need). Also check in the meet and greet section to see if there is anything going on so you can meet new people if your not jet lag or your not to busy....