Australia fourth best ‘expat experience’ while Britain second-last, survey says

Australia is the most popular destination for migrating Britons, according to the latest annual HSBC expat survey, and ranks 4^th for the ‘expat experience’.

Conducted by a third party research company YouGov, the Expat Explorer Report 2014 surveyed almost 9,300 expats based in over 100 countries between April and May 2014.

According to the report, Australia is the most popular destination for expats from the United Kingdom, with 12% of British migrants opting for life Down Under, double the global average.

Brits also make up the greatest proportion of expats living in Australia by nationality, with 45% of the expats who responded having originated from the UK.

“Australia is attracting a huge number of British expats, who are looking to improve their quality of life and take advantage of the pleasant climate and scenery on offer,” the report says.

While Australia ranked 4^th for the ‘expat experience’, it polled only 12^th overall, based dozens of economic and lifestyle factors. Switzerland ranked as the top country overall to live as an expat, followed by Singapore and China.

Perhaps most shockingly, the United Kingdom ranked a lowly 33^rd, second-last only to Egypt, overall. When it came to the ‘expat experience’, ole Blighty didn’t fare much better, only managing 32^nd.

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However, according to the survey, the UK still figures as a desirable country for expats seeking a balanced life, varied culture and love.

“Expats are most likely to head to the United Kingdom in pursuit of better job prospects (31%) or to be with family and partners (31%), but this year’s survey reveals that expats there are also among the most likely to fall in love in their new country. Half of expats (50%) there say that they have found a life partner since moving – second only to Italy (57%),” the report says.

And it is London which attracts a particularly high level of affection from its resident expats, with 81% saying they felt a strong connection with their chosen city compared to 62% globally.

HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2014: Overall Rankings

1. Switzerland
2. Singapore
3. China
4. Germany
5. Bahrain
6. New Zealand
7. Thailand
8. Taiwan
9. India
10. Hong Kong
11. Canada
12. Australia
13. Qatar
14. Oman
15. United Arab Emirates
16. Vietnam
17. Russia
18. Japan
19. Malaysia
20. Belgium
21. Mexico
22. South Africa
23. France
24. Spain
25. Ireland
26. Turkey
27. Netherlands
28. Saudi Arabia
29. Kuwait
30. United States
31. Italy
32. Brazil
33. United Kingdom
34. Egypt

IMAGE: KPG Payless2 via Shutterstock