Australia most popular country for potential emigrants
A life "down under" is top of the list for people across the UK considering starting a new life abroad according to a report from Post Office International Payments.
The Post Office research showed that over a quarter (27 per cent) of people have considered a move overseas, with a further fifth (20 per cent) saying they remain open to the idea.
Australia is the most tempting destination - a fifth of people (21 per cent) say they would most like to live or work there, followed by the United States of America (18 per cent) and Canada (14 per cent). Spain came in fourth place (10 per cent) and was also the highest placed country where English isn't the first language.
For those looking to live or work overseas the average amount of time people expect to stay is around seven years, giving them plenty of time to fully immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy a different way of living.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the thought of missing family and friends is one of the biggest deterrents to making a move abroad - with 58 per cent of people saying they would miss their family too much, and over a quarter (28 per cent) saying they would miss their friends.
Those tempted by life overseas say this is because of the improved quality of living, warmer climate, new culture, adventure and work life balance.
Top 10 incentives to live overseas
1 Improved quality of living
2 Warmer climate
3 Experience a new culture
4 The adventure of living abroad
5 Improved work/life balance
6 High cost of living in the UK
7 Higher salary
8 Better career opportunities
9 Better places to bring up children
10 Combine travelling with getting paid
Sarah Munro from Post Office International Payments said: "Living and working overseas is a tempting thought, with many people considering a move abroad at some point. However, taking the plunge is a big emotional and financial upheaval, and it isn't surprising that the worry of leaving family and friends is the main barrier.
"To help negate the natural worry and stress of moving overseas people should get their finances organised in advance. For anyone who is looking to set up home in a new country, the Post Office International Payments service offers fee-free international money transfers - to help with house deposits and any other set-up costs - and doesn't have to break the bank."
The Post Office International Payments service can be used to send money between UK and overseas bank accounts for any purpose such as sending money to family and friends, paying bills, managing an overseas property, pension income, school fees or wedding costs. Customers can also use the service to make payments from abroad back to the UK in Sterling.
Find out more about Post Office International Payments by visiting postoffice.co.uk/internationalpayments. The minimum transfer amount is just £250 and those under £20,000 should be made online. Payments over £70,000 are handled by our telephone service where a specialist team member will offer clear guidance and quotes tailored to the customer's specific needs.