Welcome to HK, I came here from Sweden in 2011 I loved it since day one, I'm sure you will love it too! If you don't like the vibe of Kowloon side, don't be afraid that prices are much higher on HK Island side, they are not nowadays. Drive a hard bargain and you can find a decent place for 20k on HK-island also. I for example see a flat on Lockart Rd Wan Chai 2-bed 430 sq ft with a small (not super nice but anyway) private rooftop included. I'm pretty sure you can bargain that down to 20k. Good luck!
Kennedy Town, Central, Happy Valley, Tai Hang are also the good places to live in HK Island, with better vibe and there are lots of cafe and bar. Highly recommend to take a look before you rent a house in Kowloon side.
@Kaya Welcome to HK. I am an Aussie Hongkie. After living in and visiting many different countries in the past 30 years, HK is still my favorite city. I am sure you will fall in love with this place. Enjoy your stay! All the best!
You guys should move to yuen long new territories!with a budget of 20 k you can get around 1000 square feet of living space which would be very comfortable as for work convenience mtr is very easy mode of transportation here in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 and yes Welcome to HK❤
Welcome to live in Hong Kong. I hope everything goes well and happily for you. As for renting, if you like places with a green environment, I would recommend you to live in Hong Kong Island, such as Central,mid -level, Wan Chai, and Kennedy Town. The southern district of Hong Kong Island will also be suitable for you, including Wong Chuk Hang station, Ap Lei Chau station,and South Horizons station. If you pay a monthly rent of HKD 20,000, you can already find a good place. In addition, there are many affordable buildings for you to choose from near Wu Kai Sha MTR Station in the New Territories. ❤
Welcome to Hong Kong! My hubby's from Burnaby and he also moved to HK to be with me 10 years ago, in his early 30s. He found a teaching job pretty soon after arriving in HK and he's been teaching ever since!
Awesome video guys, as a born and bred Hong Konger, I love seeing people exploring my home city! I live in a residential area near Mong Kok called Prince Edward, it's also a great area for you guys and should fit within your budget.
My family and I miss Hong Kong so much, although we live in the states. My daughter misses him t so much she has decided in her mind that she’s moving there (she’s only 14). It’s a good thing I family tons of family there. HK does have a very different vibe! Good luck on your adventures there!
Aw thank you for sharing and for the wishing of luck! We are really enjoying it so far, but of course likely have some rose coloured glasses in the honeymoon phase!
Just subscribed! Love your videos. We made the move to HK two months ago. Your videos capture the bittersweetness of moving abroad perfectly. Hope you find somewhere you love. We made Yuen Long our home. ❤
@KayaMarriott NT is great for nature. We've got the Wetlands and Nature Reserve nearby and there are some good hiking trails. Just saw your latest videos, so glad you found an apartment! I work on HK Island, it's a cool place. 😎 Looking forward to the next one! How's your husband finding his new job?
Ooh I definitely got to check that out!! And he's settling in super well! And our apartment is beginning to come along--though we are PRETTY slow on the decorating. I'm looking forward to sharing more of the journey!
2:23 This mall is very busy in the afternoon and is famous for its street food and game shops. On the top floor there's a roller coaster (no longer operating) that you see its yellow track from the shot here and an ice-skating rink. It's one of the middle school/high school kids' favourite places to hang out after-school in that area, I believe.
this was an excellent video! I hope you film loads more because it has to be my new favourite channel, amazing couple and very insightful on the move to this current HK
I moved to Hong Kong from Singapore in 1993 for work. Left before the 1997 china take over. Luckily for me, I was provided with accommodation for 3 years. Part of the HK Health Authorities benefits. Now I am living and working in Australia. Soon I will be retiring and easing into my golden years. Go for the adventure, gal. The wotld is your oasis.
don't buy anything new... go on something called "carousell", which is like a craigslist. you'll be able to furnish your apartment and find gently used appliances/electronics for 1/4 the price new at a department store.
Found you from threads!! I just left HK and am sharing my journey moving to Europe now. But excited to find another vlogger to tune into! Enjoy HK, she’ll steal your heart!! ❤
The most important is live near the MTR station and depends where you work. If you worked in Central and Western District, Everywhere in Hong Kong is convenence and just stay closed to the MTR station. If you worked in Eastern District, east part of Hong Kong i.e. Apart from Island East, Tseung Kwan O and Kwun Tong are recommened. If you worked at Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui, Shatin, Ma On Shan, Tai Po, Wong Tai Sin or Hung Hom are recomened. If you worked at Sham Shui Po or Lai Chi Kok, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long or Tsing Yi are recommened. If you worked in Kwun Tong, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, To Kwa Wan, Tseung Kwan O or Shatin are recommened. Hong Kong have so many co-working space at Office Building and Industrial Building that you can hire.
Agreed. Tseung Kwan O has a lot of decent apartments with well managed resident clubhouses. If your partner works at Central part of Hong Kong Island like Admiralty, it only takes 20 mins to Tiu Keng Leng station by MTR. Even if he works at Tsimshatsui, the heart of Kowloon, it takes about 35 mins to Tiu Keng Leng. Hong Kong is a very small place if you live near an MTR station. Tsueng Kwan O has a lot of apartments which face the seaside and adjacent to a cycling track which can go all the way to the other side of the New Territories. You can find tranquility there. You should ask us Hongkongers before moving 😂
@@derek400004 : I think everything is easy to navigate in HK... in comparison to other cities. It is just knowing the bearings, and the routes. HK Tourist Board used to do a nice map. But now I am not so sure. I did save one before, not sure where it's gone now. So... and they used to provide free maps. Which was a good thing too. Now I cannot even see it. So stingy ! lol.
when they give you the seaweed packaging, you’re supposed to pour it into a separate bag they gave you along with the fries, and shake it!! it’s called shake shake fries
Welcome to Hong Kong! btw you can dump your fries along with the seasoning into that bag that they provided and give it a good shake. In HK, we call it shake shake fries.
