A+ Expat Corner: Top 8 Countries To Move To in 2021
Relocating to a new country is a huge step to take in life. Whether being transferred by your company, looking for a new adventure or moving with the family abroad, millions of people have chosen to become expats and start anew.
Moving abroad is more than just advancing one’s career. It is getting out of their comfort zone to experience a new culture and a better quality of life. If you consider moving overseas, make sure you plan ahead and save enough money to live with convenience and comfort in your new country.
According to the HSBC Global Report, here are the top 8 countries to live in as an expat in 2021:
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland tops the best city to live in for expats. With its picturesque sceneries and comfortable way of life, anyone would love to settle, work, and retire in Switzerland. Although a small country, it shares borders with Italy, France, Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein, so imagine all the places you can visit from there.
But the high standard of living in Switzerland comes with a price. Zurich and Geneva are the most expensive cities for expats in the country. The average rental cost can go around $2,150 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The living cost can be at least $1,600 USD per month which is why it is really expensive to settle in this country.
SPAIN
Because of its warm climate and high standard of living, Spain is a famous expat destination, retirement country, and a good place to raise a family. If you are looking for a relaxed and laid back vibe, Spain has a slower pace of living. At first, it will be hard to adapt to their lifestyle, but once you are adjusted, many expats agree that it is good to slow down and enjoy life.
The cost of living in Spain is relatively reasonable. Compared to the UK, rent prices in Spain are 40% lower. Expats who want to live comfortably in this country need to have an average annual salary of 23,000 EUR (25,000 USD).
SINGAPORE
Singapore is very popular among expats, especially the Chinese, Tamil Indian, Malay, and British people. There are countless high-paying jobs available to expats in Singapore because it is home to various multinational corporations, including Microsoft, American Express, Edelman, and more. According to HSBC Expat’s annual survey, many expats experience a 29% increase in their salary and the average salary is $160,833.
Housing is the most costly expense in Singapore. If you are just starting out, you can opt for a shared apartment. The renting budget can range from $700 and $1500 monthly, for a single room or a one-bedroom apartment in some affordable parts of the city.
FINLAND
Ever wondered what it is like to live in the happiest country in the world? In 2018, more than 402,000 international people decided to live in Finland. This is because this country has been a multicultural society for so many years. And if you are moving with your children, their education system is hailed as one of the best. No wonder why 72% of expats with children agree.
Teachers and workers in telecommunications are some of the well-paying jobs in Finland. In 2020, the country’s average annual salary jumped to £49,104 or $64,078 USD. Their unemployment rate also went down to 7.2%.
CANADA
Having one of the world’s strongest economies, Canada is a marvelous country for expats because of its job opportunities, quality schooling, high life expectancy rate, and significantly lower living cost, as compared to Western Europe. It is also a member of the world’s most prosperous nations called Group of Eight (G8). Most expats found in Canada are in industries such as insurance, catering, production, and office jobs.
A large portion of expats’ income will be spent on housing and utilities. For example, you need to shell out 30% to 50% of your monthly salary on rent, electricity, heating, phone, and water. Vancouver and Toronto are the cities with the highest rental costs.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world because of its amazing landscapes such as rainforests, glaciers, evergreen mountains, and beaches. Aside from having an extremely low crime rate, it is ranked second as one of the safest countries around the globe, according to the 2019 Global Peace Index. Expats choose New Zealand because of its relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, and great work-life balance.
With all these upsides, New Zealand is an expensive country. In general, expats must be ready to spend 50% of their paycheck on rent. Because New Zealand is a remote island country, most goods have to be imported, so there are high import taxes. Another reason why prices go consistently up is because of their tourists. They are willing to spend thousands of bucks just to experience New Zealand and their way of life.
AUSTRALIA
Australia is undeniably an expensive place to live in. But compared to other countries, life expectancy is high, and stress is relatively low. Expats are flocking Australia because of its good climate, beautiful sceneries, laid-back vibe, and amazing lifestyle. And one of the best things about living in this country is its stable job market and continuous great opportunities.
Sydney and Melbourne are the most popular and expensive cities. So if you are looking for a much more affordable option, you can choose smaller cities such as Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Generally, staying in a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 USD per month.
VIETNAM
As a fast-paced expat destination, Vietnam offers a great quality of life in Southeast Asia. Many expats choose this country because of its charming culture, great cuisine, and comfortable yet affordable lifestyle. The majority of foreigners living in the most popular cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are in the 18-35 age group.
English-teaching jobs are the most common jobs for expats in Vietnam. The cost of living can range from $700 for low-range up to $1,400 for mid-range expats. But on average, most expats can live conveniently with only $1,000 per month. When it comes to safety, Vietnam is relatively safe, but expats should be careful of petty theft and various scams in taxi cabs and visas. Get ready for intense traffic in large cities and always keep your eyes on the road because motorcycle accidents are also frequent.
Before anything else, ensure an international health plan
Whether you are moving to one of the world’s best cities for expats, unforeseen incidents such as emergencies or accidents can still happen when living overseas. Although you and your family always wish for everyone’s health and safety, ensuring a health cover is an essential thing to carry with you along the way.
Having a plan with international coverage is more than just financial security. It will reduce your stress, immediately attend to your emergency concerns, answer your questions in a familiar language, and make sure you get the best medical assistance and treatment whenever and wherever you need it.
Why Choose A+ International Healthcare?
With international healthcare, you get to have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy high-quality medical coverage in your home country and at the same time, get protected in the country you are moving to. Wherever you go, world-class care is within reach.
With A+ International Health Plans, you can have access to a network of 10,000 doctors, hospitals, and clinics in more than 150 countries. Each of our health plans is tailored to your specific needs. For as low as $28/month, EasyCare+ gives you international protection, whether you plan to travel or if you want to get the best healthcare locally.
Contact us to get in touch with our Brokers or Get a Quote now.
Since 2008, A+ International Healthcare has been providing best-in-class medical health plans around the world. To know more about our products and services, visit http://www.aplusii.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates.
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