1) American movies, how does that work? For new releases, the same as anywhere else in the world! You go to a cinema. (Did you think they only had cinema's in the USA?). For old stuff, buy DVD's.
2) What do English speaking teens do for fun? Drink and have sex. Just like everywhere else in the world.
3) What are the unlimited texting possibilities for HK to US? Try skype or MSN or yahoo it might be cheaper! Not seen unlimited oversea;s txt's - usually overseas txt's are pretty expensive.
4) Where is the most concentrated expat area for HKIS High school students so that she has greatest chance of meeting someone she goes to school with? Doesn't matter. HK is small enough that when she makes some friends she can go meet them on the fabulous, cheap, fast and safe public transport system.
5) What serviced apts are popular among HKIS high school families? All over the place.
6) What about medicines? Do I need to ship to HK or are they comparable there? Comparable. You may need to mail-order any really weird stuff.
7) Orthodontists...do they have them? How else do you think people get their teeth fixed in HK?
8) What about my cat...? What about your cat? If you want to bring it, just search the threads for bringing pets into HK. It's done. They survive.
9) Since my daughter will be in the "learning to drive" age group during our time in HK (4yrs), how does that work for teens? It doesn't. Normal people don't drive here, it's just for the rich and status conscious - NOT teenagers unless you decide to live in the sticks (which is pretty hard). Sure you can buy her lessons if you really want, but it might just be easier to wait until she gets back home.
10) What about long term storage, is that available in HK? Yes.
11) Is it better to hire/share a permanent driver or use taxis/mass transit? Public transport. Cheap, convenient, clean and safe. One of the best features of HK. You'd be a fool not to take advantage of it.
12) My daughter likes to perform...can she find places to audition for English speaking parts in musicals/plays, etc.? What are the English speaking entertainment options?
13) What about the 35 day tax rule? Anyone have suggestions about the best way to qualify as someone who can get this tax benefit?
14) Do we have to pay HK taxes if we are paid in US? Get proper advice for US tax. HK tax is simple, if you do the work in HK, you pay the tax in HK. Your employer is obliged to tell the tax office how much you earned for work in HK. If you don't work in HK, how can you get a visa????
15) What other things should I be prepared for as a teen parent before making this transition? Your kids screaming at you for losing all their friends? Humidity in summer. Horrendous pollution in winter. If your kids are fussy eaters you'd gonna have a great time - while you can get many US brands here, nothing like the choice you had in the USA.....