children in hong kong
Join Date: Jul 1999
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Kids in Hong Kong
That's the one of the main reasons why we left Hong Kong. The kids.
School fees are atrocious, having to buy a debenture for the kids to give them the privilege of going to the DB International School was sky high. Lack of activities after school, or parks to play in (other than the concrete jungle) and the cost of extra curricular activities made the decision to leave very easy...
We are much happier with the level of schooling and the ability to play outside in green parks with no pollution here in Canada.
School fees are atrocious, having to buy a debenture for the kids to give them the privilege of going to the DB International School was sky high. Lack of activities after school, or parks to play in (other than the concrete jungle) and the cost of extra curricular activities made the decision to leave very easy...
We are much happier with the level of schooling and the ability to play outside in green parks with no pollution here in Canada.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Canada-West Coast
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Slapshot,
Gee, that isn't exactly what we wanted to hear but thanks for the upfront and honest opinion. I can definitely see your reasoning. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of choices for us in Canada and that is why guys like me look outside of our beautiful country. How long did you last in HK? How old were your kids? Anyone else have a different spin or is this pretty much the concensus? Thanx Waytan
Gee, that isn't exactly what we wanted to hear but thanks for the upfront and honest opinion. I can definitely see your reasoning. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of choices for us in Canada and that is why guys like me look outside of our beautiful country. How long did you last in HK? How old were your kids? Anyone else have a different spin or is this pretty much the concensus? Thanx Waytan
Join Date: Jul 2004
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What Slapshot said is about it. Although there are some good parts. The Maths in HKG schools are amazing compared to where I live (Australia). HKG Students that come and study in Australia have some real good Maths, the stuff we're learning in Maths right now, they learnt long time ago.
There ARE parks in HKG but I'd not as many as here in Australia and other parts of the world. The parks there are enough for what you need (Fitness) but it'd be better to excercise in a non-polluted area.
I thoroughly recommend you stay in Canada or perhaps come to Australia
The school level here is ok but to me a bit low (That's why I do some extra study at home). The schools fees are nice, living here is very nice (WIth large parks etc) and the air is really nice here.
Hope this helps,
Capt. J
There ARE parks in HKG but I'd not as many as here in Australia and other parts of the world. The parks there are enough for what you need (Fitness) but it'd be better to excercise in a non-polluted area.
I thoroughly recommend you stay in Canada or perhaps come to Australia
The school level here is ok but to me a bit low (That's why I do some extra study at home). The schools fees are nice, living here is very nice (WIth large parks etc) and the air is really nice here.Hope this helps,
Capt. J
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Hong Kong
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40% of Hong Kong is country park so it is quite surprising that you didn't find any of it, particularly if you lived in DB where all you have to do is walk out of your door and onto some beautiful hills. And for things like kids' playgrounds (swings, slides, climbing frames etc.) HK has a far, far higher density than any other city I have lived in.
More details on the Country Parks here:
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/parks/parks_e.htm
and on some of the other leisure facilities here:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ls_fac.php
More details on the Country Parks here:
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/parks/parks_e.htm
and on some of the other leisure facilities here:
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ls_fac.php
The Reverend
Join Date: Oct 1999
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In my 33 years in Hong Kong, I had five kids in Hong Kong ESF schools, from primary to high school levels. I found the standards very good although expensive but the education allowance took care of that. Not all of Hong Kong is highrise and wall to wall people. There are some very beautiful areas like the country parks and walking trails and if you are into boating, Hong Kong is hard to beat. Admittently, pollution is much worse these days. It is now five years since I retired but I still miss the place and visit regularly. I would suggest you take some time out to visit, it will help to make up your mind. Cheers, HD.
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Yes indeed. HKG is a beautiful place to be, I'd much prefer to go there for holidays instead of living there as Sydney is my home and nothing beats Sydney to me. Saying this, I have aunts and cousins in HKG and visit them regularly and I love that place, it's a very lively place. There are "villages" and large buildings wherever you wish to live.
All I can say is that you'll love HKG, I don't know much about the government but from my holidays and visits to my cousins, it's one good place to be
I've heard that they collect tax at the end of the year all at once which could be a bad thing. Like HotDog said, visit HKG and you'll know whether you want to live there or not. I didn't want to leave when I was there back last Christmas but when I came back to Sydney, I felt I was even more happy so I treat HKG as a holiday destination and go there to visit my cousins and aunties regularly. Good place to be depending on what type of person you, I'm a more "quiet" person and prefer Australia. As Hotdog also said, the pollution there is getting worser but I don't think it'd do you much damage 
The technology there is far ahead from Australia. The fastfood outlets there are amazing compared to what we have in Australia, Maccas in HKG have a larger menu than the Australian one and so does Pizza Hut etc. Last of all, I wouldn't mind living there if I work for CX but Sydney will always be my first choice!
