What is It Like
Hong Kong and PRC
China’s growth is the fastest of the world's biggest economies since its commitment to economic reform and opening to the outside world. With cities like Beijing and Shanghai rising quickly in the trade and financial world, it is no wonder that its demand for offshore professionals is skyrocketing.
"Work hard, play hard". This statement is instilled in every person in Hong Kong. They say Hong Kong is the Asian version of New York with buzzing city lights that does not sleep unless Typhoon number 8 hits, and even then people are out hitting the town.
In contrast to mainland China’s civil law system, Hong Kong continues to follow the common law tradition established by British colonial rule making it one of the most attractive places to work. While other economies are still bearing the grunt of the credit crisis, China and Hong Kong continue to grow. Entering this century as one of the worlds’s leading financial centres, this country will continue to have one of the biggest expat communities.
What is the cost of living
The cost of living in China can be very low, especially if you eat local food from local restaurants or food stalls. China has an excellent public transport system operating in most cities although traffic can be a problem.
In Beijing, a 1 to 2 bedroom apartment in a newish building in the city centre would range from US$1,000 to US$2,500 per month. In Shanghai, it would be the same or slightly higher.
Studies conducted by the Hong Kong government’s Economic Analysis Division and the Economist Intelligent Unit show that Hong Kong consistently ranks in the top ten most expensive cities worldwide. Many visitors will be shocked at how expensive their night may turn out so be prepared to pay top dollar for drinks. On the other hand you may find a really cheap meal at a street food stall “Dai Pai Dong.” General groceries are inexpensive if it is local produce while transportation is good value and efficient.
Apartment rental is quite high in Hong Kong ranging from HK$14,000 per month for a one bedroom apartment to HK$24,000 per month for a two bedroom apartment depending on location and the size of apartment. An average two bedroom apartment in Midlevel Central may cost up to HK$45,000 per month. The upside to this is the low tax rate.
What is the weather like
China has hot and humid summers with cold, dry and windy winters. Rainy seasons are May to September and when the weather is most comfortable. In summer, the temperature may rise from 22 degrees Celsius to a steamy 35 degrees and winter temperature is below 10 degrees and in some areas are below zero.
The weather in Hong Kong is milder than China. Mid December to February is winter with cool temperatures and low humidity. Temperatures range from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius. March to mid May is spring with humidity rising. Temperatures range from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius and humidity is around 82 percent. Late May to Mid September is summer and is hot with humidity near 86 percent. This is when humidifiers will come in handy. Late September to early December is autumn. You can make do with short sleeves and a light jacket with temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius.
What is the local currency
China – Renminbi (RMB)
Hong Kong – Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s largest city and one of the most expensive cities in the world. Famous for its technology and shopping, this country is one of the fastest growing places in the world.
What is the cost of living
If you live outside of central Tokyo, adjust to a Japanese lifestyle and do not depend too heavily on food and products from your home country, you may be surprised at how inexpensive Japan can be.
Transportation is very efficient in Tokyo, however taxis are very expensive.
When you rent an apartment in Tokyo, you will generally have to pay the first month rent in advance, one month’s rent as commission to the real estate agent and two months worth as a deposit. Rents are high in Tokyo and apartments often small. A room is measured according to how many tatami mats fit into it. A tatami mat (-jo) is 1.8m x 90cm, and a typical room has 6-jo, or about 10 square meters. A 1K apt. has one 6-jo room, while a1DK has that plus a kitchen room, and a 1LDK has that plus a living room. Other apartments have 2DK which means 2 6-jo rooms, etc. A 1 bedroom apartment can cost around ¥80,000 to ¥140,000+ per month excluding utilities.
The most favoured areas to live in are Hiroo, Roppongi, Azu Juban and Shibuya where a modern 2 bedroom apartment will cost around ¥500,000 per month.
What is the weather like
Spring months are March, April, and May. Summer months are June, July, and August ranging from 23 to 30 degrees Celcius. Autumn months are September, October, and November. Winter months are December, January, and February. Temperatures may range from -1 to 9 degrees Celsius. Summer is hot and humid in general. During the winter, it snows on the Sea of Japan side, and it is dry on the Pacific Ocean side.
What is the local currency
Yen
Singapore
Singapore is an island country located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The blend of Western and Asian cultures has made Singapore highly cosmopolitan and diverse. English is one of the main languages spoken besides Mandarin.
What is the cost of living
Mercer's 2007 cost of living survey ranked Singapore as the 14th most expensive city in the world for expatriates. The cost of living is comparable to Australia and the low tax rate will give your net income a boost.
Fresh produce is affordable and there is a variety of international cuisines.
The Metro is an excellent public transport system as cars can be quite expensive.
Rental will be your highest expense and is more expensive than Sydney. It will cost from US$1,200 to US$4,000 per month for a 3 bedroom apartment depending on the area.
What is the weather like
It is summer all year and hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius.
What is the local currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in the world. The streets are always buzzing and full of life, the local people are very friendly and the food is amazing.
What is the cost of living
The cost of living in Bangkok is quite affordable and considered one of the most inexpensive places to live.
General food costs are cheap and there are many eating places to choose from.
The traffic is a nightmare so you will need to be prepared. The cheapest and most effective of getting around is the bus. Taxis are very affordable.
A decent two bedroom apartment in a popular expat area can cost 15,000 Baht or more per month. The luxurious serviced apartments and condos can cost anywhere between 25,000 to 120,000 per month. A simple two bedroom town house can vary between 5,000 and 10,000 per month, depending on the size of the house, amenities and proximity to the Silom/Sukhumvit districts.
Bangkok is considered one of the cheaper Asian cities to live in.
What is the weather like
November through till February is considered the dry, cool season. Daytime high temperatures are between 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. March to June is the hot season. Travellers unaccustomed to the heat should not arrive in this period. Even the Thais have problems in the hottest spells. Temperatures can soar to 40 degrees Celsius on the hottest days, and at night the humidity rises. The rainy season is between July and October.
What is the local currency
Baht
