Standard of living is getting worse in Hong Kong?

[Claire ex-ax]

No, but they are, generally, out of focus.

[jimbo]

No, but they are, generally, out of focus.

That'll be the wine then

[Claire ex-ax]

That'll be the wine then

Had to drink that, what with the tax that was on soft drinks! If you had to pay tax on a drink, might as well make it with with a degree of proof!

[Fiona in HKG]

Mine would be black and white, Jimbo....I remember when

taxi flagfall was $1.80
2nd class star ferry ride was 15cents
we had a one-sided 1cent 'banknote' and utility companies used them to give you change
fruit popsicles were 10cents
there was a big fruit shop on the corner of Queen's Road and Pedder Street, where HSBC stands now
we had western movies at the Queen's Theatre and Chinese movies at the King's Theatre which is where Entertainment Building is now
there was no MTR....and when they were building it...and the first line running to Lai King
there were conductors on the Peak Tram
you got bus tickets on the buses, little flimsy pieces of paper given out by a conductor
there was a beautiful old building on the corner of Connaught Road and Pedder Street, the old Post Office

......I'm sure I remember much more but the brain cells just aint what they used to be!!

[Claire ex-ax]

Fiona, and the old Lee Theatre in Causeway Bay (although much later than those others you mentioned). Miss that one.


There was also the queuing at Central Post Office on Sunday by the metallic steps on the outside of the building, which went up to the first floor. The door in the side of the building is long bricked up now.

[Loz_2]

OP, I have a feeling you might regret moving to Singapore. Sure it's nice and well-ordered there, with somewhat lower housing prices. But the tax there is higher than HK. Moreover, it can be a little sterile in Singapore, for all it's faults, I prefer Hong Kong over Singapore.You get a sense of "realness" that seems to be lacking in that coccon called Singapore.

I thought the tax was a tad lower in SG?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using GeoClicks Mobile

[Satay Sue]

I thought the tax was a tad lower in SG?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using GeoClicks Mobile

But more "stealth" taxes. If you drink alcohol you will be astounded at the price in Singapore. Road tolls for accessing certain areas; higher taxi charges; dining out generally costs more* with service and sales taxes added to your bill.


*Re dining - OK you can dine at food courts but that would drive you mad after a short while.

[Claire ex-ax]

If you drink alcohol you will be astounded at the price in Singapore.

Zero duty on wine here. Score: 1 to Honkers!

[Fiona in HKG]

Fiona, and the old Lee Theatre in Causeway Bay (although much later than those others you mentioned). Miss that one.


There was also the queuing at Central Post Office on Sunday by the metallic steps on the outside of the building, which went up to the first floor. The door in the side of the building is long bricked up now.

Yes, yes....and when the Lee Theatre was the only place to host international acts (few they were) coming into town.

The Post Office, I remember that....and the fact that the mail boats used to draw up to the building at the back to take the airmail over to Kai Tak for dispatch.....and look at how far away the harbour is today, from the Post Office!

[Satay Sue]

My oldest memory (mid 90s) was landing at that bloody Kai Tak airport! Scared the crap out of me!