Expats Get New Online Tool to Help Explore a Life Overseas

LONDON, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HSBC Bank International has today announced the launch of its new interactive Expat Explorer tool, an online resource providing users with unprecedented access to data and insights from HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey, the world's largest study of expats.

To view this multimedia news release click here:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/hsbc/47609/

Expat Explorer contains the complete 2010 data from the survey's three reports; Expat Economics, Expat Experience and Offshore Offspring detailing every aspect of life abroad. The tool gives users the chance to interact with the findings through data visualisations and compare countries across a range of criteria.

The resource provides users with highly visual results through a variety of graphics and charts including league tables, country comparisons and rankings. Each output generates its own specific URL which can be shared through a number of social media sites. This data is also accompanied by a number of expat case studies across different locations to provide a colourful picture of life in a given location.

Commenting on the launch, Lisa Wood, Head of Marketing at HSBC Bank International, said: "The online launch of Expat Explorer is a proud moment for us and one that demonstrates our commitment to building on the success of our Expat Explorer Survey and understanding expats' lives. With us undertaking the world's largest study of expats, we have such a wealth of information on the experience of living overseas and wanted to bring this to life for expats in a visually rich and engaging way.

"Considering a move abroad can be a daunting prospect, often involving a huge amount of research and hopefully through our new online resource we'll provide some really useful insights for any potential expats. Individuals will be able to view information tailored to their priorities in life and lifestyle expectations.

"It's a resource that's got something for everyone, from those interested simply in where their country ranks to would-be expats and regular movers looking for their next location. By making the findings social media friendly we hope to have developed a tool that expats and non-expats alike will want to share with their peers."

The tool is built in an innovative way, as a blended build using JavaScript, Flash and PHP. It uses an innovative "physics engine" to create a fluid and realistic Flash world map, and uses the HTML5 framework to allow dynamic generation of data based on user selection. The tool was designed and developed with HSBC Bank International by digital agency Heathwallace.

Get involved

To experience the tool visit: http://www.expatexplorer.hsbc.com

Tweet us at: http://twitter.com/expatexplorer

Share your experiences: http://expatexplorer.blogspot.com/

To watch a short video about Expat Explorer and some of the survey highlights visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS_iw5YlTPM

To embed the video on your blog, use the code:

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nS_iw5YlTPM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

About the Expat Explorer survey

Expat Explorer was commissioned by HSBC Bank International Ltd and conducted by third party research company GfK. 4,127 expats were questioned through an online survey from 26th April 2010 to the 7th June 2010, with expats from over 100 countries worldwide taking part - making it unique and the largest survey of its kind. Please note that the sampling technique used for the 2010 survey does not claim to give a fully representative sample of all expatriates. In addition, it differs substantially from the sampling technique used in 2009. Therefore, comparisons of results year on year are not statistically valid and have been made for illustrative purposes only.

A sample size of 30 or more respondents from each country was required for inclusion in the league tables, in order to be considered robust and indicative of the views and trends of the specific population it relates to. The league tables are based on a series of interrelated factors (rather than a single factor or question) to ensure a fair assessment of how individual countries rate across the full criteria. The responses of those who responded "not applicable" or "refuse to say" have been excluded.

HSBC Holdings plc

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 8,000 offices in 87 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, North America, Latin America and the Middle East. With assets of US$2,418 billion at 30 June 2010, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as "the world's local bank".

HSBC Bank International

HSBC Bank International is an award winning provider of offshore financial services, with its head office based in Jersey, Channel Islands. It also has representation in the Isle of Man, Dubai, Hong Kong, South Africa, and an affiliate office in London. As part of HSBC Holdings plc, HSBC Bank International has the experience to offer customers living and working abroad, tailored offshore financial solutions. For more information visit: http://www.offshore.hsbc.com

    
    Media enquiries to:

    Katy Ringsdore
    PR Manager
    HSBC Bank International
    +44(0)1534-606865
    katy.ringsdore@hsbc.com

    Karen Butcher/Nick Woods
    Hill & Knowlton
    +44(0)207-413-3181/3515
    Karen.Butcher@hillandknowlton.com
    Nick.Woods@hillandknowlton.com