South America is a continent of staggering diversity, offering everything from the high-altitude peaks of the Andes to the tropical rhythms of the Caribbean coast and the sophisticated, European-style boulevards of the Southern Cone. For expats, it represents a land of opportunity where the cost of living can be significantly lower than in North America or Europe, while the quality of life—measured in community, climate, and culture—is often much higher.
Choosing where to settle in South America depends on your priorities: whether you seek a bustling metropolis with a thriving tech scene, a quiet colonial town for retirement, or a rugged base for adventure. This guide explores 20 distinct destinations across the continent, highlighting why each appeals to the modern expatriate.
1. Uruguay: The Safe Haven
Uruguay is consistently ranked as the most stable and safe country in South America. For expats, it offers a “first-world” experience with reliable infrastructure, a transparent legal system, and progressive social policies. Montevideo, the capital, provides a laid-back coastal lifestyle, while Punta del Este is the continent’s premier luxury resort town. It is the perfect choice for those who want South American charm without the political or economic volatility found elsewhere.
2. Argentina: The Cultural Epicenter
Despite its economic fluctuations, Argentina remains a top choice due to its incredible value and sophisticated culture. Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of the South,” offers world-class dining, theater, and architecture. For wine lovers, Mendoza provides a stunning backdrop of vineyards against the Andes, while Bariloche offers a Swiss-Alpine lifestyle. Expats are drawn here by the high level of education, excellent healthcare, and a social life that revolves around long dinners and late-night conversation.
3. Chile: The Economic Powerhouse
Chile is the most developed nation in the region, boasting a strong economy and modern amenities. Santiago is a clean, efficient hub for professionals, located just 90 minutes from both ski resorts and Pacific beaches. For a more bohemian vibe, the colorful hills of Valparaíso attract artists and digital nomads. Chile’s diverse geography—from the Atacama Desert to the fjords of Patagonia—makes it a dream for outdoor enthusiasts who value stability and safety.
4. Colombia: The Land of Eternal Spring
Colombia has undergone a massive transformation, becoming a darling of the digital nomad community. Medellín is the primary draw, praised for its perfect year-round weather, innovative public transport, and vibrant coffee culture. Bogotá offers a more metropolitan, high-altitude experience with a booming business sector. Expats choose Colombia for its legendary hospitality, low cost of living, and the incredible variety of its landscapes, from Caribbean beaches to Andean peaks.
5. Ecuador: The Retiree’s Paradise
Ecuador has long been a favorite for North American retirees, particularly the city of Cuenca. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a high quality of life, affordable private healthcare, and a large, welcoming expat community. The country uses the U.S. Dollar, which eliminates currency risk for American expats. From the volcanic beauty of Quito to the laid-back surf vibes of Olón, Ecuador provides a peaceful, budget-friendly lifestyle.
6. Peru: The Culinary Capital
Peru is world-renowned for its gastronomy, making Lima a top destination for foodies. Beyond the plates of ceviche, Peru offers a very low cost of living and a deep connection to ancient history. Arequipa, the “White City,” is popular for its beautiful colonial architecture and sunny climate. Expats who enjoy trekking and indigenous culture find a home in the Sacred Valley, where the pace of life slows down significantly.
7. Brazil: The Tropical Giant
Brazil is a continent within a country. While São Paulo is a massive economic engine for career-driven expats, Florianópolis (the “Magic Island”) offers a high-tech ecosystem paired with 42 stunning beaches. Rio de Janeiro remains iconic for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Expats move to Brazil for the infectious energy of the people, the lush tropical environment, and the diverse opportunities within its massive market.
8. Paraguay: The Tax-Friendly Frontier
Paraguay is often overlooked, but it is one of the easiest places in the world to obtain residency. It is a land of low taxes and a very low cost of living. Asunción, the capital, is a green, sprawling city that is rapidly modernizing. It’s a popular choice for “flag theory” enthusiasts and entrepreneurs looking for a quiet, affordable base with a friendly, “off-the-beaten-path” atmosphere.
9. Bolivia: The Authentic Experience
For the adventurous expat on a strict budget, Bolivia offers the lowest cost of living on the continent. La Paz is a surreal, high-altitude metropolis with a unique indigenous soul. Santa Cruz de la Sierra provides a more tropical, business-oriented environment at a lower altitude. Living in Bolivia requires a degree of “grit,” but it rewards residents with some of the most spectacular and untouched natural scenery on Earth.
