With America’s economy still struggling to recover, many Americans are forced to look overseas for potential career opportunities. Below are some of the best places to live as an American expatriate with pros and cons for each. I can speak from personal experience by being an expatriate in Taiwan for one year. In Taiwan, I was able to afford a life that was far more luxurious and fulfilling than any life that I could ever have in America as a recent college graduate. I was blessed to be able to experience opportunities that I could only dream about before.
Singapore
According to a recent study conducted by HSBC Bank International, a Jersey-based subsidiary of the world’s biggest company, Singapore was recently ranked as the world’s most luxurious place to live as an expatriate. The tiny Island nation offers opportunities to have a nanny for your children and a swanky central accommodation complete with a swimming pool. The drawbacks to Singapore are the hot and humid Singaporean summers and the nation’s strict rules, such as outlawing the chewing of gum.
United Arab Emirates
Home to luxurious cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates also offers a lifestyle that would be hard to come by for many back home. Dubai is quickly becoming famous for becoming the Las Vegas of the Middle East, serving as the home to attractions such as indoor skiing at Ski Dubai and Dubai World, the cities response to Disney World, a new theme park that is supposed to be twice as large as Disney itself. These attractions are all in addition to the cities other perks, such as being a large cosmopolitan center free of taxation.
Mumbai, India
Serving as the commercial capital of India, according to the recent HSBC study, Mumbai is the best location to save money because of relatively cheap dining and health care partnered with high salaries. However, the city has its drawbacks, it is highly congested, and therefore home to traffic-clogged streets and routine blackouts.
These are just three of many locations available to expatriates; they all offer the opportunity for a lifestyle that would not be available in America. It is just your job now to decide which route is best for you.
References:
“Advantages in Dubai.” http://www.zenithtower.com/images/news/advantages_in_dubai.htm.
“World’s Best Place to be an Expat.” Forbes.com. http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/25/best-expat-postings-forbeslife-cx_vr_0725realestate.html.