Australia continues to be among the most highly rated destinations by expats and was rated as the most ideal expat destination, according to HSBC’s recent Expat Explorer Survey. While Australia can also boast a relatively strong economy, expats chose the country for its quality of life and expat experience. Other top destinations favoured by expats according to the survey are the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and the UK.
HSBC’s Expat Explorer surveyed 3385 expats from around the world about various aspects of living abroad, such as finances, economic opportunities and political and social factors. Australia has been named as the top destination by expats because it offers a good quality of life, broadens expats’ life experiences and also offers a better work-life balance than the expats’ home country. Australia was also ranked among the top countries for raising children and was ranked first for children’s health and well-being.
Australia encourages expats to settle down, with 39% of expats in Australia saying that they are planning to stay in the country for the foreseeable future. Expats in Australia find it easy to get used to the Australian way of life and to integrate into the local community. Although Australia only ranks 21st for expat economics, which ranks countries according to income, disposable income and investing patterns, 95% of expats regard the economy as strong.
Other countries that have ranked well for economics, lifestyle, expat experience and raising children include
France,
the Netherlands,
Thailand, Canada, Singapore and
Saudi Arabia. France, Australia and the Netherlands are among the top countries for raising children. Children in these countries appear to lead a much healthier life and safety levels and education are also good overall. Saudi Arabia and Singapore are at the top of the expat economics league table. Most expats in these countries work in the banking and financial sectors, and the availability of better career opportunities is often cited as the most important reason by expats for moving to these destinations. Thailand, Canada and Australia all rank at the top of the expat experience league table that looks at different aspects of quality of life, including social life, ease of integration, food and accommodation.
As Graham Heunis, head of retail banking and wealth management for HSBC Australia commented: “While financial rewards and career prospects are obviously important, the report suggests expats are putting lifestyle and well-being ahead of money and Australia wins hands down on this front.” This explains why Australia was chosen overall as the most ideal destination despite its weaker performance in terms of economic opportunities.
If you are planning to relocate to enjoy a better quality of life and to find a place where you can live more healthily and raise a family better, Australia seems to be one of the most ideal places.
If you are an expat living in Australia or anywhere else in the world, leave us a comment telling us which country you think is the most ideal expat destination.
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