breakdown of what is, and just
as crucially
isn’t
, covered in your
relocation package.
“One needs to know if the budget
has been worked out realistically,
taking into account the family’s needs
and the local economic situation.
For example, a typical four-bedroom
detached house in the US or UK
won’t be in the same price bracket
in Hong Kong, so there may need
to be a complete change in thinking
about lifestyle. Consider high-rise
apartment living for the first time, or
a move further out of the city to find
spacious, affordable homes. Take your
time; perhaps consider a serviced
apartment to make sure that you see
the whole picture before having to
make decisions.”
What if you can’t visit your new
country in person before moving day?
Piya Narang of SwiftRelo movers
recommends some online detective
work. “Recommendations from
colleagues and friends are always
best, but failing that, check local
websites and forums such as [the local
equivalents of ] GeoExpat or AsiaXpat
to [understand] other people’s
experiences.”
Think carefully about items that
you can and can’t live without. Items
that are essential at home quickly
become an added expense when
you are unable to fit them into your
new apartment. Keep in mind that,
particularly in Asian cities, living
space is at a premium, so consider
storing or selling furniture, replacing
it with more suitable pieces once you
arrive.
When it comes to international
shipping, Piya suggests that you
should always obtain three separate
quotations. “This will ensure that you
get a good idea of what companies
are offering, and at what price. If
quotes differ significantly, then you
should ask questions to make sure that
everyone is quoting on a like-for-like
basis. For example, are the estimated
volumes the same, or is unpacking
included in all the quotes?
“Provide as much information as
you can to the moving company to
ensure that you are given an accurate
door-to-door cost and consider
additional charges for services such as
an electrician, handyman or crating of
fragile items,” Piya says. “Remember
that if you do not insure your items,
they are not protected. Most moving
companies will offer options to enable
you to insure either your whole
shipment, or specific items.”
Health matters
Another important element is your
health insurance coverage, and here
it can be worth negotiating hard, as
British expat Katie explains. “Here
in Hong Kong, consultations and
treatment are far cheaper in the public
sector, but with longer waiting times,
and if you’re not fluent in Cantonese
it’s difficult to know where to begin.
With a trip to a private doctor usually
costing around $1,000, you can see
why it’s so important to be able to
claim this back from your medical
insurance company.
“I was recently admitted to
hospital for gynaecological oncological
