I won't profess to be a financial expert (of any sorts!) but when I was approached by ClearFX to partner with them, I did a bit of investigating...and put the concept to several of my expat friends, who all thought this was a great idea and something that could be very handy indeed. They come under the umbrella of OzForex, the parent company in Australia with a multi brand strategy including NZForex, UKForex, USForex and CanadianForex. ClearFX is the Hong Kong branch. So here's the bit to pay attention to: If you're living away from home you probably know that sending money overseas can be expensive if you're using the major banks, right? With ClearFX though it's pretty easy - you can transfer money faster and for a lot less! Stick with me here, because it's worth looking into. There are no fees for transfers over HKD 16,000 or equivalent and their exchange rates are much better than banks and other providers. Best of all, you can do it anytime you like online or by phone – they are open 24-hours a day, business days! By using ClearFX you will enjoy the following; No receiving bank fees in most countries Extremely competitive foreign exchange rates across 50 currencies Online access 24/7 Access to a dedicated dealer by phone 24-hours a day, 5 days a week Complete exchange rate transparency No transaction fees for amounts over HKD 16,000 or equivalent Risk management tools through Limit Orders and Forward Exchange Contracts Exchange rate alerts via email Access to our highly regarded daily and weekly “Market Commentary” To speak to one of their accredited dealers about your foreign exchange requirements call 800 969 599 in Hong Kong (1300 300 424 in Australia 0845 686 1950 in the UK; 1800 680 0750 in Canada or 0800 161 868 in NZ). Registering with them is FREE and you can view their live dealing rates immediately. What are you waiting for!!! ClearFX Currency Converter Add this to your site … [Read more...]
8 Lessons Learned: 3 Years as an Expat in Hong Kong
My latest column for Expat Focus... Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of the victory. George S. Patton This month I've chalked up three years in the mighty Kong - my third anniversary symbolizing a colorful and (often) crazy journey towards living life as a fully-fledged, 'fair dinkum' expat! A friend said to me "You should be really proud of yourself" -- I hadn't thought about it that way, but when I cast my thoughts back to those early days when I felt like a ‘fish out of water’ in Hong Kong's fragrant harbour, to today, I am swimming with the crowds and making a few splashes…. yep! I guess I've come a long way! Looking out of my lounge window in Hong Kong, I see a similar view to that which I saw from my hotel room the day I arrived -- it never fails to jolt those initial feelings that fluttered frantically inside me (along with 16 week pregnancy hiccups). Angst, anticipation and excitement, coupled with the absolute terror of the unknown! To be honest, I didn't think we'd stay much longer than18 months - at least that's what I made my husband promise (in blood)! It was to be the great adventure - a stint overseas to shake things up a bit. Hurling me out of my comfort zone in Sydney where I was happily cruising into my tenth year at Sky News, surrounded by all the creature comforts of friends, family and familiarity (not to mention life as a fancy-free, newly-wed couple) tossing me unceremoniously into a city heaving with high-rises, humidity and high-waisted maternity clothes! To continue reading, click here for Expat Focus>>> … [Read more...]