Expats living in cities 'say traffic is biggest problem'

Expats who have relocated to thriving cities across the world may have the benefits of expatriate healthcare, improved education and the joys of a new culture, but a report says traffic is the bane of expatriates' lives in several areas.

Those living in cities including Madrid, Singapore, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur regard traffic jams and congestion as their biggest problem, according to a report by human resources consulting company ORC Worldwide.

The firm's executive vice president Siobhan Cummins commented: "Driving through congestion is a problem in many cities around the world, and reasons can, of course, vary from place to place.

"Expats who have moved to these countries can often find this incredibly stressful because they have become used to Western standards which no longer apply."

Poorly maintained roads and lower driving standards can cause problems for expatriates living in cities such as Mumbai, but in wealthier cities including Madrid, lengthy distances into the centre from suburbs can make driving frustrating, the report found.