Are you considering moving to South America? We’ve spent a lot of time traveling and working remotely from the bustling cities and picturesque coastlines of South America—first on our own, and now alongside our WiFi Tribe community of remote workers.
This continent has always held a special place in our hearts—it’s where the early stages of WiFi Tribe began and continues to be one of our favorite destinations for living and working remotely.
We’re sharing the top nine cities to live in South America for expats—whether you intend on staying for a little while as a digital nomad or creating a base to live more permanently as an expat. Here are nine South American cities you’ll definitely want to consider living in.
What to consider before moving to South America
Before you book a flight and pack your bags, there are a few elements you’ll want to consider before moving to South America. First, you’ll want to do your research and determine which country is most suitable for you. If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures and norms of Latin America, don’t limit your search to South America—factor in other popular destinations such as Panama, Belize, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Each country offers its own unique culture and twist on the Latin American lifestyle.
Once you’ve determined which country you’d like to move to, you’ll then want to explore the best cities for expats. Factors like safety, cost of living, internet speeds, expat community, temperature, air quality, and walkability are all elements that could influence your decision and impact your overall quality of life. Be sure to take these into consideration before choosing your destination.
Top 9 cities in South America to live as an expat
There are countless wonderful cities for expats in South America—more than we can cover in one list. However, these cities are the ones we continue to revisit and highly recommend for remote workers looking for a short or long-term home in South America.
A quick list of top cities for expats in South America:
1. Medellin, Colombia
Best for: Those seeking a latin city with modern comforts, plus South America’s biggest digital nomad community.
Medellin, Colombia is perfect for those who want to experience the essence of Latin America with the comforts and lavishness of a modern city. From the delicious international cuisine at beautiful open-air restaurants, to the vibrant salsa bars and colorful streets, there’s nothing quite like life in Medellin.
Many expats find that the WiFi is reliable and strong for working, plus the local coffee scene makes for an incredible café working experience. Medellin’s malls are vast and full of countless name brands and products to choose from. It’s been called, “the city of eternal spring” for good reason—no matter the time of year, the climate is almost always the perfect temperature with occasional rain showers.
Best areas: El Poblado and Laurales
Cost of living: $1,000-$2,000/month
Language: Spanish (Not much English)
Data providers: Claro, Tigo, Movistar
What to know before you go:
- Internet: If you’re in the city center of Medellin, WiFi reliability should rarely be an issue. You can usually get speeds around 20 Mbps at home. However, if you venture further out of the city center into the mountains and rural regions beyond Medellin, you may have issues finding reliable internet.
- Safety: While Medellin was once notorious for its drug-related violence and gang scene, it’s made quite the turnaround within the last decade. The Colombian government successfully flushed out the largest drug trafficking organizations and elevated Medellin to the fastest-growing tech hub in South America. The city is much safer than it used to be, but you should still heed caution and be aware of your surroundings.
- Accessibility: With Uber and local taxis readily available in Medellin, getting around the city is very easy, safe, and comfortable. If you’re staying in El Poblado or Laureles neighborhoods, it’s fairly simple to get around and access cafés, restaurants, gyms, supermarkets, and coworking spaces on foot.
- Things to do: Learn salsa, eat at renowned restaurants, taste Colombian coffee, dive into the Latin nightlife, or take a weekend trip to other beautiful areas of Colombia. Guatape, Salento, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Palermo are all within a close drive or flight of Medellin.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best for: Expats looking for a fast-paced lifestyle in a European-inspired atmosphere.
Buenos Aires is a massive city inspired by European architecture and culture. It’s the perfect city for nomads who love stepping out of their apartments and exploring a new quirky cafe or restaurant every day. The city is sprawling with unique restaurants, bars, and activities.
You can connect with fellow expats and nomads at one of the city’s many co-working spaces, startup hubs, or through the local digital nomads Facebook page. Looking for a nightlife scene? Choose between tango and salsa bars, reggaeton nightclubs, or intricate speakeasies—this city has it all.
