Hello guys !
Will be moving from Paris, France in October and wanted to ask a few questions. I'll be paid 24k which is small compared to most expats in HK, so I'll need to be smart and cheap (I guess being french will make it easier to be a cheap bastard ).
So I was looking into serviced apartments, as they seem to offer the less hassle if I want something quickly, is there anything I should be wary of ? When they for exemple advertise a 7k to 15k rent, should I understand it as "7k for a toilet closet and 15k for a cage plus a toilet closet" or are they honest renting places ?
How should I calculate the food budget ? Let's say I'm not picky, can survive exotic food and don't eat all that much, is a 2k budget completely underrated or possible ?
Is there anyone who lived in Paris recently who could tell me how far a difference there is on size vs rent compared to HK ? (For exemple I live in a poor quarter of central Paris close to a subway station, pay 9k for a one-room 35m2/375 sq ft, hear police car sirens all night long and all my neighbours are chinese, how much would that kinda life in that kinda neighbourhood cost in HK ?)
I'll be working in Wan Chai, should I stop trying to find something there for less than 10k, or is it possible ? If impossible how are the MTR fares on the long run if I live in Kowloon ? Is it like something really big in a budget or barely noticeable ?
Let's say I want to invest in myself and learn mandarin in one year, how credible a goal is it and how much would it cost ? Anyone here managed to do it ? Should I rather try cantonese + writing as it'll be easier to practise even if less interesting an investment ?
Is there other adventurous cheapos around here who can share tricks on living a frugal yet enjoyable life in HK, without being an hot shot banker in HSBC ?
I'm so excited to be there next month, happy to have any hindsight !