Originally Posted by
990Convair
Any HKG based FDX guys on here care to post a few details as to what it truly costs to live over there? Is it commutable if you are senior? How does the tax equalization work? Do you still get the firlst $90K (approx) free of Fed tax? How did the move package work?
Originally Posted by
Magenta Line
I'm interested in this feedback also. If you guys would let us know how the commute is that would be most helpful.
what's done is done wrt/the LOA... back to the main topic ... living in HKG.
I guess my main advice is ... check your
motives before you bid ...
... Make some coin? Not so much, unless you're bidding out of the back seat in MEM or a young/early Capt upgrade
... Easy place to hideout as the system form changes and commute home at will? With the 777 flying HKG-MEM, it might be easier, but you still have to establish residency in HKG...wife and kids as well, to avoid possible company backlash (as mentioned before). Once here and checked off the squares, go for it..
... You and mama on your own? HKG is an open door to the Far East! The options are wide open for travel and exploration. Many folks are using the "per diem/Hotel in lieu of DH" options to turn a 4 day trip into a 7 day vacation with the wife. Flights are cheap inter-Asia.
... You, mama and the kids? Same as above but the schooling aspect is not something I know about. Folks that have kids here love it and showed up open to the "whole" adventure... good and bad.
... Single? be careful what you ask for !!! With layovers in MNL, CEB, BKK, PEN, and SGN, the world can be your oyster. We have many good layovers but they are getting shorter everyday. Wan Chi isn't too bad either...just saying.
Again, what are your goals and objectives? I was excessed out of ANC and didn't want to go to MEM. I thought a window seat and new adventures in Asia was a better option for me than commuting to MEM and working the slave-ship. I was lucky because I had a choice, albeit a forced one with all the excesses.
$2700/month? not for a family with kids. You'll have to add some out of pocket to make it work. Lots of options for a single person or just you and the wife. Again, depends on your comfort level and how much traveling you want to do. Many folks are just not here alot and traveling all the time. Just need a place to regroup and rest up before the next adventure.
Everything else it about the same as anywhere else... yes the GT to CAN is a pain, but it's still the fastest way up to CAN but it does have it's threats. The DH or train to CAN takes about the same amount of time. The train is on your own dime unless you have bank money. Many folks are using their bank money to smooth out the rough edges and make things fit their schedule. Cell phones/internet, bank accounts, apartment bills, visa's...etc all come with being in a different country. The Company glosses over that...that's what the $10k seed money it for.
Been here for 5 months and haven't really got the hang of it yet. Lots of opportunities to explore...and I guess that's the main point, everything is not about work! Go find it!
P.S. feel free to PM if you want what little info I have...but it's a start