A Million Stupid Questions!

TMAC · 19-10-2006, 06:07 AM

Hi,
We found out yesterday that we are moving to HK in mid November. Ack! We are really excited but I am going crazy thinking of the really minute details.
We were looking at apt listings online and it seems like most don't have heat so would we be crazy to pack our down duvet??
What kind of things should we definately bring with us? Cost of shipping is not a problem as the move isn't on our dime.
We will have a "new appliance budget", but I'm wondering if we can get away with buying a bunch of currency convertors for some of the stuff that would just be a nuisance to replace.
This questions is for all the parents out there: We are in the market for a new stroller anyway, so should we buy it at home or in HK? What kind have you found to be the most convenient?
OK, I'll lay off the questions for now but be assured I'll be back!
Thanks!

rani · 19-10-2006, 06:59 AM

It does get cold here for 2-3 months in the year. Definitely bring the duvet, you can get space heaters when you get here Baby equipment is expensive here, get your new stroller from home. Have a search on www.geobaby.com for strollers. I would get something light, under 5kg and easy to maneuver.

carang · 19-10-2006, 07:26 AM

and bring the stroller from home, they are terribly expensive here!

inprov · 19-10-2006, 08:17 AM

I am sure that I have asked more than my fair share of questions. You will find the moderators and poster of these forums to be very gracious and helpful. Can I ask you what your appliance allowance is? We are coming in December and still have not worked that out. I am not sure what is reasonable to ask for.

Best of luck with your move.

penguinsix · 19-10-2006, 08:43 AM

But new appliances in HK. Not really worth bringing over little things (hair dryer, clock radio, george foreman grill) and bigger things are likely to get damaged or lose value (crt tvs, desktop computer, 'white goods (fridge, dryer, etc), stereos). My basic guide would be if you bought it in the last six months, you could bring it over, but generally not much more than a laptop or other device that can handle 220v. Try to get some value reselling it back home.

I would recommend a space heater when you arrive. They are pretty cheap at Fortress, and a duvet comforter (while needed) won't help you when you are walking from the shower to the dressing room.

Definite bring anything you have a 'taste' for, i.e. specific toothpaste, candy, toiletries, etc. You can usually find most stuff in HK that you had back home, but some will be more expensive, etc. BBQ sauce is a tough one (good bbq sauce) and Mexican food is rather limited. Two staples of my diet--your mileage may vary.

No real need for books, dvds, any media. You can get it in HK. If you are larger sized, you may consider some shoes or outerwear (coats, etc) as those can be slightly harder to find in HK for the 'big and tall'.

canuckinhk · 19-10-2006, 09:07 AM

on the appliances, i'd say use your allowance on frequently used small appliances. the only converters i've seen are bulky and they're not very cheap either, so its not worth it for the small stuff. for seldom used appliances or big ones (tv's etc), it might be worth bringing them, especially if they are in good condition. we came to asia with nothing and put all our stuff in storage in canada. after 12 years, we finally went through it all and threw so much away... all our 'brand new' electronics were obsolete. not sure how long you're planning on living here, but keep that in mind! if you're worried about not having enough allowance, you can always find pretty good used stuff here. i've seen stuff for sale that were 6 months old, selling for a huge discount.

Expatriate · 19-10-2006, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by TMAC:

We are in the market for a new stroller anyway, so should we buy it at home or in HK? What kind have you found to be the most convenient?

In general, Hong Kong is not wheelchair or bicycle friendly, same goes for strollers.

Just keep in mind that many sidewalks are not wide enough for a stroller. Most convenient would be something to carry the baby in - in front of you. So that nobody accidentally spits their phleghm onto it where you cannot see it - or pokes the baby with his umbrella in the ear.

In Winter, 5 degrees in the living room can be cold. So, bring your duvet and the covers. If you have warm slippers bring them too.

Hong Kong apartments are rather small. So bringing large appliances here, like stove, fridge, washing machine is not a good idea, unless to are fond of them and don't mind putting them into the living room.

canuckinhk · 19-10-2006, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by Expatriate:

Hong Kong apartments are rather small. So bringing large appliances here, like stove, fridge, washing machine is not a good idea, unless to are fond of them and don't mind putting them into the living room.

This sounds a little OTT to me. Ok, the utility (laundry) rooms are usually too small for US sized machines, but I have seen many places that can quite comfortably accomodate a US size fridge. Never heard of anyone bringing a stove over. You may even be able to negotiate appliances into your lease. I've lived in 2 places in HK and have never bought white wares. Both places had US sized fridges and the stackable washer and dryer.

And, Expatriate.... umbrella in the ear?? While HK is not the most stroller friendly place, I agree, it is a necessity with an infant/toddler and there are many places where one could be used with ease. You are painting a rather dire and misleading picture of life in HK!

freeier · 19-10-2006, 04:45 PM

actually most of the newer apartments come with built in kitchen furnitures and appliances, i.e. the stove/fridge/washing machine. unless you rent one that comes empty, else u are going to have one anyway.
the landlord is not going to figure out a way to get rid of his fridge and rent u an empty apartment, and your fridge prob won't fit into the size of the hole they created for that purpose.

TMAC · 20-10-2006, 12:31 AM

Wow! You guys are fast! And helpful! Thank you so much for the advice. I'm afraid I didn't make myself clear on the appliance front though. I was thinking more in terms of my electric toothbrush, handheld mixer, cuisinart etc. I wouldn't dream of bringing fridge stove etc. (in fact, I've never even owned one as we have always rented!)
Knowing that it is only a few pretty minor appliances would you think a converter would be manageable? We are only planning to stay about 3 years and we are trying to save money so I hate to replace things for such a short term.
Unfortunately, we MUST have a stroller despite the crowds and state of the sidewalks etc. I have a 2 yo so carrying him isn't a viable option, especially since I'm also pregnant!
I really appreciate all the responses!