If Lai Chi Kwok is where the work will be, seek out these areas: Kwai Fong, Mei Foo, maybe even all the way out to Tsuen Wan. Even at the last stop of the red line (Tsuen Wan), it'll only take about 15-20 station-to-station to Lai Chi Kwok MTR. With walking, depending on how far the apt/workplace are from the stations, it'll probably be a 45min commute max. And unfortunately you probably won't find dryers in most apartments in HK. Get a tension rod for any sort of window space/nooks, it's all about air dry. Have a good time in the city!
With the shake shake fries youre supposed to put the fries in the "shake shake fries" paper bag they provided you and put the powder in together, then close the bag and shake shake shake to mix all the powder with the fries!!! Welcome to HK! :)
Welcome to HKG! Sorry to hear that it did not go as expected at the end. Not sure where about you partner is working, but if you would like nature, but also some city life, try Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan or Ho Man Tin (Thats the like central east side of kowloon, end of green metro line area) You can also take a look at Tsing Yi, if he is working at west side of Kowloon.
It‘s always interesting to see people moving from Canada to Hong Kong, as I moved from HK to Toronto. Weather is the biggest difference. HK is always humid but has no space for a dryer. If you are hanging clothes without a dehumidifier, there is no way for them to get dried. HK is more like Vancouver in terms of convenience, I am sure you guys can get used to it very quickly. Good luck to both of you and hope you enjoy HK.
The original place we were going to move into had a washer/dryer combo.. but alas it all worked out in the end. But we are definitely getting used to it here! It didn't take much time!
@KayaMarriott Still... you have not yet experienced the spring and summer here. Humidity is so high in spring time, 80-90%, the wall sweats😅. Split air con systems have dehumidify mode, I basically have it on round the year, except for those very few dry days😊.
Welcome to Hong Kong. I am from Hong Kong but now live in Seattle. I was there to visit my family just a month ago so I’m glad you guys are able to find something that you like right away. Have fun over there.🎉
I hope you love being in Hong Kong! I have always wanted to go there…maybe some day I will be able to. It seems like a fantastic and beautiful city. I wish you lots of luck and happiness! 🤗 And tons of ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS food! 😄
You can try Happy Valley on HK island. Some walk up. It is a great place for expats. You really need to live in places where they have supermarkets that sell cheese, yoghurt and some western groceries
If you want more outdoor place，next time you may consider new territories (countryside) such as Yuen Long or Sai Kung. Maybe a little far away from centre of city. But don't worry, Hong Kong is small city and just take less a hour or even less than 30 minutes, you can reach nature, beaches and islands. Yuen Long is one of the districts of new territories. The routes of MRT covers many areas of Yuen Long. Tuen Mun Line runs Yuen Long Those stations such as Kam Sheung Road, Yuen Long Long Ping. The station Kam Sheung Road in the nearest one to the city in this line. From Station Kam Sheung Road to the city such Mei Fu take only 20 minutes. That is the Mei Fu Parrk you have been. Then you can transtrafer other lines of mrt to other areas such as Mongkok. It is a good choice if you don't drive and no worry about traffic jam. There are many village houses ( = villa) in Yuen Long. Usually, every village house is consists 3 floors. You can rent the 3rd floor with a rooftop or a ground floor with garden. You can enjoy bigger space with the same price in city. You can see mountains with fresh air but not far away from city. Sai Kung maybe another choice. Sai Kung is closed to sea and many village houses there. There is a van running from Sai Kung to Choi Hung station of MRT Kwun Tong Line . You have to check which exit of Choi Hung station to take the van. The van just takes about 20 minutes from this mrt station to Sai Kung. There are many boats and seafood restaurant by the coastline of Sai Kung but rent maybe higher than Yuen Long. You can try 28 house.com to view or rent appartment or village house. Or you can also check there are some apps of rent and sale. Many property owners post ad. on their own. By these apps, you don't need to pay commission to agent if you rent property directly from owner. Hong Kong public transport us convenient, din din tram, mrt, ferry, bus, van. There are many islands surrounding Hong Kong and easy to go cuz a lot of ferries run different lnes of islands. Many foreigners and hong kongers are living in islands. Everyday they take ferry to their working places in the city of Hong Kong island or Kowloon peninsular. It is rare in other place to kive in island but go to work in the centre of city by ferry. You can imagine how small the place but a big city with convenience.
I love HK island. Once you live in HK longer, you will get more familiar. The HK island south side maybe more expensive but it’s really nice and it’s not that far to Central.
Welcome to Hong Kong! We are so used to foreigners and so you two can just be yourselves! Also please remind Darren not to wear long sleeves dark color shirts and long pants in 30 degree or above Celsius; with the intense humidity I could feel the heat just by watching the video! Haha! Also please enjoy the numerous hiking trails and beautiful islands HK has to offer and they are only minutes away! Try Dragon’s Back as a beginner hike, it offers stunning views and even ends on a beach where you can grab a beer there!
Interesting to see you guys being adventurous on picking where to live. The spot you guys picked has little to non foreigner but prices there on grocery is much more affordable than the island side
We had imagined living in Kowloon the entire time we were getting ready to move-but given the circumstances we ended up looking a little broader in the next episode 🫢😅
Definitely noticed the cheaper prices. Even just exploring the two sides, there’s a tea Darren liked and we landed in central from tst and it cost more at 7-11 🤣
@@KayaMarriott yes cooperates here tend to do that. If you want the absolute cheapest things for groceries and household goods try visiting wet markets near by government public housing estates.
