Five out of the top 10 destinations in the 2013 Expat Explorer Experience league table, ranked by expats for quality of life, ease of setting up and integration, are in Asia.
Thailand ranks first, with mainland China, Singapore, India and Taiwan making up third, sixth, seventh and eighth place respectively, according to the research commissioned by HSBC Expat.
Expats in these Asian destinations were more likely to find it easy to make friends since moving abroad (Thailand 76%, Singapore 63%, Taiwan 63%, mainland China 59% and India 57% compared with the global average of 57%) as well as enjoying a more active social life upon relocation (Thailand 59%, mainland China 44%, India 37%, Taiwan 36% and Singapore 29% compared with the global average of 26%).
Indeed, the survey of over 7,000 expats worldwide revealed that expats across Asia were more likely to enjoy a better social life. More than a third (35%) of expats based in the region agree they have a more active social life since relocating, compared with the global average of only 26%.
In addition to quality of life abroad, the Expat Explorer survey also looks at expat financial wellbeing and factors important to expat families to paint a comprehensive view of expat life.
When looking at the Expat Explorer Economics league table, which ranks countries based on factors such as earning potential, disposable income and satisfaction with economic outlook, Switzerland, mainland China and Qatar take up the top three spots.
Expats in these destinations are more likely to notice an improvement in their financial status upon moving (Switzerland 75%, Qatar 73% and mainland China 72% compared to the global average of 59%) as well as being satisfied with the present state of the economy in their host country (mainland China 87%, Switzerland 86% and Qatar 84% compared to a global average of 56%).
For expat parents, European destinations have been ranked as attractive locations to bring up children abroad.
Four European countries rank within the top 10 places for the Expat Explorer Raising Children Abroad league table, including Germany (1st), France (3rd), Belgium (6th) and Spain (9th). Germany, France and Spain in particular, offer expat parents a desirable mix of cost-efficient and high quality childcare.
Commenting on the findings, Dean Blackburn, Head of HSBC Expat, says: “The results from the annual Expat Explorer survey are always eagerly anticipated among the expat community and those looking to build a life abroad.
“This year, the results show Asia to be the leading destination for expat quality of life, with the region also emerging as an expat social hotspot.”
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Source: http://www.indiablooms.com/LifestyleDetailsPage/2013/lifestyleDetails301013b.php