[RMJ]

We have the opportunity to live in Hong Kong or New Zealand.

The problem is we cant make up our mind, and we have visas for both.

We are coming from the UK, not british though - South African + Singaporean with a 14 month old baby.

We are both working as Nurses, salaries will be much higher in Hong Kong but the life style in NZ would be much better.

We have discussed this for over a month now and we just can not come to a decision. What do we do?

Any suggestions?

[foolsgold99]

I'd have thought this would be a fairly simple chioce, as they are quite different places. All depends what you like.

Space.
Hong kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, NZ has lots of space per person.

Goverment.
NZ is a free country with a goverment chosen by the people, final authority in Hong Kong comes from the goverment in bejing and th PLA.

Money.
Wages are higher in Hong Kong

Cost of living.
It's my understanding that HK is very expensive for property. This may more than balance out the higher wages.

Location.
NZ is a bit isolated, HK is in a good location, with easy air links to most places.

[Pezhk]

Hi RMJ,
why not do both.

I am originally from Britain and have worked in Hong Kong for eleven years, before that I spent 9 mths travelling round New Zealand, and my goal is to go back and settle there.

The reason for being in Hong Kong is that the pay is very high and it is possible to save money.

Hong Kong Plus side:
1. Very Safe...........excellent police force and local Government. There is no noticable difference between now and since the hand over.

2. Country parks and Islands. Although HK is very densely populated, there is lots of countryside and hiking trails. Also a lot of activities based around the sea...........some of the Sai Kung beaches are pristine white with clear water!

3. Low tax (15%) no GST/VAT plus high wages...........so if you don't live in the most expensive areas and don't go to five star restaurants every night it is easy to save.

4. Great airport with easy links to eveywhere...........esp for touring rest of Asia.

5. Experienced and very proffesional Phillipino/Indonesian Maids can help you with your baby.

6. Very interesting and vibrant City............a experience within its self.

7. Excellent hospitals and staff. They impress me everytime I have had to use them.

8. Great restaurants and nightlife.

9. Second to none public transport.............you do not need a car.

HK down points.

1. Pollution/air quality is getting steadily worse, and must be a concern for raising a family.

2. Schools are expensive.

3. Generally costs of living are high.

4. Can be very noisy and stressfull...............this is a 24 hr City............but you can move out to the countryside or Islands.........just means more travelling time............maybe 1 hr instead of 20 mins.

5. Long work hours and working week.....10 hr days , 6 day week.

6. After a few years you will have been everywhere in Hong Kong.........can be limiting.

New Zealand plus points

1. Fantastic friendly and helpful people

2. Great environment for raising a family saftely.

3. beautiful countryside..........especially if you are into outdoor activities........and if not u should be. Not many people..........I once did a trek for ten days and never saw another person........this doesn't work in HK even if you lock yourself in your flat.

4. Clean air and environment.

5. Organic food and farms all over the place. Mind you I seem to remeber a lot of cream tea places as well.

6. Reasonably priced houses............of a decent size......HK accom is small and expensive (700 sq m typical.........350,000 sterling)

NZ Down points.

1. Far away from everywhere else (this could also be a plus point!)

2. Low wages, high taxes.

3. Earthquakes.

4. Too many whinging brits moving there and pushing up house prices :mrgreen:

I would say three yrs in hong Kong.......and then get to NZ when your child is ready for school.

Anyway good luck either way.

[voth30]

Hi RMJ,

I would agree with Pezhk, i.e work in HK first and settle in NZ later unless you have enough savings to keep you going in NZ. The interest rate in NZ itself is far too high. If you have enough savings and is able to pay the house and car in full with no mortgage, then NZ will be the ideal choice.

HK will be very similar with Singapore, high property prices and high stress levels but you earn good money. NZ is a place with a relax atmosphere.

regards.

Vincent

[Dave & Sandra]

I would also agree. Work in Hong Kong for a while just to experience it and settle in NZ. Dave and I lived in HK for 2 years and we absolutely loved it - we were very sad to leave. The cost of renting an apartment is horrendous though. Just be aware of one thing - there is no PAYE - you have to save for your tax and then pay it at the end of the tax year. We came a bit of a cropper in that situation.

We lived in Discovery Bay on Lantau Island. It's just over the mountains from the new airport. If you are working on HK Island you can catch the ferry in the morning to Central and it's such a relaxing way to get to work. I don't know if you have ever watched the old TV series 'The Prisoner' with Patrick McGoohan, but Discovery Bay reminded us of that because the only way to drive around is by golf buggy. :laugh No cars are allowed. There is no point in having a car, as everywhere is so accessible by MTR (underground), taxis are cheap. Also, it is very expensive to run a car there.

Lan Kwai Fong in Central is the place to go drinking and clubbing it. I would definitely go - I'm feeling nostalgic already just writing about it.

We lived there pre handover, so don't know what it's like since it became part of China :?

Go for it and enjoy, then move to NZ to recover :laugh