I'm not really sure about this one but I've been told it's much harder to drive there as there are more cars and the roads have more lanes (Compared to Australia, the most lanes we have on roads is 6 or 7) Not sure about Canada. Perhaps HotDog can give you an idea of the driving there although that's what I heard of it, hard to drive and a lot of traffic jams for sure. I don't drive yet
But from what I see when I'm on taxis, it's really crazy 
Kind Regards,
Capt. J
All I can say is that you'll love HKG, I don't know much about the government but from my holidays and visits to my cousins, it's one good place to be
I've heard that they collect tax at the end of the year all at once which could be a bad thing. Like HotDog said, visit HKG and you'll know whether you want to live there or not. I didn't want to leave when I was there back last Christmas but when I came back to Sydney, I felt I was even more happy so I treat HKG as a holiday destination and go there to visit my cousins and aunties regularly. Good place to be depending on what type of person you, I'm a more "quiet" person and prefer Australia. As Hotdog also said, the pollution there is getting worser but I don't think it'd do you much damage The technology there is far ahead from Australia. The fastfood outlets there are amazing compared to what we have in Australia, Maccas in HKG have a larger menu than the Australian one and so does Pizza Hut etc. Last of all, I wouldn't mind living there if I work for CX but Sydney will always be my first choice!
I'm not really sure about this one but I've been told it's much harder to drive there as there are more cars and the roads have more lanes (Compared to Australia, the most lanes we have on roads is 6 or 7) Not sure about Canada. Perhaps HotDog can give you an idea of the driving there although that's what I heard of it, hard to drive and a lot of traffic jams for sure. I don't drive yet
But from what I see when I'm on taxis, it's really crazy Kind Regards,
Capt. J
Join Date: Jul 1999
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"40% of Hong Kong is country park so it is quite surprising that you didn't find any of it, particularly if you lived in DB where all you have to do is walk out of your door and onto some beautiful hills."
Yes there are "hills" as you say in DB. If hiking around hills and goat trails in 35 C temperatures and 99% humidity is your bag it is great for that. The mountain biking is good as well.
However if your pastimes include more than walking in the woods or less than pounding the dirt on a mountain bike one will have to look elsewhere...
"And for things like kids' playgrounds (swings, slides, climbing frames etc.)"
Yes there are several children's play area's, but nothing for the older child. Pre-teens are pretty much forgotten. The pre-teens were lobbying all the while we were there for a skateboard park and were re-buffed at every turn.
With all the greenery and grass area in DB one would think that it would be an oasis of recreation. That would be an illusion... Try going onto the grass for a game of touch football, baseball or to throw a frisbee. The local "security guards" will chase you off the grass. The rent a cops sole purpose seems to be that of the "fun police"...
"In my 33 years in Hong Kong, I had five kids in Hong Kong ESF schools, from primary to high school levels. I found the standards very good although expensive but the education allowance took care of that."
33 years would indicate that you are an "A" scaler. I'm afraid that the education allowance has changed several times with each successive change to the C.O.S. Debentures are not covered, and need to be purchased in many cases to ensure a place for your child. Extracurricular activities that children enjoy in their home country's (at reasonable cost) would not be covered either.
"Not all of Hong Kong is high-rise and wall to wall people. There are some very beautiful areas like the country parks and walking trails and if you are into boating, Hong Kong is hard to beat."
The boating is nice and after going out on the Cathay Yacht and the Junk I enquired about getting a licence for boating. I found the red tape to be damn near insurmountable. I did not wish to write the Performance "A" again just to splash around on the days off...
"Admittedly, pollution is much worse these days. It is now five years since I retired but I still miss the place and visit regularly."
The pollution was a constant worry when we were there. When I left the flat for an early morning report one could see the worker's cleaning the beach at dawn in DB so that the residents did not wake up to see the jetsam and flotsam that covers the sand every morning. On more than one occasion the limb of an unfortuate would wash up on the beach.
With much work the beaches in DB were quite nice, but I would not dare to swim in the water...
Yes there are "hills" as you say in DB. If hiking around hills and goat trails in 35 C temperatures and 99% humidity is your bag it is great for that. The mountain biking is good as well.
However if your pastimes include more than walking in the woods or less than pounding the dirt on a mountain bike one will have to look elsewhere...
