Tech IndustryFeb 28, 2019
Newuboot

Offer in Hong Kong

Hello I joined my current company ~12 months ago, largely for the potential opportunity of a role opening in Hong Kong. As it turns out, the role came through (previous offers of a transfer internally fell through at a previous company), and the offer arrived in my inbox this week. I feel like there are potentially many areas that I’m not appreciating about emigrating from the UK to Hong Kong and I had a few questions: Legal – who would you go to, to have a contract reviewed? Peers/google hits have mentioned Expat Contracts, but I’m unsure as to what these are, or how they may be different. Offer – Seems reasonable, but due to my industry is hard to compare. I work in computer / network security (penetration testing) and would be team lead for the APAC region, mentoring/line managing a small group initially. Broadly: - Salary ~800k hkd Housing - ~200,000 per annum, reducing by a 1/3 each year. Benefits – health, dental, pension, etc, for me and my partner If anyone is in a similar industry, can you share a view on the above? Visa – covers work for both my partner and I Pension – can this be transferred back to the UK if needed? The offer is currently a promotion, but with my APR in the near future, could be a transfer. If it’s the former, would expectations around increases in salary necessarily map to the HK offer, or should they be viewed independently. Those of you who have made similar moves, where did you start to get a fuller understanding of what would be required. Thanks for any insights.

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Oscar 🐨koala Feb 28, 2019

800k in hk is pretty low. But if you like it... it’s a “standard” for IT folks.

Expedia hnAy18 Feb 28, 2019

It's not low. 65k HKD per month is max market rate for ebgineers

Expedia hnAy18 Feb 28, 2019

How much are you making in the UK? Your salary is kinda 1M HKD with the housing. 200k can get you a nice 200sqft studio in the central. Are you ready for that? Also be prepared for 100 HKD lunches

Amazon zviI64 Feb 28, 2019

U mean 1200 sqft?

Microsoft bean count Feb 28, 2019

Amazon in for some surprises

Hortonworks Sb7Kz8w Feb 28, 2019

Do you speak Cantonese or mandarin? Otherwise I wouldn’t move there. I also think 800k is low for HK. But I would take it if I had a chance to move to hk to work for 1-2 years just for fun.

New
uboot OP Feb 28, 2019

We only speak English unfortunately. Yes, we are viewing it as a short term visit, maybe 3 years at the most, then onto a new challenge.

Trustwave BjMD36 Apr 9, 2019

Whats your yoe? The offer is pretty good if you have less than 5yoe. Renting a one bedroom in hong kong probably cost you 15k per month (300sqft). If you are single then you will live comfortably with that kind of money.

Ericsson Tjilolo Sep 9, 2019

I am living from Hong Kong with 3 years, 800K + house is not the very good package, but it is a better offer for the industry which I am working with as well. 200k per month could be used for renting 2 bedrooms flat from TKO where there are better environment. Feel free to ask me more questions via insightv@me.com

HSBC avg_quant Jun 14, 2022

What did you choose finally OP? Moved to HK? I'm in a similar position now and contemplating the move to HK