What are the best places to live in South America?

Member since 26 January 2019

Someone123Member26 January 2019 09:49:53

A little bit about myself - I am a digital nomad (travel & work remotely), been living in Southeast Asia for the past 4 years, specifically in Thailand for the past 2 years and now I'm back home.. I am considering moving to South America.
Since I've never been, I would like to receive some recommendations.

The most important things for me are:
A) Safety - As far as I know SA is the most dangerous continent on earth, but I'm sure some areas are safe. Not getting mugged or killed would be nice!
B) I don't mind living in a less developed country as long as the infrastructure is okay
C) A fast, reliable internet connection is a must (for work)
D) A big expat community is a plus
E) Nightlife is important, a beach would be a big plus (but not a must).
F) Language course - I want to learn Spanish. (By the way, can that grant me a student visa?)

My total spending budget is USD2500/month (flexible) and I am hoping to get a nice studio / 1 bedroom in a renovated / new building in a safe area (preferably central).

So, which cities/countries will suit my needs?
Thanks in advance!

Alascana Guest

AlascanaGuest26 January 2019 12:04:13

Google the Question, it should tell you, the Safest,Cheapest and Friendliest Country in South America as well as the Best City...I like Brazil moved to several states and I found what I needed.....

OsageArcher Colombia Expert

Member since 11 February 2015

OsageArcherColombia Expert26 January 2019 14:49:08

1640

Home is where the heart is.

News flash: What may suit one person may not suit another.

But certainly Colombia has many wonderful places to live and it's my first pick. What city? Any of the smaller cities or rural areas that have a fairly good climate, not too hot not too cold - many places in the Eje Cafetero or coffee region fit that bill. Cities like Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Ibagué, there are many more even smaller. Popayán to the south is a nice place. Or Cali, which is a big city, but I'd live there only because I have family there. Also there are many places where you would NOT want to live, because of bad climate, crime, lack of services and infrastructure etc. Buenaventura comes to mind.

Just my opinion, I would not consider living in Colombia unless I spoke fluent Spanish (which I do). Without fluent Spanish in Colombia you are like a blind man with a begging bowl that bad people steal out of, and you will be taken advantage of by nearly everyone. And really, without knowing the language you run that risk in any Spanish-speaking country.