Buenos Aires is a city made for meat lovers, wine connoisseurs, culture enthusiasts, and those who come alive when the sun goes down. It’s a very easy place for remote workers to live in, offering countless great cafés to work from and open WiFi availability in most public parks.
Best areas: Palermo or Recoleta
Cost of living: $1,300-$2,000/month
Language: Spanish (some English)
Data providers: Tuenti, Claro, Movistar, Personal
What to know before you go:
- Internet: The internet is typically stable in Buenos Aires compared to other Latin American cities, with speeds ranging between 10-20 Mbps. While we have occasionally experienced internet outages, they’ve never been too disruptive or long-lasting. However, we recommend having either a global hotspot device or a local SIM card installed and ready to use in case the WiFi connection ever drops.
- Safety: In recent years, Buenos Aires has become more dangerous. With rising inflation rates and the high cost of living for locals, crime rates have increased with some crimes becoming more violent than they used to be. It’s important to remain in safe areas, especially at night. Take a trusted cab or Uber when carrying valuables, going long distances, or navigating the streets at night. Like most places in South America, be cautious of carrying valuables with you and be conscious of your surroundings.
- Accessibility: Buenos Aires is a ginormous city, making it less walkable than other Latin American locations. However, with countless cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, and other amenities to choose from it’s likely that you’ll have plenty within a short distance of your accommodation. Most locals use the metro system to get around, which is the most inexpensive, reliable option—and fastest—as many roadways fill with traffic. Uber is also widely available.
- Things to do: Explore iconic cafés, taste fantastic wines, experience rich culture, and embrace the vibrant nightlife. Of course, no trip would be complete without indulging in Argentina’s world-class steak. Embark on a day trip to Rio Tigre for some kayaking or canoeing, or venture on a long weekend trip to Iguazu Falls, the Mendoza mountainous wine region, or Patagonia. The opportunities for adventure are endless.
3. Lima, Peru
Best for: Foodies looking to immerse themselves in international fusion cuisine.
While Lima is an ideal city for many people, there’s no doubt who this city is best for: Foodies. Prepare to discover mouth-watering fusion cuisine at every turn. The city boasts some of the best dishes and the most highly awarded restaurants in the world. Many of these iconic meals implement Peruvian ingredients into unique dishes that are cooked to perfection.
Like many of South America’s capital cities, Lima is enormous and full of life. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the food and nightlife, explore neighborhoods full of character, or go surfing along the coastline—there’s no limiting what your lifestyle can look like here. We especially love Lima for its easy access to other parts of Peru. With affordable and easy flights to Cusco plus regular buses to the sand dunes of Huacachina, going on a trip outside of the city is simple.
Best areas: Miraflores
Cost of living: $1,000-$1,800/month
Language: Spanish (not much English)
Data providers: BITEL, Claro, Movistar
What to know before you go:
- Internet: Compared to other South American cities, we’ve found the internet in Lima to be a bit more unstable and slower than expected. You’ll likely find cafés with connections of 2 to 8 Mbps download speeds. Apartments and AirBnBs may range from 3 to 15 Mbps. Consider getting a local SIM for better internet connectivity or joining a coworking space.
- Safety: Like many of the large cities in Latin America, there are differing degrees of safety depending on which neighborhood you’re in. Some areas are very safe and others should be avoided. In general, we felt safe in Lima’s Miraflores area. However, the area nearby Lima’s airport is notoriously unsafe, so try to avoid walking around there at night.
- Accessibility: Lima is a huge city that expands along the coastline. It can take several hours to get from one end of the city to the other. However, the areas where tourists usually stay are definitely walkable, with all necessary amenities, cafés, and restaurants within close reach. When traveling around the city, Uber and taxis are ideal options—especially at night.
- Things to do: Eat endless amounts of incredible food—Lima boasts some of the most amazing international fusion cuisines in the world. Peru is famous for its ceviche (raw fish in lemon) and pisco sours (a delicious cocktail made with local liquor, lemon, and egg whites). When you’re not eating or working, you can surf, explore the old town, go paragliding along Lima’s impressive coastline, explore the streets of Miraflores, or go dancing.
4. Quito, Ecuador
Best for: Those seeking a modern city with mild temperatures year-round.