@@KayaMarriott looking forward to your next episode! by chance have you guys looked into apartments in tseung kwan o? its situated in the eastern new territory but it only takes 4 mtr stations to get to hk island side. I think you might be able to get a 3 bedroom around 20k there.
@@KayaMarriott and if even Tseung kwan o is too cramped for you folks. You may try industrial buildings located in kwai chung, tsuen wan, fo tan, tsing yi, and wong chuk hang (hk island), chai wan (hk island). Most of the case if these industrial building flats are livable, they will also provide you with some basic furniture. The draw back is its kind of in the gray area in terms of legality and you won't get insured if anything goes wrong.
good luck with your apartment hunting. That's probably the most nerve wrecking part of moving to a new city. The local property agencies like Midland or Centaline are all over the place. Hopefully you find a good and helpful agent who guides you through the venture.
Welcome to HK. You may want to find some way to learn how to use Taobao for online purchases. They got a wide range of goods (property the widest in the entire world) there. Same products, 17% to 50% compared with Amazon or a random shop in Canada. I'm from Hong Kong and moved to Toronto 6 months ago. And you may want to travel to China cities for more adventures! All the best~
Thank you for the insights and well wishes! I'm actually waiting on a TaoBao order as we speak! It's been a learning curve for me, but I'm obsessed with it!
@@KayaMarriott Excellent! I'm flying back to HK tomorrow (but just for a week including flight time). Can't wait. If you have any issues about living in HK, just feel free to ask~
As a local hongkonger I got to say welcome to my city, feel free to tell what you wanna know more of this city in your videos so we can comment and share.😊
Welcome to HK - If you like tech, make sure you go to the Golden Computer Centre Sham Shui Po (I think where you got your HK ID, not far from Mong Kok). There are actually 2 separate malls on top of each other not linked (3 total floors). Lots of other interesting shops if you explore too. Definitely consider being a few stops further out on the MTR you will get something bigger and nicer for the same $
Haha so far the only culture shock has been people walking slowly glued to their phones, and pedestrians not having the right of way at crossroads. Everything else has been pretty seamless! 😂
Wish I'd seen your video sooner. If you haven't already found an apartment, check out Banyan Garden, above the Lai Chi Kok MTR station.We used to rent there; it's about 500 sq ft, 2 bdr with a balcony, and a partial view of Victoria Harobur. I think it was just under HKD20,000 a month. I think you would love it, Kaya. Anyway, all the best, and I hope you'll get to love HK.
As a tourist who fell inlove with HK and its culture, definitely curious on how to move in and what are the changes in lifestyle if there are any. subbed
Recently rent on the south side of hk Island has dropped a lot. Eg repulse bay or even tai Tam. There are many bargains in pokfulam where it is not linked by mtr but they are close to beaches and usually Bus network is great. You will love those areas. I live on the south side and there are many expats
@KayaMarriott time for bargain hunt as rent has gone down a lot on this side of the island. Trail and sandy beaches are at your doorsteps. If you like outdoor and wish to live in a nice part of hk, South side.
Yes Hong Kong island and Kowloon is extremely different, from price, vibe to culture and buildings, they are just so different, I am a local Hong Kong people living in Hong Kong for 12 years and now I moved to a random western country and will visit Hong Kong each 6 months (half year), I use to live in Hong Kong island before I left Hong Kong and after I left and back to visit hong kong, I then moved to Kowloon, and I can tell the price are cheaper in kowloon, but also a bit messy and local feeling? compare to Hong Kong island, hk island is more like finance and modern place like more international, only west kowloon is able to compare to hk island 15:51 THIS REALLY TRIGGERS ME, you need to put the CHIPS into the PAPER BAG and add the SEASONING TOGETHER and SHAKE then all the chips can be flavoured and not just salt
I seemed to have triggered a LOT of people with the fries 😂 I’m sorry!! I will redeem myself and try again!! And thank you for sharing!! The vibes are so different and I love them both!
there is no language barrier in hk. if you wanted to, you could live your entire life as an expat and never learn the language and just live in your little expat bubble. But you'll never be a part of the local culture.
@lauraqueentint yes, Kaya mentioned in this vid that they were hanging out in areas without many other non-locals, so I'm assuming they've left the expat bubble... Hence the question.
we like to eat and shop at more local places so we are learning our numbers and favourite food orders in Cantonese…And we use a LOT of google translate. 😂 There isn’t much here, as @lauraqueentint said people live here their entire lives here and know nothing but we really hope not to be those people 😅
Try Saikung for a bigger bang for your buck and plus a garden. You can be anywhere in Hong Kong in under an hour or less if you know how to use the transport system. We have the best transport system in the world. Lot's of expats in Saikung.
@@Beach652 you've assumed lmao, you're still in the city if you're in kowloon lmao. to really be a local you go to the satellite towns in new territories then you'll see.
Welcome to Hong Kong, as u may know, HK is a small place packed with a lot of people, hope u enjoy your time here! And at 15:54, there should be a paper bag for the fries, you were supposed to put the fries in the paper bag, put the seasoning in and shake shake shake, that’s how you eat the shake shake fries😊 Hope u will get a chance to visit China during your stay!
Hong Kong is so small that even with a commute it shouldn't be a hassle, so I don't think it is necessarily essential that you live close to the place of work. Travelling by MTR is super convenient and any journey within Kowloon and Hong Kong Island should take no more than 45 mins max.
