Hong Kong

Finding a job in Hong Kong is not particularly difficult; finding a job that pays enough to cover your rent however can prove a bit trickier. Plenty of bartender, waitress and bar-back jobs exist in the westernized districts but salaries scarcely cover expenses in the neighboring apartments. More cash comes with the ability to speak 2 of the 3 major languages (English, Cantonese and Mandarin).

If linguistically challenged beyond English, scores of English teaching jobs exist. Positions at the government managed and international schools are scooped up by certified English teachers. However, for those not fussy about location and pay, jobs also exist in private, local schools in the New Territories and Kowloon. These jobs often provide more education for teachers since they are located among steel jungles or remote villages where non-Cantonese speakers, signs and attitudes rarely appear.

Spending money is never a problem in a city that remains forever open. If money remains after paying rent, a diet that rotates among noodles, congee and rice is often cheaper then cooking at home. Spend wisely because bare-bones basic living expenses require at least 5,000 HKD ($600 US) a month.

For the ‘must-have’ specialty gifts that will eventually adorn a basement bathroom, knockoff jewelry, clothes, tchochkies and electronics have conveniently ‘fallen off Mainland trucks’ onto numerous street market stands.

Haggling is possible but difficult without speaking Cantonese as shop owners look for suckers as much as shoppers look for bargains. However, since many of the stalls sell the same goods as their neighbors don’t get too pissed off at the high prices, just keep walking. Of course, truly becoming local requires spending half a month’s salary on an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag for you or your lady.

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