For example, domestic large cap funds tend to have lower expenses than foreign asset classes in less developed markets.

FORBES: Active ETFs: Higher Cost Versus Added Value

In May, the government had announced a series of austerity measures, including restricting foreign travel by officials to curtail expenses.

BBC: India ministers' foreign trips hit PM roadblock

However, Foreign Office lawyers said "it does not operate a legal aid scheme to cover legal expenses for British nationals involved in criminal proceedings abroad, nor does it provide funds in exceptional cases".

BBC: Lindsay Sandiford

He notes the influx of foreign buyers and visitors, particularly from Latin American countries like Brazil, have buoyed demand for housing and kept expenses relatively high for residents.

FORBES: America's Most Overpriced Cities