Welcome to Hong Kong!! If you like Richmond, BC, HK is the OG! It's gotten pricey, but take a look at the Eastern side of Hong Kong island (North Point, Quarry Bay, Sai Wan Ho, & Shau Kei Wan). If you want to save money buying furniture, electronics, appliances, ask a local and don't just go to the chain shops or the mall. Ask me if you want!
Thank you so much--this is great advice, really appreciate it! We definitely learnt the hard way with a lot of the buying of things. Had some great wins, and some not so great ones...
😂 Darren had hit it off pretty well with one of the receptionists--meanwhile I got locked out of the room and they wouldn't let me in until he got back. 😅 I'll try to add more on that in the next one.
Welcome to HK. I would suggest Lohas Park where you could find apartment abt 70sqm at the price of HKD20K - 25K, and you could reach HK Island such as Wanchai 15 min. by drive or 20min by MTR.
Welcome to HK, I came here from Sweden in 2011 I loved it since day one, I'm sure you will love it too! If you don't like the vibe of Kowloon side, don't be afraid that prices are much higher on HK Island side, they are not nowadays. Drive a hard bargain and you can find a decent place for 20k on HK-island also. I for example see a flat on Lockart Rd Wan Chai 2-bed 430 sq ft with a small (not super nice but anyway) private rooftop included. I'm pretty sure you can bargain that down to 20k. Good luck!
I so appreciate this, thank you for sharing!!
Kennedy Town, Central, Happy Valley, Tai Hang are also the good places to live in HK Island, with better vibe and there are lots of cafe and bar. Highly recommend to take a look before you rent a house in Kowloon side.
Then you must have a high salary to stand for your live in this small place but with expensive spending in here😂
Why do foreigners like crowded places? As someone living in mainland China, the traffic here is always terrible.
@Kaya
Welcome to HK. I am an Aussie Hongkie. After living in and visiting many different countries in the past 30 years, HK is still my favorite city. I am sure you will fall in love with this place. Enjoy your stay! All the best!
You guys should move to yuen long new territories!with a budget of 20 k you can get around 1000 square feet of living space which would be very comfortable as for work convenience mtr is very easy mode of transportation here in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 and yes Welcome to HK❤
Will definitely keep this on our radar!
Welcome to Home Kong! In fact, I am planning to move back to HK from Toronto as well.
I just did 2 months ago
hong kong not welcome u back
Hi welcome! I used to lived in Toronto back in my school days LOL!
Welcome to live in Hong Kong. I hope everything goes well and happily for you. As for renting, if you like places with a green environment, I would recommend you to live in Hong Kong Island, such as Central,mid -level, Wan Chai, and Kennedy Town. The southern district of Hong Kong Island will also be suitable for you, including Wong Chuk Hang station, Ap Lei Chau station,and South Horizons station. If you pay a monthly rent of HKD 20,000, you can already find a good place. In addition, there are many affordable buildings for you to choose from near Wu Kai Sha MTR Station in the New Territories. ❤
Oh, I am so excited to continue following you on this journey! It’s fun to see HK through your lens.
ahh thank you!! It's been so fun so far-- so glad to be catching up on the edits!
Welcome to Hong Kong! My hubby's from Burnaby and he also moved to HK to be with me 10 years ago, in his early 30s. He found a teaching job pretty soon after arriving in HK and he's been teaching ever since!
That's so awesome! Thank you for the welcome!!
Can’t wait for the next video and update on the apartment!!
Thank you!!
Hong Kong has such a unique vibe!!
It really does!!
Awesome video guys, as a born and bred Hong Konger, I love seeing people exploring my home city! I live in a residential area near Mong Kok called Prince Edward, it's also a great area for you guys and should fit within your budget.
Thank you!! We ended up finding a place, but we love Prince Edward--especially for plant-shopping!
Great video and nicely edited. Wish to see more exploration from HK, keep it going! 👍🏻
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
My family and I miss Hong Kong so much, although we live in the states. My daughter misses him t so much she has decided in her mind that she’s moving there (she’s only 14). It’s a good thing I family tons of family there. HK does have a very different vibe!
Good luck on your adventures there!
Aw thank you for sharing and for the wishing of luck! We are really enjoying it so far, but of course likely have some rose coloured glasses in the honeymoon phase!
Welcome to my hometown Hong Kong! Hope everything goes well for you guys… I’m sure you’ll love this place. can’t wait to see your next video😊
Thank you!! The next one is up! We really do love it here!
Great cliffhanger! Your voice editing style is very soothing yet still captures attention
Thank you!! That means a lot--I was so nervous to try my hand at vlogging because I thought I'd be a bore.
Love the video! Welcome to HK, hope you two enjoy your stay here!
Thank you so much!!
Just subscribed! Love your videos. We made the move to HK two months ago. Your videos capture the bittersweetness of moving abroad perfectly. Hope you find somewhere you love. We made Yuen Long our home. ❤
Ah thank you that means a lot! And that's amazing! I have to explore more of the New Territories! I hope you are settling in well!
@KayaMarriott NT is great for nature. We've got the Wetlands and Nature Reserve nearby and there are some good hiking trails. Just saw your latest videos, so glad you found an apartment! I work on HK Island, it's a cool place. 😎 Looking forward to the next one! How's your husband finding his new job?
Ooh I definitely got to check that out!! And he's settling in super well! And our apartment is beginning to come along--though we are PRETTY slow on the decorating. I'm looking forward to sharing more of the journey!
Good thing with HK you don’t ever get bored lol it’s a vibrant city that never sleeps
Yesss, definitely noticing this--always something to do!
2:23 This mall is very busy in the afternoon and is famous for its street food and game shops. On the top floor there's a roller coaster (no longer operating) that you see its yellow track from the shot here and an ice-skating rink. It's one of the middle school/high school kids' favourite places to hang out after-school in that area, I believe.
