HSBC’s annual survey of expats living around the world, found five Asian countries voted within the top 10 for “expat experience”. These countries included Thailand (placed first), China (third), Singapore (sixth), India (seventh) and Taiwan (eighth).
The survey found that expats in these Asian countries were more likely to find it easy to make friends since moving abroad (Thailand 76%, Singapore 63%, Taiwan 63%, 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%, 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%.
Interestingly, Bahrain was voted second in the list of top destinations for expat experience, this despite continued political turmoil in the country which has resulted in curfews and regular, sometimes violent, protests.
As well as evaluating the experience of life abroad for expatriates, HSBC’s survey also looks at the financial wellbeing of respondents and factors important to families, such as how good a country is for bringing up children.
This year’s survey found that Switzerland was best for “expatriate economics” – which ranks countries based on factors such as earning potential, disposable income and satisfaction with economic outlook.
China, Qatar, Thailand and the Cayman Islands make up the rest of the top five respectively.
HSBC found expats in these destinations are more likely to notice an improvement in their financial status upon moving (Switzerland 75%, Qatar 73% and 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 (China 87%, Switzerland 86% and Qatar 84% compared to a global average of 56%).
Last year, the survey found that those living in Southeast Asia tend to earn the most, with those in Singapore likely to be the wealthiest.
However Europe was the clear winner when it came to raising children, with four countries from the region within the top 10, including Germany and France which took first and third spots respectively.