"And for things like kids' playgrounds (swings, slides, climbing frames etc.)"
Yes there are several children's play area's, but nothing for the older child. Pre-teens are pretty much forgotten. The pre-teens were lobbying all the while we were there for a skateboard park and were re-buffed at every turn.
With all the greenery and grass area in DB one would think that it would be an oasis of recreation. That would be an illusion... Try going onto the grass for a game of touch football, baseball or to throw a frisbee. The local "security guards" will chase you off the grass. The rent a cops sole purpose seems to be that of the "fun police"...
"In my 33 years in Hong Kong, I had five kids in Hong Kong ESF schools, from primary to high school levels. I found the standards very good although expensive but the education allowance took care of that."
33 years would indicate that you are an "A" scaler. I'm afraid that the education allowance has changed several times with each successive change to the C.O.S. Debentures are not covered, and need to be purchased in many cases to ensure a place for your child. Extracurricular activities that children enjoy in their home country's (at reasonable cost) would not be covered either.
"Not all of Hong Kong is high-rise and wall to wall people. There are some very beautiful areas like the country parks and walking trails and if you are into boating, Hong Kong is hard to beat."
The boating is nice and after going out on the Cathay Yacht and the Junk I enquired about getting a licence for boating. I found the red tape to be damn near insurmountable. I did not wish to write the Performance "A" again just to splash around on the days off...
"Admittedly, pollution is much worse these days. It is now five years since I retired but I still miss the place and visit regularly."
The pollution was a constant worry when we were there. When I left the flat for an early morning report one could see the worker's cleaning the beach at dawn in DB so that the residents did not wake up to see the jetsam and flotsam that covers the sand every morning. On more than one occasion the limb of an unfortuate would wash up on the beach.
With much work the beaches in DB were quite nice, but I would not dare to swim in the water...
Waytan, life's a compromise [!] and to that end so is Hong Kong. Yeah summer is x-rated hot and humid, but in winter it doesn't freeze over.
Making life work in HKG is about getting on with it. The boat licence is a piece of doddle done in your spare time over a week or so. Went to the beach at Lung Shuen early this morning for a swim b4 the Sunday hoards arrived. Beautiful. Slap Shot is correct in saying that the beach at DB is rubbish. Correct, and in my opinion just one of many reasons I couldn't live there. Otherwise I can't agree too much more with him.
Gotta go as it's cooling down nicelyoutside and the Sai Kung hills are in need a bit if MTB b4 sunset.
Making life work in HKG is about getting on with it. The boat licence is a piece of doddle done in your spare time over a week or so. Went to the beach at Lung Shuen early this morning for a swim b4 the Sunday hoards arrived. Beautiful. Slap Shot is correct in saying that the beach at DB is rubbish. Correct, and in my opinion just one of many reasons I couldn't live there. Otherwise I can't agree too much more with him.
Gotta go as it's cooling down nicelyoutside and the Sai Kung hills are in need a bit if MTB b4 sunset.
Join Date: Jan 2000
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Having read slapshots inputs, I got quite a chuckle. But this person is right, if one is an "A" scaler, HKG is great. The $$$ do help ones acceptence levels. For someone to move to HKG now, on the B scale, with several kids, the first years will be very lean.
DB is a great place, but the if you have kids approaching 10 and up, you will quickly be aware that there is no where in DB for them to "hang out". If they try and kick a ball in the plaza, you will be told not to. If you try and skateboard, you will be told not too. I am sure they would be allowed to get pissed by the 7 eleven though...
We enjoyed living in DB, don't get me wrong, but the COS package I was on was starting to not cut it. As mentioned, the pollution levels are not changing. I do beleive HKG Govn't are doing their part, but most of it comes in from the north.
My advise for anyone who wants to make the move, ask as many friends as you can, but go visit yourself.
DB is a great place, but the if you have kids approaching 10 and up, you will quickly be aware that there is no where in DB for them to "hang out". If they try and kick a ball in the plaza, you will be told not to. If you try and skateboard, you will be told not too. I am sure they would be allowed to get pissed by the 7 eleven though...
We enjoyed living in DB, don't get me wrong, but the COS package I was on was starting to not cut it. As mentioned, the pollution levels are not changing. I do beleive HKG Govn't are doing their part, but most of it comes in from the north.
My advise for anyone who wants to make the move, ask as many friends as you can, but go visit yourself.
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good information
can anyone explain how the debenture works?
Is it just a price to pay to have them attend the school along with the school fees?
what's the difference between the premium debenture and the standard one? is it just a higher priority when a spot opens up?
anyone know approximately how long it takes to get a spot with a standard debenture?
this stuff is new to me....
can anyone explain how the debenture works?
