The allure of working abroad pulls many people away from home and into the unknown. The most common driving factors are financial gain and career growth. If you feel this is something you’d like to do, there are a few things to consider before making any decisions.
The most important is picking a country suited to you. We’ve put together a guide for the five best countries to work in the world and make money.
#1 New Zealand
We start in the South Pacific Ocean. New Zealand is a vibrant nation where the locals are friendly and welcoming. Businesses focus on building a healthy office culture and support a work-life balance.
The citizens have a solid ethic when it comes to labor but believe that you need to make time to rest and reconnect with loved ones. It’s often ranked one of the best places in the world to raise a family.
The quality of life in New Zealand is excellent compared to many other countries, and the pace is very relaxed. On the negative side, the internet speeds are a bit slower than most other developed countries.
#2 Singapore
If you’re a stickler for cleanliness, then Singapore is the place for you. It’s one of the cleanest places on earth, with strict fines for littering. The city also boasts one of the lowest crime rates on the planet.
According to the World Bank, its ranked number one globally for ease of doing business. Best of all is that English is one of the official languages so you won’t have a communication problem.
However, rentals in the city are costly, meaning you’d need to have a high-paying job or commute from a more affordable area.
#3 Switzerland
Everyone knows that the Swiss are happy and have an extremely high quality of life. It’s great for outdoor adventures with beautiful scenery and hiking trails. Taxes are low, and salaries are generous.
A college education is very affordable, even for foreigners. If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll be in your element because Switzerland is the home of chocolate, and it’s everywhere. There is a challenge with accommodation as the housing market is very tight with very few vacancies.
The country has a strange quirk, and for two hours at lunchtime every day, all the shops close. It can be confusing for tourists that haven’t heard of such a practice.
#4 Ecuador
Ecuador is another vibrant and colorful nation with many festivals annually. The weather is fine and mild, with a spring feeling all year round. A big plus is that quality healthcare is inexpensive, and in general, the cost of living is relatively low.
As a couple, you can live a comfortable life for a mere $1600 a month. However, if being an entrepreneur in Latin America is your goal, then this isn’t the country for you. It’s challenging to open a business in Ecuador as there is no shortage of startups, and competition is fierce.
#5 China
This bustling nation makes it easy for ex-pats to get jobs. If you have a bit of experience, you can teach English with great pay and benefits. Many foreigners earn a decent income working for multinational corporations tapping into the Chinese market. The cost of living is low, making it easy to pay off debt and save for the future.
Unfortunately, the bigger cities in China have some of the highest air pollution levels globally, making it a poor choice for raising children. You’ll also need to be patient in finding the perfect position and expect to get started from scratch often.
Final Thoughts
There are hundreds of countries worldwide that are unique places to work and live in. if you don’t have a family yet, consider countries such as Ecuador or China that are perfect for those just starting.
New Zealand and Switzerland are great places for families with high salaries and a focus on work-life balance. If you’re single and looking for a little adventure, then Singapore is the perfect country to settle down in with very little crime and many opportunities.
