According to a survey commissioned by HSBC Bank International, expatriates living in Asia and the Middle East tend to have higher salaries compared to other regions. The survey found that a significant number of expats in countries like Russia, Japan, and Qatar earn more than $200,000 annually. Additionally, countries like Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and India also have a considerable number of expats earning over $200,000 per year. On the other hand, countries like Malaysia, China, and India are considered to be more affordable in terms of accommodation costs. The survey concluded that Asia is home to some of the highest-paid expatriates in the world, with a quarter of expats earning over $200,000 per year. Russia has been ranked as the top country for expats in terms of wealth. The other top countries were all located in Asia and the Middle East. Expats in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Qatar, India, and the United Arab Emirates have been able to increase their savings. However, the global economic crisis has negatively impacted expats in Britain and the United States, with many considering returning home due to high living costs, lack of savings, and lower wages. Australia and Belgium were also found to have relatively few opportunities for generous salaries for expats. In both countries, over 60 percent of expats earn less than $100,000, making them the lowest earners compared to the global average of 35 percent. According to Paul Say, head of marketing and communications for HSBC Bank International, expats are still considered wealthy despite the economic challenges. The Expat Explorer survey, the largest of its kind, gathered data from over 3,100 expats from 26 different countries. More than two-thirds of expatriates around the world stated that the way they spend their money has been impacted by the credit crisis, particularly in terms of luxuries and daily expenses. Nearly 40 percent mentioned that they were increasing their savings for unexpected circumstances. The highest percentage of expats in Japan, at 53 percent, reported reducing holiday and other discretionary spending, followed by expats in Thailand and Hong Kong. On the other hand, expatriates in Qatar and Bahrain were least likely to change their spending habits due to the global financial crisis, indicating that some oil-rich Gulf Arab states have been less affected by the economic downturn. Expatriates in Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Russia were also among the least likely to cut back on luxury spending, according to the survey. The individuals surveyed were selected based on four main factors: earning over $200,000 annually, having a monthly disposable income of over $3,000, saving more while working overseas, and owning at least two luxury items in their current country of residence. The survey took place from February to April 2009.