My company (headquartered in Boston) is going to be sending me to work in Hong Kong for the next 2 years. Are there any perks I should ask them for (airline tickets, cell phone, laptop, chinese language lessons) before I agree to go?
Careers & Employment - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Ask for anything you can think of, especially a raise for the increase in your cost of living. Relocation Language lessons Aid in finding housing etc.
2 :
Don't agree to anything until you have decided what exactly it is you want from them. Like for them to pay your phone bill each month, because calling home from Hong Kong can be very costly. A first class trip back home to Boston every 6 months, and your internet fees. These are just for starters.. But then you wouldn't be able to pay me enough to work in Hong Kong.
3 :
I have been abroad several times on work assignments. Your company should be providing the following: 1) Hotel accomodation whilst you get permament accomodation. 2) Help with finding accomodation, schools etc, for you and family if taking them as well. 3) You will probably need a maid in Hong Kong - this is cultural and helps you survive in a foreign culture. 4) Office space 5) Per diem if expenses are more in HK 6) Help from a native in settling in, getting a bank account etc. 7) Some flights if leave your family at home. Of course they will fly you and your effects out there. Hong Kong is a wonderful place and you will probably work using English. Your maid will help you with the very Chineese stuff. It's a privalege and a good boost to your career. Enjoy it!
4 :
Ask for it all. The old saying, "If you don't ask, than you know the answer" I would ask for: Cell phone charges to be paid Hotel accomodations or other living arrangement allocations Language lessons are a must Interpretation assistance Rental car assistance or a company car.
5 :
Hong Kong is a beautiful vibrant city with tons of culture. Many people speak English. It is very international. I would go if given this opportunity, it is frequently a way to move up in corporations, and a great way to see the world. This is what I would ask for: - You must have a company charge card. - First I would ask for a "pre-trip" of about 2 weeks to check out the city, see if you like it, find a place to live there, get used to the food, etc. Make it 2 weeks, not 1, because you will be jet-lagged at first. Fly Business Class, stay at the Conrad Hotel in Central. If they want to fly you coach and put you up at a second rate hotel, tell them to forget about it. - Then ask for 3 to 4 weeks back at home to pack your things, visit family and friends, and get your "stuff" prepared for an extended leave. - A local cell phone is a must, as is a wireless laptop. - All transportation must be Business or First class air. No coach. The flight(s) from Boston will take 16 hours or more. - Ask for paid trips back home about once per quarter (for holidays, family functions, vacations, etc.). Also ask that you may have the option of fying someone to visit you (girlfreind, sister, friend, whoever) in lieu of you flying home for one of the quarterly trips. - The cost of living is very high. The cost of food is high. I would ask for a daily meal allowance of $60 or more. As far as expenses, I would ask for a daily allowance - usually called a "per diem" - rather than actual expenses. If you have to submit actual expenses you will need to save and submit just about every receipt which can be tedious. I would recommend keeping receipts in a shoe box though in case anyone challenges your actual expenses, which WILL BE high in Hong Kong. - Where you live is very important. Apartments are very expensive, even in the outlying areas. I would recommend you stay downtown in "central" area at one of the International Hotels that have apartments. I recommend the Conrad (Hilton) Hotel ( http://conradhotels1.hilton.com/en/ch/brandServices.do?service=residences ). The Grand Hyatt, Peninsula, Four Seasons, Shangri-La and JW Marriot are all very nice too. Most have very nice apartments, and most of the people at these places speak English so that will be a big help. If you will be working in Kowloon (north, across water from Central) the Intercontinental is high class. Choose your location, don't let someone choose it for you. Hong Kong is huge, you could get stuck many miles outside of the city. - The transportation system is very good. Ask for a fully funded "octopus" card ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus_Card )which will allow you to take any train or bus anywhere, and pay for expenses. Forget about driving - they drive on the wrong (left) side of the road and traffic is horrible. If you have some clout, and are midlevel and up, it is common for people to ask for a car and driver. Don't laugh - it is common. This is especially useful if your commute will be long, if you will be entertaining clients frequently or traveling to client offices. The driver will also help you navigate about the city.
