Expats Guide To Moving From Hong Kong
As one of the world’s oldest cultural melting pots, the urban centre of Hong Kong has seen thousands of people come and go – as tourists and residents, professionals and families are drawn to its exotic delights. While the territory is a huge drawcard for professionals looking to further their careers, today, it is just as likely that people will choose to leave the bustling metropolis to expand their scope offshore.
Despite the allure of HK’s picturesque skyline and the bustling hub at its heart, expats and citizens alike will have their reasons for moving from Hong Kong. These may range from political to economical, and those searching for a different quality of life or even simply experiencing something new. If moving from Hong Kong is on your immediate horizon, it will present some practical challenges.
Life within the SAR (special administrative region) is unique in many ways, so moving somewhere else, especially if it’s outside Asia, will inevitably take time getting used to. Leaving Hong Kong may turn out to be more complicated than you think, so it pays to use an experienced international mover to help with your move.
Choosing what to take with you
There are a lot of administrative tasks you’ll need to attend to if you’re moving from Hong Kong, especially if you’re going for good. You’ll have to take care of bills, income taxes, insurance policies and pensions if you’re receiving these payments. If you’re planning on returning to HK one day, it’s helpful to know what your local pension is worth compared to elsewhere around the world.
Similarly, choosing what to leave behind and what to pack up and transport to your new address is a decision you need to be firm about. Relocating overseas is a great time to take stock of what possessions you actually need and what you can afford to let go.
If you’re unsure about whether to ship your whitegoods across the globe, ask your international mover about the destination you’re moving to in order to help make up your mind. Some financial districts have a prevalence of fully or partially furnished apartments, so things like fridges won’t need to come with you, which will save you money in the long run. Be ruthless before you move because the more you take, the more your final moving bill.
The importance of personalising your move
Everybody’s experience moving out of Hong Kong will be different and a quality HK mover will tell you that no two moves are the same, just as no two people are the same. You can search online for helpful moving tips, but to really understand your moving experience, a professional international mover will be able to offer up-to-date information on the latest legislation and restrictions when emigrating, which you won’t find easily on the internet.
Of course, leaving the skyscraper-studded skyline of this financial hub will come with its downfalls, such as saying goodbye to friends and your favourite restaurants and boutiques, yet there are great reasons for leaving Hong Kong as well. Talking to experts like Allied will put you in the picture as to what to expect from the international relocation itself, which will be valuable when it comes to moving without the drama.