Single Australian Female looking to move to HK in 2009

[Gilly]

Hi... This site looks wonderful and the feedback invaluable. After thoroughly thinking through opportunities to broaden the horizons professionally, socially and culturally Hong Kong has not left my mind and have investigated the lifestyle here on the net, bought expat books, spoke to other Aussies who have lived there and I think it is something I wish to pursue, but wish to hear from the "expert expats" who can hopefully help me make my decision. Without sounding like I am on a dating site : I am a 37 year old single female who lives in Sydney (on the beach) and in my spare time enjoys social events, outings, pubs (not clubs), and generally enjoying good company.

Am I correct in thinking that HK can provide me with a similar lifestyle? Also, is it easy enough to adapt to the small apartments as I think I will have to share - monthly budget would be $10,000 - $15,000 per month on accommodation (I currently live in a 80sqm 2 bedroom unit) with outdoor area. But.... where???

[jgl]

Have you been to HK before? HK is almost the complete opposite of Sydney in terms of lifestyle. Faster paced, lower quality of life, lots of travel, worse food (including the Chinese food, oddly enough).

Company is what you make of it. It is much easier to meet people in HK than in Sydney. On the other hand, I've heard numerous complaints to the effect that HK is not so good for single females due to the amount of local 'competition'.

[Gilly]

Thanks for the reply - I haven't been there before no, and I know its not like Sydney in terms of the city, beaches, living conditions etc, i guess i was referring to the social side of things more than anything. I am in commercial property which allows me to meet alot of people. Hmm.. I was told that the locals were preferred over expats, that would be something I would really like - to meet a nice expat guy, are you saying it is difficult?

[jimbo]

Gilly

No its not impossible far from it but ultimately it depends on what you want to get out of it.

'Expats' are generally here for a few years then they tend to move on thus a lot of them do not wish for something serious during their stay hence you might be seen as a bit of fun and not much more than that.

Local guys go for mainland chinese women as they're seen as less 'high maintenance' thus theres a shortage of local men for the local women to chase thus they tend to try and bag themselves an expat which JGL mentioned.

There are of course always exceptions to the rule and theres a friendly bunch of 30 somethings here on the boards where we hang out on a regular basis so you should be able to fit right in, In this Town its all about networks thus you know a few people to start with then months later you suddenly have a massive bunch of people to hang with.

[discobay]

HK is almost the complete opposite of Sydney in terms of lifestyle. Faster paced, lower quality of life, lots of travel, worse food (including the Chinese food, oddly enough).

You are kidding about the food bit right?

[MovingIn07]

Nope. You can't compare Sydney food to HK.

[Gilly]

Hey, thanks guys for the replies on the male situation... but.... can we get past that (and the food) and help me out on the crux of my post???? haha...

In particular... where to live....????

[discobay]

Nope. You can't compare Sydney food to HK.

OK Gilly just need to get this one in ... you can't compare Chinese food in HK and Sydney because Sydney doesn't do Chinese food. It does oriental food for the western palate.

[discobay]

And now for where to live (before MovingIn07 can rebuff) ... depends on whether you prefer to live in the thick of high rise tower residential estates or the "peace and tranquility" of "country side" living.

[MovingIn07]

That depends on where you want to work. 10-15k is enough to live most places, it just means that the more popular the area, the smaller the flat... Sounds like you are a candidate for mid-levels to me, or the area around LKF, Soho or even Sheung Wan (possibly spelt wrong). Close to the "happening stuff" and Central for work if that's where you end up. Expensive though. If you want beaches, try South of the Island or Lantau or Gold Coast or Sham Tseng. Most of these are not happening places and travel is quite extensive - although (other than south of the island) rent is much cheaper.

So - what kind of lifestyle are you looking for? Are you happy right in the thick of it (and in HK, this REALLY means crowded and busy) or do you want laid back/green/spacious (which means a long commute).