If you are an expat looking to lead the good life, where would you go? According to a HSBC survey, Singapore, UAE and US are top destinations. Human Resources magazine polls three expats in three countries to find out what their lives are like.

Graham Wood, group exhibition director, CityScape, IIR ME

On UAE’s working culture

UAE’s working culture is very lively with a sense of it being an up and coming economy. People who work here realise that the UAE is experiencing phenomenal growth and feel proud to be a part of that. People realise that we have a lot of holidays here and perhaps work harder when they are in the office. Including public holidays, it is not unusual to have 36+ holiday days/year.

On business and career opportunities

As above, UAE has a thriving community. All industries well represented and the growth potential in the region is huge – especially in real estate and bankaand a lot of it is done through who you know on the expat side. For example, moving into companies run by locals is not as easy like it is in Europe.

On the cost of accommodation and living

It is very expensive to rent and buy, only countered by the tax-free living. 

On winding down in UAE

Excellent place for golf, sun, beach, football, cricket, watersports, diving – everything you could ask for really. Outdoor sports is a problem in the hot summer months but it is the perfect climate during winter.

On one biggest improvement the country can make

Dealing with banks, credit card companies and rental car companies is incredibly slow. They need to adopt systems which are on a par with other developed countries.

Karen Yeoh, manager, Accenture

On US working culture

Whilst I am based out of San Francisco, most of my work entails extensive travel to other parts of the US where our clients are based.  As such, I spend 4 days a week outside the city.  As travel is a big part of consulting life in the US, there are numerous policies in place to retain some work-life balance.  For example, we spend Monday to Thursday at the client’s and Friday in the home office (or at home).  We can also choose to fly to a different city over the weekend instead of the home city, as long as we meet certain caps.  I have taken advantage of the latter to visit new cities in the US.   

On business and career opportunities

As I did an office transfer with the same company, the type of work we do is similar in both Singapore and US.  As my company is based in US, being close to the headquarters has given me the opportunity to meet and work with key leaders.

On the cost of accommodation and living

The cost of living in San Francisco is higher than Singapore if you factor in the high income and sales tax.  Eating out is more expensive as there are few cheap options, unlike the hawker centers and food courts we have in Singapore.  However, if you don’t mind last season’s fashion and shop in factory outlets, you should be able to find premium brands at bargain prices, as compared to Singapore.

On winding down in US

San Francisco is blessed with good weather all year round and a vast array of destinations within a three hour drive. 

On one biggest improvement the country can make

Applying for the work visa and social security number was no easy task.

Odette A. Huang, director of marketing & brand development, Royal Plaza on Scotts

On Singapore’s working culture

Good work ethics and an efficient work force make it easy to do business in Singapore. Most Singaporeans are results-driven and are committed to getting things done immediately. This ultimately builds success and inspires people to do better.

On business and career opportunities

Singapore is an excellent business hub for major MNCs and hotel groups.  Several companies have expanded their operations here and have generated more employment opportunities, hence the talent crunch.  There are numerous career opportunities one can consider across industries where skills are transferable.

On the cost of accommodation and living

The cost of living and housing has spiked in the recent months due to supply and demand.  However, it is still relatively less expensive compared to cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo.

On winding down in Singapore

Aside from the national pastime of eating and shopping, there are more and more cultural activities taking place in the city.  Singapore is also a part of the tour itineraries of world class artists doing the Asian circuit. The restaurant scene is vibrant and offers an array of choices in terms of ambience and cuisine.

On one biggest improvement the country can make

There should be a concerted effort to develop creativity and a good sense of entrepreneurship among its citizenry.  This will bring about distinct and out of the box ideas/concepts which can be lead to more products and services which are “uniquely Singapore.