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League Table (based on 2012 results)

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South Africa

Switzerland

Economics

 

30th

1st

Overall

ZA

13th

CH

8th

Income

ZA

13th

CH

10th

Disposable income

ZA

14th

CH

6th

Higher quality accommodation

ZA

1st

CH

20th

Domestic helper/staff

ZA

3rd

CH

27th

Swimming pool

ZA

1st

CH

26th

More than one property

ZA

4th

CH

23rd

Nicer Cars

ZA

8th

CH

15th

Boat or yacht

ZA

28th

CH

15th

More luxurious holidays

ZA

16th

CH

10th

Healthcare

ZA

26th

CH

5th

Experience

 

30th

1st

Overall

ZA

9th

CH

7th

Organising school for my children

ZA

2nd

CH

19th

Organising finances

ZA

13th

CH

19th

Organising healthcare

ZA

4th

CH

17th

Finding accommodation

ZA

3rd

CH

29th

Learning the local language

ZA

9th

CH

26th

Getting used to local food

ZA

6th

CH

11th

Local weather

ZA

7th

CH

8th

Making friends

ZA

8th

CH

27th

Local work culture

ZA

23rd

CH

2nd

Setting up utilities

ZA

19th

CH

4th

Fitting in the new culture

ZA

11th

CH

18th

Local transport

ZA

10th

CH

7th

Enjoying local food

ZA

22nd

CH

14th

Local culture

ZA

30th

CH

12th

Using the local language

ZA

29th

CH

9th

Making local friends

ZA

11th

CH

30th

Integrating into the community

ZA

9th

CH

21st

Feeling welcome at work

ZA

21st

CH

5th

Local shops and markets

ZA

15th

CH

7th

Social life

ZA

20th

CH

30th

Sports

ZA

10th

CH

3rd

Working environment

ZA

7th

CH

6th

Work / life balance

ZA

3rd

CH

21st

Entertainment

ZA

15th

CH

17th

Quality of accommodation

ZA

2nd

CH

7th

Commuting

ZA

16th

CH

3rd

Travelling more

ZA

20th

CH

9th

Healthcare access and quality

ZA

24th

CH

5th

Healthy diet

ZA

5th

CH

13th

Expat Hints & Tips

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Go to Expat Hints & Tips

Expat Explorer ranks 30 countries across various criteria from the 2012 survey.

See how South Africa and Switzerland compare, or use the dropdown menus above to add or remove criteria and see which country performs best.

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Case studies

Expats talk about their experiences, including the rewards, challenges and practicalities of life abroad.

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A series of guides to help you prepare for the key challenges you may face when living and working abroad.

Expat guides

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