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The HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey analysed the responses of 7,000 expats to rank their new homes according to criteria including economics , experience and raising children. When considering all three categories China comes top with high scores in economics and experience. Expats in China report high salaries and quite surprisingly better quality of life than in their home countries. Concerning education Germany is in the lead here. Parents praise German education. Switzerland tops all nations in terms of economics. Despite ranking only 23rd the US still is the "land of opportunity" among expats. They have obviously different motivations and expectations when moving to or working in another country. They often choose Asia, and beside China, Thailand, Singapore or even India for quality of life. But families with children have a clear preference for European countries. If they look for countries with a high economic potential they prefer Switzerland or Qatar and again China. This choice is of course also motivated by the high wages they receive in these countries. Now with regard to pensioners, these groups give priority to countries that offer the best health services and especially the best public health system. And they naturally turn again to Europe. Finally expats will struggle to find the best balance between their careers and their families. And clearly during this challenging economic time the current trend is to put work and career ahead of family.

Mo Tailland / 17^th December 2013

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