Findings of the 2011 Expat Explorer survey from HSBC Expat (formerly HSBC Bank International) reveal that expat wealth remains widely immune to global economic troubles, even in countries that have experienced significant turbulence over the past year.

Now in its fourth year, Expat Explorer surveyed 3,385 expats from over 100 countries, an increase in reach from 2010. It covers every aspect of life overseas, from managing finances, and the economic benefits of relocating, to lifestyle issues and raising children abroad, and provides HSBC Expat with valuable insights into the expat population and the challenges and opportunities expats face in moving and living abroad.

Survey highlights

The survey found that 97% of expats in Egypt believe that their economy has deteriorated since 2010, as do 92% in Bahrain and 80% in Japan. Expats in these countries are also more likely than average to report that their economy is weak: Egypt 77%, Bahrain 40%, and Japan 40%.

In the second part of an article covering the choice of housing in Moscow, Intermark Relocation looks at some more of the most popular districts, which are particularly sought after by tenants from overseas.

Popular residential areas in Central Moscow (continued)

Patriarshy Ponds

We recommend considering this area:

• If you want to be in a premium and fashionable location
• As a possible option for families with children

Patriarshy Ponds is a relatively small residential area to the west of the Kremlin – located between the Arbat/Kroporkinskaya and Tverskaya areas. It is one of the most elite neighbourhoods in Moscow – and, when it comes to rentals, one of the most expensive.

The area is a brand in itself. Many expats coming to Moscow want to live in Patriarshy Ponds, even without knowing much about the area, because they have been told it is the place to be.

Though the area has only one big supermarket – Aliye Parusa, on Bolshaya Bronnaya street – it has lots of cafés and restaurants.

Bear in mind that this area has a very limited number of modern buildings, so if underground parking and a premium-class entrance are your priorities, the apartment search will be not easy.

New research shows that sunny Spain is the country where British expats feel happiest, despite the gloomy outlook for the country’s economy.

Carried out on behalf of Lloyds TSB International bank, the survey, which covered British citizens in the ten most popular destinations for expats – Australia, Spain, the USA, Canada, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hong Kong – found that they are far happier in their new countries than they were at home.

As well as overall happiness, the survey examined expats’ perceptions of quality of life in their new countries, cost of living, and financial wellbeing.

Finding the right property, in the right location, is a crucial part of any successful relocation. For those moving to an unfamiliar city, deciding where to live can be difficult and confusing. Here, Moscow-based Intermark Relocation gives Re:locate readers the inside track on the areas of the city that are most popular with expatriates, and the facilities they offer.

One of the major issues facing expatriates coming to Moscow is the price of rental properties. Next to Tokyo, Moscow is the world’s most expensive city, and it is principally the cost of rent that makes it number two on the list.

Tenants’ options may be limited in terms of their budget, but principally they can decide to live:

• In the city centre (apartments only), close to all the infrastructure and leisure activities Moscow has to offer
• Further outside the city, in a residential compound (for example, Pokrovsky Hills, Rosinka, and others), where they are more likely to find a house and green spaces for their children to play in

Many expatriates opt for a combination of these options: they live in an apartment, but in one of the areas close to international schools and parks, such as Sokol, Krylatskoe or Leninsky Prospect.

European cities offer the best quality of life to expat workers, according to the latest research conducted by consultancy firm Mercer.

In a ranking of the most liveable cities in the world, European cities represent over half of the top 25. The study picks out Vienna as having the best living standard in the world, closely followed by Zurich, Auckland, Munich, Düsseldorf and Vancouver.

Some 15% of expats have cancelled plans to return to Britain in the last year, according to new research. This equates to 825,000 of the estimated 5.5 million British people who are living overseas.
Respondents to a study commissioned by Lloyds TSB International said their quality of life was better abroad, their finances healthier, their cost of living lower, and their neighbourhoods safer.

In fact, expats are increasingly shelving plans to return to the UK at all. The proportion now planning to live away from the UK indefinitely has leapt 13% in 12 months, to 69%.

HSBC Bank International has revealed the preliminary findings of its 2011 Expat Explorer survey, the largest global expat survey of its kind.

The findings show that Thailand is the number-one expat destination when compared globally across economic and lifestyle factors, taking the top spot from Bahrain.

Surprisingly, some countries which have experienced significant difficulties in the past 12 months still rank well in terms of expat finances and experience, with Egypt taking the second spot in the overall league table, followed by Saudi Arabia.

Financial planning specialist The Fry Group has some good advice for those planning to retire abroad. 

India is a popular destination, with increasing numbers of executives and business travellers seeking or filling professional positions there every year.

There are many challenges facing expatriates, including culture of work, working conditions, compensation rates, competition, work permits and other issues. We examine below some significant changes to the Indian immigration rules in recent times that affect expatriates and those seeking work in India.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India recently made certain radical changes regarding Indian visa applications specifically relating to business visas, as it was evident that individuals travelling to India on business visits were working in India in direct contravention of the purpose stated on their visas.