Those in search of a fresh start might want to head to a Country that has a reputation of being friendly and welcoming. You might look for a place that offers a relatively easy time in befriending locals, joining a local Community Group or learning the local language...

Look no further, Australia has it All!

Australia has come in 3rd in a poll conducted by HSBC Bank International's Expat Exploreer Survey. (Canada and Germany took 1st and 2nd places, respectively.) The study surveyed 2,155 expats in 48 countries, spanning four continents, between February and April 2008.

Respondents rated their country in four categories:

• ability to befriend locals
• number that joined a community group
• number that learned the language
• percentage that bought property
  

"We conducted this survey to better understand expatriate needs and get insight into the emotions of expats. The banking business is all about trust, especially with the recent credit crisis," says Martin Spurling, CEO of HSBC Bank International and Head of HSBC Global Offshore. "We want them to build a relationship with their wealth manager regardless of where they travel."

The results showed that in Australia 91% people befriended those living there.

Australia scored high in friendliness but ranked last when it came to joining a group. That's because expats in Australia tend to be younger, with 51% in the 18-34 age group, and may not need organized groups to facilitate meeting new people.

The United Arab Emirates was found to be the most difficult for expats; only 54% of those surveyed said they'd made friends with locals.