Hi everyone,

I'm putting together a budget for an imminent move to Lamma Island and would be very grateful for any input from those already living on the island.

I'd like info about monthly costs for:
medical cover-
doctors (we will have limited cover with my work - I have a partner and two children)
dentists / orthodontists (my two children aged 8 and 10 will need dental work while we are in HK)
opticians
telephones/mobiles
average rent for a three bed flat
water
electricity
transport (for four people working and going to school on HK island)
extra-curricular activities for kids (my children between them currently play tennis, aikido, gymnastics, rugby and guitar lessons - not saying they would do the same in HK but I'd like to get an idea of what is available and what people pay - rugby would be great though!)
flat insurance
estate agency fees
school books / uniforms / meals(obviously depends on the school but would like an idea of the average cost - difficult to work it out myself yet as I haven't found a place in a school - still trying very hard!)

anything else I haven't thought of...

Thanks for any help you can give me.

I'd like info about monthly costs for:
medical cover-
doctors (we will have limited cover with my work - I have a partner and two children)

There aren't any private doctors, or dentists on Lamma. There are a couple of vets though.
There is a public clinic which gives simple care and can refer you to the public hospitals. Very cheap if you have residency, about HK$45/visit and $100/day in hospital.

dentists / orthodontists (my two children aged 8 and 10 will need dental work while we are in HK)

Varies. Expensive in Central, cheaper in Kowloon.
Cost me about $250 for an extraction, $2500 for a crown in Kowloon.

telephones/mobiles
Cheap. Just a mobile phone, $60/month. A few hundred for a data plan.
Landline $110/month.Or just use a mobile, or VOIP.
Broadband: $250 or so/month.

average rent for a three bed flat
$7-8000 about the minimum now. Many asking over 10,000.

electricity
$150-$500 depending on how much you use aircon and hot water.

transport (for four people working and going to school on HK island)
$621 /month for ferry.
$5-8 for bus or MTR on HK each way.

Hi Alan,

Thanks for this - it's a great start to help me with the budget. Maybe a silly question - the price you quote for the monthly ferry pass is that per person and are the prices different for children do you know? I've tried looking on the ferry website but that section is 'under construction'.

Thanks again,

Jo

I don't know anybody that has an electricity bill of under $500 per month in the summer .... crikey, we run 2 x dehumidifiers (24 hrs) and air-con @ night in one bedroom only, and we heat water ! minimum $1000 per month !

our water charges are approx $250 per quarter which is really cheap compared to the UK.

don't forget also... you will need cable tv as the local channels are .... ???

Thanks grannyt

How much is it for tv - and didn't think to ask about average cost for internet connection?

Thanks again,
Jo

PCCW can provide landline/internet/cable tv i.e NOW TV for $300'ish per month ...the guys that do the installations here on Lamma are pretty good too !

you'll also need a gynecologist-i wouldn't know if the local doctor does referrals for that-i just go to a fancy expat clinic in central. costs several thousand HKD per visit. i'm sure you can find a less expensive option if necessary.