Ooh I okay I definitely have to make it back there in the afternoon!! I can definitely see it being an after-school hang out!
this was an excellent video! I hope you film loads more because it has to be my new favourite channel, amazing couple and very insightful on the move to this current HK
This means so much thank you!! Really looking forward to getting some more videos out!
Awesome vlog but cliffhanger ending! Subbed. Liked and ready for next episode!
Thank you so so much!! I gotta now make sure the next one holds up to the cliffhanger 😅
Lol, maybe some drama at IKEA?
I moved to Hong Kong from Singapore in 1993 for work. Left before the 1997 china take over.
Luckily for me, I was provided with accommodation for 3 years. Part of the HK Health Authorities benefits.
Now I am living and working in Australia. Soon I will be retiring and easing into my golden years.
Go for the adventure, gal. The wotld is your oasis.
don't buy anything new... go on something called "carousell", which is like a craigslist. you'll be able to furnish your apartment and find gently used appliances/electronics for 1/4 the price new at a department store.
This is great advice!
Found you from threads!! I just left HK and am sharing my journey moving to Europe now. But excited to find another vlogger to tune into! Enjoy HK, she’ll steal your heart!! ❤
Oh my goodness we just missed each other!! Looking forward to following your own journey, and consider my heart already stolen haha
@@KayaMarriottSo soon!❤ LOL
The most important is live near the MTR station and depends where you work. If you worked in Central and Western District, Everywhere in Hong Kong is convenence and just stay closed to the MTR station. If you worked in Eastern District, east part of Hong Kong i.e. Apart from Island East, Tseung Kwan O and Kwun Tong are recommened. If you worked at Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui, Shatin, Ma On Shan, Tai Po, Wong Tai Sin or Hung Hom are recomened. If you worked at Sham Shui Po or Lai Chi Kok, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long or Tsing Yi are recommened. If you worked in Kwun Tong, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, To Kwa Wan, Tseung Kwan O or Shatin are recommened. Hong Kong have so many co-working space at Office Building and Industrial Building that you can hire.
Agreed. Tseung Kwan O has a lot of decent apartments with well managed resident clubhouses. If your partner works at Central part of Hong Kong Island like Admiralty, it only takes 20 mins to Tiu Keng Leng station by MTR. Even if he works at Tsimshatsui, the heart of Kowloon, it takes about 35 mins to Tiu Keng Leng. Hong Kong is a very small place if you live near an MTR station. Tsueng Kwan O has a lot of apartments which face the seaside and adjacent to a cycling track which can go all the way to the other side of the New Territories. You can find tranquility there.
You should ask us Hongkongers before moving 😂
Either that or make sure your estate has a bus station nearby that will take you to your work area / block
@@derek400004 : I think everything is easy to navigate in HK... in comparison to other cities. It is just knowing the bearings, and the routes. HK Tourist Board used to do a nice map. But now I am not so sure. I did save one before, not sure where it's gone now. So... and they used to provide free maps. Which was a good thing too. Now I cannot even see it. So stingy ! lol.
when they give you the seaweed packaging, you’re supposed to pour it into a separate bag they gave you along with the fries, and shake it!! it’s called shake shake fries
HAha I have to redeem myself, I didn't know!!😂
So cool to see your journey over there! Love this!
Thank so much James!! It's been fun to finally start to piece it all together.
Welcome to Hong Kong! btw you can dump your fries along with the seasoning into that bag that they provided and give it a good shake. In HK, we call it shake shake fries.
Thank you!! Haha today I redeemed myself and ate them properly! 😂
If Lai Chi Kwok is where the work will be, seek out these areas: Kwai Fong, Mei Foo, maybe even all the way out to Tsuen Wan. Even at the last stop of the red line (Tsuen Wan), it'll only take about 15-20 station-to-station to Lai Chi Kwok MTR. With walking, depending on how far the apt/workplace are from the stations, it'll probably be a 45min commute max.
And unfortunately you probably won't find dryers in most apartments in HK. Get a tension rod for any sort of window space/nooks, it's all about air dry. Have a good time in the city!
Thank you for all the kind advice!! We ended up in the end with a place we love and a 45 min commute!
住在工作附近的(華景山莊)會更適合你們.它建在山上.有專線荔枝角小巴.每天也可以在附近山野行走~也付設.泳池.網球埸及運動室🎉
I loved this entire video and I can’t wait to see more! Ah to be young and travel the world! I’m so happy for you both!
Ahh you're the best! 💜 Appreciate you endlessly!
With the shake shake fries youre supposed to put the fries in the "shake shake fries" paper bag they provided you and put the powder in together, then close the bag and shake shake shake to mix all the powder with the fries!!! Welcome to HK! :)
I really don't know how I missed this 😂 Let me find a mcdonald's stat.
Welcome to HKG! Sorry to hear that it did not go as expected at the end.
Not sure where about you partner is working, but if you would like nature, but also some city life, try Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan or Ho Man Tin (Thats the like central east side of kowloon, end of green metro line area)
You can also take a look at Tsing Yi, if he is working at west side of Kowloon.
You guys’ll love this place. Enjoy!
Thank you!! I'm so in love already!
welcome to hong kong!! wish you guys all the best
Thank you!!
Love your energy and great video! Excited for your HK journey. Subscribed!
Thank you so much 🤗 Hope you enjoy this little corner of the internet!
It‘s always interesting to see people moving from Canada to Hong Kong, as I moved from HK to Toronto. Weather is the biggest difference. HK is always humid but has no space for a dryer. If you are hanging clothes without a dehumidifier, there is no way for them to get dried. HK is more like Vancouver in terms of convenience, I am sure you guys can get used to it very quickly. Good luck to both of you and hope you enjoy HK.
