Taipei© FenlioQ - Shutterstock.com
Thinking of moving abroad, but not quite sure which cities to pack your bags for? Instead of leaving on a whim, read this article based on Internation's Expat City Ranking survey. This study gives you a few clues to help you choose your next place of residence. Several criteria were taken into account, including professional opportunities, cost of living and ease of settlement. From Barcelona to Taipei, here's where to start a new life!
1. Basel, attractive Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland© Ratislav Sedlak SK- shutterstock.com
It's no surprise to find a Swiss city in this ranking, as this country exudes happiness: chocolate, cheese and nature, what more could you ask for? The second-largest city in German-speaking Switzerland after Zurich, and close to the Swiss and German borders, Basel attracts residents in particular for its safety, its public transport system and the quality of its environment. A great invitation to stroll through the narrow streets of its historic center and its many green spaces!
Read the article: Top 15 most beautiful villages in Switzerland and What to do in Switzerland? The 25 most beautiful places to visit
2. The Hague, the wise Dutchwoman
The Hague, Netherlands© NAPA - shutterstock.com
As the administrative capital of the Netherlands, The Hague appeals to expatriates thanks to its job security and environment. Its proximity to beaches and the modernity of its city center (which has sometimes overshadowed its historic center) are certainly contributing factors. In terms of culture, The Hague also boasts two fine museums: the Mautishuis and the Municipal Museum. The only drawback is its rather harsh climate.
The article to read: What to do and see in the Netherlands? The 15 most beautiful places!
3. Zug, the Swiss unbeatable
Zug, Switzerland© Denis Linine - Shutterstock.com
Switzerland continues to win over expatriates! Zug, a medieval city in German-speaking Switzerland, offers what expatriates say is an unbeatable quality of life. Public transport, the environment and an efficient health care system are particularly highlighted. Zug is a dynamic city where you can visit its charming medieval quarter and discover Swiss art in its Museum of Fine Arts. So, how about Switzerland?
The article to read: Top 11 hikes in Switzerland
4. Barcelona, Catalan charm
Barcelona© Vitalez - shutterstock.com
If you've ever visited Barcelona, chances are you've thought about settling there for good! Well, perhaps you should have, as the expatriates who live there put the city in seventh place in this ranking! They particularly emphasize the city's mild climate, its dynamic cultural offerings and the ease with which it can be integrated. So, when are we leaving?
Read the article: Expatriating to Barcelona: what you need to know and What to do in Barcelona? The 19 must-sees.
5. Lisbon, the gentle Portuguese
Lisbon, Portugal© Lushik - iStockphoto.com
It's hard not to fall in love with Lisbon, with its thousand-colored landscape and the pastéis de nata of Belém On a daily basis, expatriates are very satisfied with the welcome they receive from the people of Lisbon, who are very sociable . The mild weather is also one of the criteria that makes them particularly happy with their expatriation, and it's easy to see why! Finally, the Portuguese capital's remarkable geographical location, just a few kilometers from the ocean, was also highlighted.
Read the article: What to do in Lisbon The 19 must-sees and What to visit in the Lisbon Region? The 15 most beautiful places
6. Montreal, life in Quebec
Montreal© R.M Nunes - Shutterstock.com
Multicultural, bilingual, dynamic and open to the world, Montreal seems to have it all! That's why it comes fifth in this ranking. According to the Internations survey, expatriates appreciate not only the working conditions, but also the general cost of living and the many cultural activities held in Montreal throughout the year. The only downside is the harsh weather to which you have to adapt.
Read the article: What to do in Montreal? The 15 must-sees and must-visits and Quebec's 12 most beautiful national parks to discover.
7. Singapore, business and modernism
Singapore© Hit 1912 - Shutterstock.com
At the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Singapore is the business destination par excellence. Expatriates are numerous, and all are delighted with the safety of the city's streets and the quality of life on offer. From a financial point of view, however, the cost of living in Singapore does not satisfy expatriates, who generally find it too high. A temple of luxury, don't think of expatriating to Singapore to save money!
The article to read: What to do in Singapore 15 must-sees and must-visits
8. Hô Chi Minh-Ville, a popular megalopolis
Hô Chi Minh-Ville, Vietnam© Efired - shutterstock.com
What began as a Khmer fishing village in the 17th century has developed into a bustling city in southern Vietnam. The former Saigon is particularly appreciated by its expatriates for its reasonable cost of living, as they pointed out in the Internations survey. Among the must-sees in Hô Chi Minh-Ville are the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel-designed main post office.
The article to read: What to do in Vietnam? The 21 most beautiful places to visit!
9. Kuala Lumpur, departure for Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur© Sean Pavone - shutterstock.com
Malaysia's sprawling capital delights its expatriates, taking second place in this Internations survey. In particular, its residents appreciate how easy it is to settle into the city as an expatriate. Among the criteria often praised is the ease with which it is possible to quickly meet new people and form a circle of friends. Respondents were also very satisfied with the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's capital seems to have it all!
Read the article: What to do and see in Kuala Lumpur? The 15 must-sees
10. Taipei, the unbeatable
Taipei, Taiwan© Fenlio Q - Shutterstock.com
Already ranked number 1 by its expatriates last year in the same Internations survey, Taipei remains in the lead. Expatriates living in Taipei emphasize the quality of its urban environment, its efficient public transport and its moderate cost of living. Expatriates do, however, regret the difficulty of learning the local language.Taipei is the city where expatriates feel most at home. How about you?
The article to read: What to do and see in Taipei? The 13 must-sees