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Almost half of expats in the UK are considering returning home.

Emerging markets rank above established centres for expat finances, while the UK is the worst for savings behind Spain and France.

Despite the economic crisis, expats are wealthier and save more than in their country of origin.

HSBC Bank International revealed last week that the economic crisis has had a wide impact on expats' financial situations, according to the world's largest survey of expats, Expat Explorer.

The first of three instalments of this year's survey, Expat Economics, showed that expats have reduced spending across the board, with the UK and the US identified as having some of the highest numbers of expats considering a move home.

Expat Explorer, now in its second year, surveyed over 3,100 expats from more than 50 countries with 46 per cent more respondents than last year.

Expat Economics, which is new to this year's survey, looks at expats' economic quality of life as determined by four main economic factors, including annual income over US$200,000 (Bt6.9 million) and monthly disposable income over $3,000.

The other factors are an increase in savings while living/working abroad in their current country of residence and having at least two luxury items in the country they live in.

Paul Say, head of marketing and communications for HSBC Bank International, said that this year's survey revealed interesting insights into a dynamic segment of the world's population, and also stands as a key indicator into how expats had been affected by global economic events.

"Last year's survey gave us some really valuable insights into such a fascinating group of people and we are pleased to see even more expats participating in this year's survey," he said.

"As the world continues to undergo a significant economic shift, we are seeing some interesting patterns amongst the expat population, particularly in the changes to their spending habits.

"Despite expats in the UK and US considering a move home, we also found that the majority of expats are staying put despite growing employment uncertainty across many regions."

Overall, expats in the US, Thailand and South Africa have been the most affected by the credit crunch, reducing their spending on essential and luxury items, general household maintenance and the money allocated to savings and investments.

The largest reduction in essential day-to-day items was seen in Spain, where 81 per cent of expats have cut back, followed by the US with 79 per cent and the UK with 75 per cent.

Not surprisingly, 44 per cent - the highest recorded figure in the survey - of expats in the UK and 23 per cent of expats in the US are considering returning home in light of the current financial crisis.

This provides a stark contrast to only 15 per cent of expats overall who are considering the same move.