Where would you live if you had the choice... Hong Kong or Singapore? We have a 4 1/2 yr old and a 2 yr old.?

Question

We currently live in Manhattan and have the opportunity to go to Hong Kong or Singapore as expats for 2-4 years. We may have the choice between the two so please give some advice... our 4 1/2 year old will start K next year and we also have a 2 year old. Thanks!

Answer 1

You need to know the differences between the 2, for many they are similar, but in fact it is not.

Singapore is a country. HK is not, but in many ways it is different from Mainland China. Singapore is hot year-round, HK has a mild winter like California. As Singapore is tropical, there is the risk of dieseases like Dengue fever and malaria year-round. Singapore is a bit safer because it has strict laws. There are heavy fines for many violations, the caning and death penalty. HK laws are similar to England's laws.

There is large American and other expatriate community in HK, one of the largest in Asia. Quite a few internation schools as well. English is more widely used in Singapore than HK and HK is more expensive. HK is more Chinese influenced being part of China and close to Mainland China while Singapore is the centre of SE Asia.

Answer 2

I would say Hong Kong since Hong Kong is proximity to China so many companies have offices and regional headquarters there, so that will end up having more job opportunities. Plus, you can get to Mainland China easily when you get a Hong Kong ID card after living in Hong Kong for 7 years. Education in Hong Kong is top notch since they are moving towards e-books which uses laptop and such with the teacher in front to point out things on the computer. Hong Kong has a cool winter and hot summer compared to Singapore with hot and humid all year long. Although pollution is a major problem for Hong Kong, but they are working with the Guangdong province which is the neighboring province of Hong Kong to reduce pollution of 20% by 2010, plus, they are using some of the top technology bus Euro IV standard which is the most environmental bus on the road so I'm sure pollution will soon not a problem for foreigners looking to go to Hong Kong

Answer 3

I travel frequently to SE Asia and I love both countries. Hong Kong would be my choice given the make-up of your family.

HK has so much to offer in terms of recreation, food, lodging, shopping and weather. You are close to Macou and South China for addtional touring.  

Singapore is lovely, and is also known as "Cement City."  The weather in Singapore is HOT and muggy! The people are great and the food is tasty. I especially love the orchids in SQ. Malaysia is just over the border and offers another view of asian culture.

Answer 4

Raising a family in Singapore is much better because Singapore is generally safer than HK. In HK, there's always workers rioting and street fights. Secondly, more and most Singaporeans speak english compared to Hong Kongers. It's easier and more convienent to go about in Singapore than HK. For example, the Mcdonald's menu is in English in Singapore whereas it is only available in Chinese in HK. For me, it's rather frustrating to find a cheap and decent place to eat because most menus are in Chinese unless you were to dine at classy restaurants.

Houses in Singapore are also comparatively larger and cheaper. The air pollution in HK is horrible!

The Singapore's standard of education is better than HK too and you can find ENGLISH books more easily in Singapore than HK.

However, HK is a more vibrant city compared to Singapore and has a great nightlife. The clubbing scene is good and the weather is not as hot and humid as Singapore's. Singapore is sunny all year round so you don't get to experience winter.

In conclusion, HK is a better place if you're an expat who doesn't have a family and spends the night clubbing away!