Is it just a price to pay to have them attend the school along with the school fees?
what's the difference between the premium debenture and the standard one? is it just a higher priority when a spot opens up?
anyone know approximately how long it takes to get a spot with a standard debenture?
this stuff is new to me....
Join Date: Jan 2000
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As far as I know, you can opt to pay the debenture as you go, pay each month. Around $7500 per month. The other way is to pay around $150,000 total for a fair market debenture. This allows you a fast track for the student enrollment.
Problem with this system, is if and when you take the student out of school, you have then to sell the debenture, at whatever market rate.
OK, if it companies money, but in case of KA, this is your own money.
Problem with this system, is if and when you take the student out of school, you have then to sell the debenture, at whatever market rate.
OK, if it companies money, but in case of KA, this is your own money.
Join Date: Jul 1999
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The deal is that you must come up with the $150,000 for the child's place. Tough to come up with that kind of scratch when you first arrive there and on an entry level salary. You don't get it back, until your child leaves/finishes school and you can sell it to someone else.
Some grades/level's are fully occupied and you may not be able to find a place for your child. Debenture's are bought to reserve a place for a child often times two years before a child is of school age...
If you have more than one child, you may find a place for one, but an older child may not, and would have to go to the "Hong Kong Side" to attend school.
That was the case with neighbours of ours in DB at the time. Two years of one child going to the DBIS and the other child going to a school by Ferry every morning... Plus they had to pay the debenture for the "reservation" of the place for the child should a place open up...
Tricky, and expensive...
Good luck.
Some grades/level's are fully occupied and you may not be able to find a place for your child. Debenture's are bought to reserve a place for a child often times two years before a child is of school age...
If you have more than one child, you may find a place for one, but an older child may not, and would have to go to the "Hong Kong Side" to attend school.
That was the case with neighbours of ours in DB at the time. Two years of one child going to the DBIS and the other child going to a school by Ferry every morning... Plus they had to pay the debenture for the "reservation" of the place for the child should a place open up...
Tricky, and expensive...
Good luck.
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There is NO job (and this airline now provides nothing more than a 'job') that is worth the possible permanent harming of your childrens health. The levels of serious air pollution have reached crisis levels in HK, and the outlook is for it to only get worse. As an example, the HK Government admitted last month that this year the number of days that have been designated as having reached the level of 'serious' air pollution is 4 times what it was only 5 years ago. Many expats are either leaving or at the very least sending their families home. Ask yourself if any job is worth harming your children for? A friends one year old child came down with a serious skin disease, and was advised by the doctor that the only way to help the condition was to have him leave HK. Another friends daughters (both) have come down with ashma, and his family has no genetic disposition towards this disease. It is a shame that the situation has now reached the levels that it has. It is mainly the fault of the incredible increase in industrial production in southern China. HK is a victim in this, as they have very little ability to police the pollution levels coming from the north. Considering the projected rates of growth in China, this issue could very well end up permanently destroying HK as a livable city....
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Just a luvvy posting scary stuff. Sure the pollution situation is not that good, but I have young kids and none of them have developed anything out of the ordinary in a long time here. Asthma, by the way, is a fast growing scourge amongst both children and adults world wide. Many specialists think it's an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the food we eat. Hong Kong is great, plenty to do for you and the kids. But I wouldn't live in discovery bay if someone bought the place for me - oops they will - but I'll buy elsewhere. GL
Grandpa Aerotart
I've always enjoyed time spent in HK and have many friends working there...the pollution is very bad...I operated in and out of there a few weeks ago and the pollution was so bad you could barely see the terrian around CLK...that's just typical winter time from what I'm told...vis 4000m in pollution...you really must see it to believe it...and before you can make an informed decision about moving children there.
I've seen plenty of days there where the air quality was quite ok but from what I hear that's only about 30% of the time. Plenty of people do suffer severe problems from the pollution...to say otherwise is denial of the obvious.
From what I hear on the grapevine KA guys are not all that happy...all the usual attacks on COS...all up I really don't want to work/live there anymore...quite happy with my jungle hideaway with clear air and a Boeing to drive.
I've seen plenty of days there where the air quality was quite ok but from what I hear that's only about 30% of the time. Plenty of people do suffer severe problems from the pollution...to say otherwise is denial of the obvious.
From what I hear on the grapevine KA guys are not all that happy...all the usual attacks on COS...all up I really don't want to work/live there anymore...quite happy with my jungle hideaway with clear air and a Boeing to drive.