Posted by
fairlady05
20 yrs ago
i realised for a new expat coming to hk or anywhere (esp those with no housing allowance), u need to fork out so much in terms of deposits for housing, utilities, internet, cable tv etc and if u got a un-furnished apartment, u got to pay for the furniture. Where do u get the money? especially if u r being paid in arrears and u r likely to have to fork out these within the 1st few weeks of ur arrival? do companies usually give cash advance? Mine certainly didnt...
Please support our advertisers:
gabb
20 yrs ago
You should probably just get the basic necessities first and then add in new furnitures/appliances each month. So for you, the priority should be:
1) Deposits for housing
2) Deposits for electricity and water and gas (you don't really need a land/fixed line as you can use your mobile, or you can get your land line afterwards)
3) Bed + Table + At least 1 chair
4)-?? All others (e.g., TV, cable tv, internet, fridge, microwave, oven, etc.) can be bought later, as you can survive without them.
4)
Please support our advertisers:
TC
20 yrs ago
fairlady,
How did YOU cope? Surely you would have been aware of those arrangements before you arrived, and surely you had a plan of action.
Please support our advertisers:
Best to find a semi-furnished flat with basic whites, a bed and a decent wardrobe. The first few months you really need to prioritize your purchases. A bit of sacrifice without a TV in the beginning..Or go without a dining table in favor of a couch..
Just remember that this "challenge" is just in the first few paydays and then you'll be fine..
Please support our advertisers:
fairlady,
The answer is you lower your standards a bit! I agree with gabb. Seriously you don't need cable make do with Pearl & World as many expats do - buy a cheap tv for less HK$1000. Use internet cafes when you need internet instead of using it at home. What furniture? I bought a garden plastic table & used that with a sheet over it for months. Bought cheap chairs (2 then later 2 more). Used the one built-in wardrobe. Had just 2 gas rings (no cooker) and still do. Bought cheap cuttlery & plates (did not match) in a market. Bed, well I just had a matress at first then later a cheap bed.
Please support our advertisers:
all good advice but I think the OP is talking more about the 2 months deposit and first months rent upfront...even new furniture is cheap by comparison
Please support our advertisers:
When I first arrived, I stayed in an inexpensive serviced apartment for 6 months before leasing a better place. Although the rent is a bit higher than similar quality flats serviced apartments have these advantages:
No deposits
fully furnished
Utilities (cable, broadband, etc.) all included in the rent.
Free maid service
Flexible terms.
Please support our advertisers:
gabb
20 yrs ago
tailspin, how much was your rent for the serviced apartment and where was it?
Please support our advertisers:
I used the serviced apartment page on this website. (Go to the "Find a Home" tab) I called all of the serviced apartments listed there and asked for their cheapest rates. I picked the Bauhinia in Sheung Wan. Back then it was about 11k for a 1 bedroom on the lowest floor. It was not the cheapest place I found, but a conenient location for me.
Please support our advertisers:
TC, frankly speaking i didnt expect that i would have to spend so much on an apartment and never tot i have to pay 3 mths in advance (2 mths deposit + 1st mth). So it was a shock. I could cope bcos i had some savings and in HKD, but even then, i barely make it for the 1st mth. So imagine those who didnt have savings.
Please support our advertisers:
There are also hostels. For example the one in Pokfulam, which is for women only, the most expensive room (with private bathroom, maid/linen service, furnished, tv, air-con, fridge, inc electricity) is $7000 month. The cheapest with no private bathroom is $2800 pm. No deposit required, guarantor is though. This is a way to get through the first few months.
The same place has a hostel in Tsuen Wan. Women-only 600 sq ft flats for $4500, exc electricity.
Please support our advertisers:
we didn't realise quite how much the initial outlay would be either and thought the serviced apartment would be our only option for several months but we spoke to our company and they advanced us the deposit and we paid it back over the following months. We sat on the floor for a while and maxed out our credit cards but in less than 6 months it was all ok and now we think of that deposit as compulsory savings.
Please support our advertisers:
You must be logged in to be able to reply.
Login now
Copy Link
Facebook
Gmail
Mail