PHL world's 8th friendliest country for expats, survey says

It must indeed be "more fun in the Philippines," as the new Department of Tourism slogan says, because a recent survey ranked the Philippines as the 8th world's friendliest country for expatriates.    

In a Forbes analysis of HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey released last December 11, the Philippines garnered the 8th highest score from respondents who rated their host countries on four categories: (1) Easy to befriend locals (2) Learn the local language (3) Integrate to local community, and (4) Fit into the new culture. 

New Zealand was reported to be the friendliest nation, followed by Australia and South Africa. HSBC's report revealed that although only 75% of respondents in New Zealand, compared to 77% in Australia, and 79% in South Africa, claimed to integrate well with the local community, New Zealand had high scores in all categories.

Philippines, however, ranked 11th overall on the quality of life it offers to expatriates.  Ideal place to make friends

HSBC rated 31 countries based on a survey conducted among 3,885 expatriates. The respondents scored the countries based on factors that include the economy, fitness of the place to raise children, and overall experience. 

Philippines was rated 18th overall based on economy, but 4th in overall experience. In sub-categories, Philippines is top rated for access to domestic staff and feeling welcome at work.

 As if to echo the Tourism Department's slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines," the country was ranked 2nd as the best country for expatriates to make friends, maintain work/life balance and have a social life.

It scored worst in Healthcare (29th), organizing health care (26th), shops and markets (30th), culture (26th) and only placed 27th to have local food that expatriates will likely get used to. 

Here is the list of Forbes' top 15 friendliest nation based on HSBC's survey:

1. New Zealand  

2. Australia  

3. South Africa  

4. Canada  

5. United States  

6. Turkey  

7. United Kingdom  

8. Philippines  

9. Spain  

10. Malaysia  

11. Brazil  

12. Italy  

13. Mexico  

14. Singapore  

15. France Filipino language 'easy to learn'

Indian national Hitankar Ray, who moved to the Philippines in 2009, agrees that the Philippines is a friendly country, adding that the Filipino language is not difficult to learn.

Ray told GMA News Online that his American influence made it easy for him to integrate into a community that is "culturally profound," contradicting the survey's poor ranking of Philippines in terms of culture.

"I really like the culture here and some Filipino food happens to be one of my favorites," said Ray.

Although he considers spending capability as a factor for having a good quality of life, Ray says the "Philippines feels expensive in terms of transport, and definitely much more in terms of housing."

'Friendly on wallets'

Forbes' Beth Greenfield described the Philippines as a country that is "friendly on wallets."

The Philippines increased its rankings in HSBC's Expats Economics Luxury League table with a 47% luxury rate for expatriates as respondents report to have had easier access to luxuries since moving to the country. 

HSBC listed domestic staff, swimming pools, owning their property or owning more than one property as luxuries that expatriates in the Philippines have enjoyed compared to their homeland. 

Philippines is among the countries ranked low in the firm's Income League table at 14th place but expatriates here are reported to be 86% more likely to increase disposable income since relocating.

"This is predominantly due to increased affordability, as opposed to increased income," HSBC said.

Accommodation, public transport, food and childcare are among those expats spent less on here than in other countries. About 91% of Philippine expatriates reported to be spending less on public transport, 60% spent less on nightlife, and 69% on housing.  - VVP, GMA News