10. Guyana: The English-Speaking Enclave
As the only English-speaking country in South America, Guyana is attracting attention due to its recent offshore oil discoveries and rapid economic growth. Georgetown, the capital, has a distinct Caribbean feel. It is a land of massive, pristine rainforests and waterfalls (like Kaieteur). For expats in the energy sector or those looking to be part of a frontier economy, Guyana is the region’s current “wild card.”
11. Suriname: The Dutch-Caribbean Fusion
Suriname is a fascinating melting pot of Dutch, Indian, Javanese, and African cultures. Paramaribo, a UNESCO-listed capital, features unique wooden colonial architecture. It is an ideal spot for expats who speak Dutch or those looking for a truly multicultural environment. The country is largely covered by primary rainforest, offering a slow pace of life and a high degree of privacy.
12. French Guiana: A Piece of the EU
Technically an overseas department of France, French Guiana allows EU citizens to live and work with ease. It is home to the Guiana Space Centre, making it a hub for scientists and engineers. Living here feels like being in a tropical version of provincial France, with Euro currency and French supermarkets, all while being surrounded by the dense Amazonian jungle.
13. The Falkland Islands: The Sub-Antarctic Retreat
For those seeking total isolation and a British way of life, the Falklands offer a unique proposition. Located off the coast of Argentina, the islands are home to more penguins than people. It is a safe, tight-knit community with a rugged, windswept beauty. It appeals to researchers, conservationists, and those looking to escape the “rat race” of the modern world entirely.
14. Panama (South American Connection)
While geographically in Central America, Panama’s close ties and proximity to Colombia make it a vital part of the expat circuit in the region. Panama City is the “Miami of the South,” featuring a glittering skyline and a world-class banking sector. Its Pensionado program is one of the best retirement visas in the world, offering significant discounts on everything from utility bills to movie tickets.
15. Bariloche, Argentina (Regional Focus)
Sometimes a specific region within a country is so distinct it warrants its own entry. Bariloche, in the Argentine Lake District, offers a lifestyle focused on skiing in the winter and hiking/sailing in the summer. It has a thriving craft beer scene and a sophisticated chocolate-making tradition. For expats who want the “outdoor life” without sacrificing high-speed internet and gourmet food, Bariloche is a premier choice.
16. Cusco, Peru: Living in History
Living in Cusco is like living in an open-air museum. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, it sits at 11,000 feet and serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. The expat community here is a mix of spiritual seekers, archaeologists, and tourism entrepreneurs. The cost of living is remarkably low, and the spiritual energy of the Andes is a constant presence in daily life.
17. Cuenca, Ecuador (Regional Focus)
Cuenca deserves a deeper look as the quintessential expat town. It balances modern healthcare and high-speed internet with cobblestone streets and flower markets. The climate is “eternal spring”—rarely too hot or too cold. Because of the large expat population, many services are available in English, making it an easy “soft landing” for those moving abroad for the first time.
18. Salta, Argentina: The Authentic North
For an expat seeking a more traditional Argentine experience, Salta “La Linda” (The Beautiful) offers colonial charm and high-altitude desert landscapes. It is famous for its folk music (peñas), unique cuisine, and the nearby “Train to the Clouds.” It is much more affordable than Buenos Aires and offers a slower, family-oriented pace of life.
19. Baños, Ecuador: Adventure Basecamp
Located at the foot of an active volcano, Baños is the adventure capital of Ecuador. It is a small town filled with hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails. For the digital nomad who wants to spend their mornings working and their afternoons zip-lining or mountain biking, Baños offers an unbeatable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of Western mountain towns.
20. Cartagena, Colombia: Caribbean Charm
Cartagena is a stunning, walled colonial city on the Caribbean coast. It offers a high-energy lifestyle with world-class beaches nearby (like the Islas del Rosario). For expats who love the heat, historical architecture, and a vibrant nightlife, Cartagena provides a luxury Caribbean lifestyle for a much lower price point than the neighboring islands.
South America is no longer just a destination for backpackers; it has become a legitimate choice for professionals, families, and retirees seeking a better balance of cost and quality of life. Whether you are drawn to the stability of Uruguay or the adventure of Bolivia, the continent offers a place for every type of expatriate.
