The Phat Life of the Expat

Have you ever thought of living in another country, but wondered which ones would offer the best quality-of-life? Some new rankings make it easier to make the right expat choice.

Findings from the Expat Explorer survey – (wherein YouGov polled expats from more than 100 countries on behalf of HSBC) – include some surprises.

For instance, China now ranks #3 as the country most amenable to expats from around the globe. A lot of this has to do with the type of people China attracts, and the kinds of jobs they get. Generally, China is a place where Westerners can make very good money, and still keep a lot of it due to the (still) relatively low cost of living.

Bahrain, at #5, is a good example of a Middle-Eastern destination for the career-minded, while India ranks #9 due to its amazing diversity — coupled with ample opportunity for tech-savvy professionals.

You can’t beat New Zealand for quality of life in a family-friendly atmosphere. However, Switzerland, (a perennial favorite), is still #1 overall, with its combination of high-wages, modern amenities and efficient government services.

Here is the full Expat Explorer League Table 2014

Switzerland
Singapore
China
Germany
Bahrain
New Zealand
Thailand
Taiwan
India
Hong Kong

Expat living can offer unique opportunities for adventure, culture and global networking. It can be a great option for career-building in many ways. But finding the right match for you can be a challenge – especially when you have family needs to consider. Those who want to play it safe will always have Switzerland.