Nearly half of expats in
France report an improvement in their quality of life and their health.
The results, part of the 2009 HSBC Expat Explorer survey, put
France at the top of the European destinations for expats and seventh worldwide.
With 44% of respondents noting that both their family life and health had improved, it would seem that life is more relaxed across the English Channel.
And while some stereotypes are well-founded – 71% said the food was better in
France – others are dispelled, as 85% said they had been welcomed and made friends locally. Of these, 43% were aged 55 and over, so age is no barrier to making new friends even where another language is concerned.
The French reputation for excellent healthcare is maintained, ranking above neighbours Switzerland and Belgium as the best in the world.
Arranging finances in
France was deemed to be difficult by just over a third of those surveyed, so using a company that deals with international expat finances, such as our partners
STM Nummos, is highly recommended.