Moving to Hong Kong

[Pixi]

Hey everyone,

I have been asked by the company I work for to go to Hong Kong and set up a new store. This will mean relocating from the UK for a period of 3-6 months.

Can you advise me as to what I should ask for in my relocation package?

Thanks.

[Shak]

decent accomodation allowance is crucial (imo),

I'd go as far as saying that you should maybe do 2 weeks in a serviced apartment to get a feel for the place and be pampered, rather then dealing with silly landlords and broken sinks etc. your time spent builidng their business is worth more then dealing with household chores.

shak

[KnowItAll]

Shak -- you cant rent anything than serviced apartments for 3-6 month periods.

Pixi -- A serviced apartment is slightly larger than your hotel room and includes a kitchen area and often a daily or twice a week maid service.

Things to take care of.

1) Insurance: Make sure you're covered. Often insurance policies do not cover extended overseas stay.

2) Allowances: Given that you're more than likely to eat out and work hard (yeah right!) make sure that your allowances factor that in. Travel is cheap in HK.

3) Relocation allowances: Make sure that the company will take care of the relocation back to the UK, including all excess baggage and items you might have purchased here.

[Pixi]

That's great, thank you.

Do I need to get a visa or Hong Kong ID or anything, or will my passport suffice?

[KnowItAll]

I'd think your local subsidiary would figure that out for you.

You might not need a visa, if you're not drawing a local salary. Not too sure.. enquiry@immd.gov.hk should help you out.

[sabi]

KIA - It is possible to have 6-mth or 1-2 year leases with 6-month out option, no penalties, for non-serviced apts. Furnishings are always negotiable. There are also people who do sub-leases by the week/month, useful for those who have parents/friends on short visits. Since they are more personal, I presume one could negotiate the level of service to an appropriate level.