Asia shines for expats

Thailand ranks first as a destination for expat quality of life ahead of Singapore and China according to the latest Expat Explorer survey.
In its sixth edition, the world’s largest global survey of expats, shows Asia leading the way with five of the top 10 destinations in the experience and quality of life section.
The 2013 Expat Explorer Experience league table, ranked by expats for quality of life, ease of setting up and integration, placed Thailand top of the table followed by China (third), Singapore (sixth), India (seventh) and Taiwan (eighth) place according to research commissioned by HSBC Expat.
Bahrain came in second in the rankings, while Australia was in fifth place.
The bank’s research adopts three distinct league tables one focusing on quality life or “experience” another on “economics” and a league ranking the best countries to raise children.
Switzerland headed the economics league table with China in second place. Even in the economics category Thailand ranked fourth ahead of Indonesia (sixth) and Singapore (ninth).
In the raising children league Germany was first and Singapore second.
Experience league
Expats in these Asian destinations 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%).
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 agreed they have a more active social life since relocating, compared with the global average of only 26%.
Economics league
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.
The Expat Explorer Economics league table ranks countries based on factors such as earning potential, disposable income and satisfaction with economic outlook. Switzerland, China and Qatar took 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 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%).
Raising children league
In the Raising Children Abroad league Germany was first followed by Singapore, the only Asian country figuring in the top 10 list. New Zealand came in at fourth and Australia seventh.
The results of the Expat Explorer survey are also live on the newly designed Expat Explorer Interactive tool, which is now fully optimised for mobile and tablet devices for expats on the go. The tool shows how the countries rank across all three factors: Expat Economics, Expat Experience and Raising Children Abroad. Expats can see how their country compares in this year’s Expat Explorer survey by visiting the interactive tool: http://www.expatexplorer.hsbc.com/.
Commenting on the findings, head of HSBC Expat, Dean Blackburn, 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.”
“With a record number of expats participating this year, the Expat Explorer survey provides an even more comprehensive picture of life abroad, the challenges expats face and the idiosyncrasies that make the expat experience unique.”
The Expat Explorer survey, now in its sixth year, is commissioned by HSBC Expat and conducted by independent research company YouGov, who questioned 7,004 expats through an online survey. The survey ran from 29 April to the 11 June 2013, with expats from nearly 100 countries taking part.
Asia-Pacific region, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,645 billion at 30 June 2013, the HSBC Group is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
HSBC Expat is a trading name of HSBC Bank International Limited. HSBC Expat has its head office based in Jersey, Channel Islands. It also has representation in Dubai and Hong Kong. As part of HSBC Holdings plc, HSBC Expat has the experience to offer customers living and working abroad, tailored offshore financial solutions. For more information visit: http://www.expat.hsbc.com.

Sourced: ttrweekly