There are washer/dryer combos that are the same size as the washer.
The original place we were going to move into had a washer/dryer combo.. but alas it all worked out in the end. But we are definitely getting used to it here! It didn't take much time!
@KayaMarriott
Still... you have not yet experienced the spring and summer here. Humidity is so high in spring time, 80-90%, the wall sweats😅.
Split air con systems have dehumidify mode, I basically have it on round the year, except for those very few dry days😊.
Such a beautiful video, loved coming along the the first week. Cant wait to find out what happens 🤯😱
Thank you!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!
Good luck with everything! Hope you love it here!
Thank you!! Really enjoying it so far!
❤❤❤ warm welcome wishes to you ❤❤❤
thank you!!
You’re into the cooler months. Hong Kong gets steamy and humid heading into April-May
Ahh I think I acclimatized too quickly, I’m freezing now 🤣
@@KayaMarriottI just left about a week ago, just as it was getting cool haha
For the McDonald fries, you are supposed to dump the fries and the seasoning in the bag provided and shake vigorously
I didn't realize, but I redeemed myself this weekend and gave them a try the right way--indeed MUCH better!!
Welcome to Hong Kong. I am from Hong Kong but now live in Seattle. I was there to visit my family just a month ago so I’m glad you guys are able to find something that you like right away. Have fun over there.🎉
hong kong only for holiday not good to live
Thank you so much!! And I love Seattle, as a Vancouver girl it will always have soft place in my heart!
Welcome to hong kong! I have lived there for nearly 10 years!
Thank you!! And that's amazing!
I hope you love being in Hong Kong! I have always wanted to go there…maybe some day I will be able to. It seems like a fantastic and beautiful city. I wish you lots of luck and happiness! 🤗 And tons of ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS food! 😄
Thank you!! Hope you get to visit some day-- so far we are really enjoying it--the food has been STELLAR.
I do hope things go smooth for you
Thank you!!
You can try Happy Valley on HK island. Some walk up. It is a great place for expats. You really need to live in places where they have supermarkets that sell cheese, yoghurt and some western groceries
If you want more outdoor place，next time you may consider new territories (countryside) such as Yuen Long or Sai Kung. Maybe a little far away from centre of city. But don't worry, Hong Kong is small city and just take less a hour or even less than 30 minutes, you can reach nature, beaches and islands. Yuen Long is one of the districts of new territories. The routes of MRT covers many areas of Yuen Long. Tuen Mun Line runs Yuen Long Those stations such as Kam Sheung Road, Yuen Long Long Ping. The station Kam Sheung Road in the nearest one to the city in this line. From Station Kam Sheung Road to the city such Mei Fu take only 20 minutes. That is the Mei Fu Parrk you have been. Then you can transtrafer other lines of mrt to other areas such as Mongkok. It is a good choice if you don't drive and no worry about traffic jam. There are many village houses ( = villa) in Yuen Long. Usually, every village house is consists 3 floors. You can rent the 3rd floor with a rooftop or a ground floor with garden. You can enjoy bigger space with the same price in city. You can see mountains with fresh air but not far away from city. Sai Kung maybe another choice. Sai Kung is closed to sea and many village houses there. There is a van running from Sai Kung to Choi Hung station of MRT Kwun Tong Line . You have to check which exit of Choi Hung station to take the van. The van just takes about 20 minutes from this mrt station to Sai Kung. There are many boats and seafood restaurant by the coastline of Sai Kung but rent maybe higher than Yuen Long. You can try 28 house.com to view or rent appartment or village house. Or you can also check there are some apps of rent and sale. Many property owners post ad. on their own. By these apps, you don't need to pay commission to agent if you rent property directly from owner. Hong Kong public transport us convenient, din din tram, mrt, ferry, bus, van. There are many islands surrounding Hong Kong and easy to go cuz a lot of ferries run different lnes of islands. Many foreigners and hong kongers are living in islands. Everyday they take ferry to their working places in the city of Hong Kong island or Kowloon peninsular. It is rare in other place to kive in island but go to work in the centre of city by ferry. You can imagine how small the place but a big city with convenience.
Yeah we live in Yuen Long, I work in Wan Chai. Rents are cheaper here and I can still get to Wan Chai in 50mins on the MTR.
just found you!! hopefully you'll vlog more of your hong kong life! miss hong kong so much!
Thank you!! I hope to dedicate this channel to our new adventures, so more videos to come! Just have to catch up on editing. 😂
Welcome to hong kong
My whole fam immigtated to vancouver in 1994 , went to uni in windsor ontario then moved back to hk in 2008
Super excited for you :)
Thank you!!
Hope you will enjoy your time here. Hong Kong people are not cold hearted, it's just that we are too busy with our lives.
may the next apartment be even better! best of luck on this big adventure :^)
Appreciate it!!
I love HK island. Once you live in HK longer, you will get more familiar. The HK island south side maybe more expensive but it’s really nice and it’s not that far to Central.
Welcome to Hong Kong! We are so used to foreigners and so you two can just be yourselves! Also please remind Darren not to wear long sleeves dark color shirts and long pants in 30 degree or above Celsius; with the intense humidity I could feel the heat just by watching the video! Haha! Also please enjoy the numerous hiking trails and beautiful islands HK has to offer and they are only minutes away! Try Dragon’s Back as a beginner hike, it offers stunning views and even ends on a beach where you can grab a beer there!
Welcome to HK😊 Hope you enjoy living here. If you like countryside, I would recommend you to visit Sai Kung, Stanley, Repulse Bay and Tai O.
