HSBC releases the results of the 2013 Expat Explorer Survey

HSBC has today released the results of its 6th Expat Explorer Survey with the views of over 7000 expatriates worldwide. As with previous years, countries in Asia tend to be towards the top of the charts across all categories apart from when raising a child abroad.

Thailand proved to be the best location for the best quality of life, followed by Bahrain and China. Expats here found it easier to make friends and enjoy a more active social life.

The top 10 destinations for Expat Experience ranked on expatriates views on quality of life, ease of setting up and integration is listed below:

  1. Thailand
  2. Bahrain
  3. China
  4. Cayman Islands
  5. Australia
  6. Singapore
  7. India
  8. Taiwan
  9. Spain
  10. Brazil

Switzerland is where expats noticed the most an improvement in their financial status as well as being happiest with the state of the local economy.

The top 10 countries for Expat Economics based on earning potential, disposable income and satisfaction with economic outlook are listed below:

  1. Switzerland
  2. China
  3. Qatar
  4. Thailand
  5. Cayman Islands
  6. Indonesia
  7. Germany
  8. Oman
  9. Singapore
  10. Turkey

European countries still rank highly when it comes to being an expat parent and raising children abroad with Germany being top this year.

The top 10 destinations for raising a child abroad a listed below:

  1. Germany
  2. Singapore
  3. France
  4. New Zealand
  5. South Africa
  6. Belgium
  7. Australia
  8. Canada
  9. Spain
  10. Russia

Dean Blackburn, Head of HSBC Expat commented “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 insights, available on our newly designed interactive online tool, are not only of practical help to the global expat community, but also guides us as a business to continue helping customers make the most of the new opportunities available to them while they are living and working abroad.”

You can compare different countries across various categories by visiting the Expat Explorer website.