Thank you and thanks for the tips!!
u recommend you to visit Sai Kung, Stanley, Repulse Bay and Tai O. area was v v h/price
I also recommend the above and in particular Sai Kung. There's a direct minibus to Sai Kung from Mongkok and another from Dundas St, Yau Ma Tei.
Interesting to see you guys being adventurous on picking where to live. The spot you guys picked has little to non foreigner but prices there on grocery is much more affordable than the island side
We had imagined living in Kowloon the entire time we were getting ready to move-but given the circumstances we ended up looking a little broader in the next episode 🫢😅
Definitely noticed the cheaper prices. Even just exploring the two sides, there’s a tea Darren liked and we landed in central from tst and it cost more at 7-11 🤣
@@KayaMarriott yes cooperates here tend to do that. If you want the absolute cheapest things for groceries and household goods try visiting wet markets near by government public housing estates.
@@KayaMarriott looking forward to your next episode! by chance have you guys looked into apartments in tseung kwan o? its situated in the eastern new territory but it only takes 4 mtr stations to get to hk island side. I think you might be able to get a 3 bedroom around 20k there.
@@KayaMarriott and if even Tseung kwan o is too cramped for you folks. You may try industrial buildings located in kwai chung, tsuen wan, fo tan, tsing yi, and wong chuk hang (hk island), chai wan (hk island). Most of the case if these industrial building flats are livable, they will also provide you with some basic furniture. The draw back is its kind of in the gray area in terms of legality and you won't get insured if anything goes wrong.
Expecting your next Video!
Thank you!! Working on the edit now!
Welcome to HK. You will love the convenience and accessibility here
Thank you!! And I think I already do!
good luck with your apartment hunting. That's probably the most nerve wrecking part of moving to a new city. The local property agencies like Midland or Centaline are all over the place. Hopefully you find a good and helpful agent who guides you through the venture.
Thank you! It all ended up being a blessing in disguise, very happy and settled in now!
Which apartment did you choose then?
Just shared the update video! Ended up going with a completely different location: ua-cam.com/video/2BGEjxQnCjo/v-deo.html
You have done a lot in a short time! Enjoy your stay here! 😊
Thank you!!
HK is my hometown. I hope you’re enjoying it
Thank you--I absolutely am so far!
Hong Kong is the best place in the world
Welcome to HK. You may want to find some way to learn how to use Taobao for online purchases. They got a wide range of goods (property the widest in the entire world) there. Same products, 17% to 50% compared with Amazon or a random shop in Canada. I'm from Hong Kong and moved to Toronto 6 months ago. And you may want to travel to China cities for more adventures! All the best~
Thank you for the insights and well wishes! I'm actually waiting on a TaoBao order as we speak! It's been a learning curve for me, but I'm obsessed with it!
@@KayaMarriott Excellent! I'm flying back to HK tomorrow (but just for a week including flight time). Can't wait. If you have any issues about living in HK, just feel free to ask~
Thank you for sharing your journey as you move to a new country! I loved the food shots and descriptions. But Oh no for the end of the video though 😢
@@MaybeSarisa thank you for watching 🥹💜 haha more food shots to come, and definitely an update on our living situation. 🤣
Best of luck and enjoy every moment of it.
Thank you!! I've been really enjoying the journey so far (even the downs)!
I grew up there.
As a local hongkonger I got to say welcome to my city, feel free to tell what you wanna know more of this city in your videos so we can comment and share.😊
Thank you!! So appreciate it!
Welcome to HK - If you like tech, make sure you go to the Golden Computer Centre Sham Shui Po (I think where you got your HK ID, not far from Mong Kok). There are actually 2 separate malls on top of each other not linked (3 total floors). Lots of other interesting shops if you explore too. Definitely consider being a few stops further out on the MTR you will get something bigger and nicer for the same $
Ooh I will definitely have to check this out-I desperately need a computer monitor! Thank you for the advice!!
All the best in settling into Hong Kong. Please be prepared for the cultural shock as it can be quite different from Canada.
Ye expect the elevator pushing lol
Haha so far the only culture shock has been people walking slowly glued to their phones, and pedestrians not having the right of way at crossroads. Everything else has been pretty seamless! 😂
Welcome to HK! You usually dry clothes using dehumidifier and drying rack in the kitchen or bathroom at night..,
Thanks for the tip!! We ended up with a place that had a dryer, but we can't run it the same time as our washer, so this will come in handy!
enjoy your life in HK，you are smart. good luck😄
Shake Shake fries!! They should give you a little bag to mix it all up. Enjoy HK :)
Next time!😂🤦🏽♀️
Thanks n hk really need lot of positive people stay here ❤ welcome 🤗
Aw thank you!! Really enjoying things so far!
Wish I'd seen your video sooner. If you haven't already found an apartment, check out Banyan Garden, above the Lai Chi Kok MTR station.We used to rent there; it's about 500 sq ft, 2 bdr with a balcony, and a partial view of Victoria Harobur. I think it was just under HKD20,000 a month. I think you would love it, Kaya. Anyway, all the best, and I hope you'll get to love HK.
Aw I appreciate!! We ended up finding a place we are in LOVE with in the end so it worked out--but that sounds lovely!
enjoy our good food. may be learn how to cook them as well😂 try hiking too🎉
Thank you!! I definitely need to learn how to cook--my husband's recipes have been adapting nicely!
You guys should live in Discovery bay, that’s the best
I’ve heard such great things about Discovery Bay!
Hi I am a local, if you guys love the nature, check out the new territories and the many hiking trails there, they are amazing!
Thank you!! I've heard such great things about the New Territories!
As a tourist who fell inlove with HK and its culture, definitely curious on how to move in and what are the changes in lifestyle if there are any. subbed
Thank you!! Let me know if any specific questions come up and I'll try to cover it in future videos!!
Welcome to Hong Kong.thank you
Thank you!!
Recently rent on the south side of hk Island has dropped a lot. Eg repulse bay or even tai Tam. There are many bargains in pokfulam where it is not linked by mtr but they are close to beaches and usually Bus network is great. You will love those areas. I live on the south side and there are many expats
I’ve heard lots of great things about the south side of the island!
@KayaMarriott time for bargain hunt as rent has gone down a lot on this side of the island. Trail and sandy beaches are at your doorsteps. If you like outdoor and wish to live in a nice part of hk, South side.
Yes Hong Kong island and Kowloon is extremely different, from price, vibe to culture and buildings, they are just so different, I am a local Hong Kong people living in Hong Kong for 12 years and now I moved to a random western country and will visit Hong Kong each 6 months (half year), I use to live in Hong Kong island before I left Hong Kong and after I left and back to visit hong kong, I then moved to Kowloon, and I can tell the price are cheaper in kowloon, but also a bit messy and local feeling? compare to Hong Kong island, hk island is more like finance and modern place like more international, only west kowloon is able to compare to hk island
15:51 THIS REALLY TRIGGERS ME, you need to put the CHIPS into the PAPER BAG and add the SEASONING TOGETHER and SHAKE then all the chips can be flavoured and not just salt
I seemed to have triggered a LOT of people with the fries 😂 I’m sorry!! I will redeem myself and try again!!
And thank you for sharing!! The vibes are so different and I love them both!
Try Tseung Kwan O! local ppl love staying, u surly love it
Such a great job on that cliff hanger!
haha thank you!!! Now I just have to make sure the edit of my next one stands up to it. 🫢
Oh nooooo!!! Well that’s a way to get us to watch the next one 🤣
@@savoryexposure I am so sorry 🤣
Welcome to HK，enjoy your life🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Welcome to Hong Kong!
thank you!!
That cliffhanger, brutal! 😂. How are you finding the language barrier?
there is no language barrier in hk. if you wanted to, you could live your entire life as an expat and never learn the language and just live in your little expat bubble. But you'll never be a part of the local culture.
@lauraqueentint yes, Kaya mentioned in this vid that they were hanging out in areas without many other non-locals, so I'm assuming they've left the expat bubble... Hence the question.
we like to eat and shop at more local places so we are learning our numbers and favourite food orders in Cantonese…And we use a LOT of google translate. 😂
There isn’t much here, as @lauraqueentint said people live here their entire lives here and know nothing but we really hope not to be those people 😅
Try Saikung for a bigger bang for your buck and plus a garden. You can be anywhere in Hong Kong in under an hour or less if you know how to use the transport system. We have the best transport system in the world. Lot's of expats in Saikung.
@@Beach652 you've assumed lmao, you're still in the city if you're in kowloon lmao. to really be a local you go to the satellite towns in new territories then you'll see.
Hope you like the city 😆I would like to recommend some good hiking spots such as Shing Mun Reservoir, Lion Rock.
Thank you!! I'll add these to my to-visit list!
Welcome to Hong Kong, as u may know, HK is a small place packed with a lot of people, hope u enjoy your time here! And at 15:54, there should be a paper bag for the fries, you were supposed to put the fries in the paper bag, put the seasoning in and shake shake shake, that’s how you eat the shake shake fries😊
Hope u will get a chance to visit China during your stay!
Thank you!! I've realized my mistake with the shake shake fries. I didn't even see the bag in the moment. I'll redeem myself soon!! 😂
Based on your budget, I'm guessing Housing Allowance for ESF has gone up. I remember it used to be $12K for newly arrived teachers in early 2000s
It’s gone up a bit from that but not much😅, we are putting in some of our money so that I have a work space.
Try Tung Chung near airport, just 1 train back to city centre of Hong Kong. Very convenient and you will feel the vibe of countryside
Welcome to Home Kong 😊
Thank you!!
Hong Kong is so small that even with a commute it shouldn't be a hassle, so I don't think it is necessarily essential that you live close to the place of work. Travelling by MTR is super convenient and any journey within Kowloon and Hong Kong Island should take no more than 45 mins max.
Hello from Toronto ❤
you're supposed to put the fries and flavouring in the paper bag and shake it to mix.
I messed up hahah. I will redeem myself!
Welcome to Hong Kong!! If you like Richmond, BC, HK is the OG! It's gotten pricey, but take a look at the Eastern side of Hong Kong island (North Point, Quarry Bay, Sai Wan Ho, & Shau Kei Wan). If you want to save money buying furniture, electronics, appliances, ask a local and don't just go to the chain shops or the mall. Ask me if you want!
Thank you so much--this is great advice, really appreciate it! We definitely learnt the hard way with a lot of the buying of things. Had some great wins, and some not so great ones...
Richmond is not safe anymore
There was a shooting 3 days ago
Omg you got the 'big' room at Hotel 108! Did you manage to get a smile oit of the receptionists? 😂😂 But its in a good location, Mong Kok is awesome
😂 Darren had hit it off pretty well with one of the receptionists--meanwhile I got locked out of the room and they wouldn't let me in until he got back. 😅 I'll try to add more on that in the next one.
welcome.
Thank you!!
Welcome to HK. I would suggest Lohas Park where you could find apartment abt 70sqm at the price of HKD20K - 25K, and you could reach HK Island such as Wanchai 15 min. by drive or 20min by MTR.
You can try and put the fries into the paper bag they provide, then add the seasoning and shake it!! It's called shake shake fries for a reason haha
🤣😩 I’m such a newb, let me try that next time
Welcome to HK ❤❤
Thank you!!