High in the Andes mountains, not too far from the Pacific Ocean, lies Quito—a perfect place for expats to get work done and explore during their downtime. There is a big expat community, largely made up of younger travelers and digital nomads. Since Ecuador sits along the equator, daylight hours don’t fluctuate throughout the year and the lovely temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round.
As the capital city, Quito is the perfect place to base oneself to easily travel around the rest of Ecuador. The beach and rainforest are only a few hours bus ride away, and popular destinations such as Cuenca and Guayaquil can be reached by plane. Navigating around Quito is quite effortless and affordable thanks to the extensive public transportation system. You may find that Quito isn’t as budget-friendly as other South American cities, but the city is modern and cost of living is still relatively affordable.
Best areas: La Floresta, La Carolina, La Mariscal
Cost of living: $1,000-$2,200/month
Language: Spanish (not much English)
Data providers: Claro, Movistar, CNT
What to know before you go:
- Internet: Expect to find download speeds around 5-10 Mbps and upload speeds around 3-6 Mbps. Of course, coworking spaces and areas in the city center may have stronger WiFi speeds while those areas on the city’s outskirts and surroundings may pose more challenges. It’s best to have a local SIM card handy should you ever need to tether your laptop to your phone for a stable connection.
- Safety: Overall, Quito is a fairly safe city for living in. However, it’s still recommended that you be cautious with valuables and opt for taxis or secure transport at night. The popular expat neighborhoods are usually safe, but avoid wandering into dangerous or off-the-beaten path areas—especially on your own.
- Accessibility: As a capital city, Quito is super easy to get around. There is public transportation widely available that’s affordable and easy-to-use. Uber is available as are local taxis, which are recommended for quick transportation outside the city center
- Things to do: Ecuador is a country made for adventurers. With nature at every turn plus vast cities to explore, like Quito and Cuenca, you’ll never run out of things to do. Wander the old town, go hiking or mountain biking, experience the nightlife, or taste the flavors of local cuisine. If you’re up for a long weekend trip, consider visiting the infamous Galapagos Islands and observing the countless unique species that live there.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Best for: Expats looking for a vibrant city lifestyle with easy access to the beach.
From the picturesque beaches to the lively city streets, Rio de Janeiro is a one-of-a-kind city. Renowned for its love of Samba, football, and the beach, this captivating city is booming with life. Many digital nomads and expats love Rio for its weather, nightlife, beaches, and energetic Brazilian culture—plus many of the amenities and comforts of a modern city. There’s something for everyone in this city.
Unlike most other South American destinations, the local language is Portuguese instead of Spanish. It’s easier to get by with English in some areas of the city, but most places will require that you speak at least a little bit of the local language. There are countless cute cafes and coworking spaces to choose from in the city with good WiFi. However, exercise caution when leaving home with your laptop—crime is increasingly common in Rio, especially near the favelas.
Best areas: Copacabana, Ipanema, Santa Teresa
Cost of living: $1,500-2,500/month
Language: Portuguese
Data providers: Claro, Movistar, Tigo
What to know before you go:
- Internet: Rio has fast broadband WiFi speeds available, with average speeds between 25 and 30 Mbps. Many cafés offer stable internet as well.
- Safety: Crime and corruption in Brazil have been on the rise in recent years, especially in some favela areas. That’s why it’s best to travel in groups whenever possible, avoid public transportation (which often travels on routes that lead into the more dangerous areas), and try to leave valuables and flashy belongings at home.
- Accessibility: Rio is an incredibly massive city to navigate—one that requires transportation to get around. Uber is the safest and most reliable option for getting around. You can also use trusted taxi services to get from place to place. Avoid public transit when possible, as this is often where crime occurs.
- Things to do: There are an infinite amount of activities to keep you busy in this sprawling city. Visit Christ the Redeemer, relish in the tranquility of Jardim Botanico, spend a day in the rainforests of Tijuca National Park, soak up the sun along the postcard coastlines, or go out for a night of dancing at Rio’s nightclubs.
6. Florianopolis, Brazil
Best for: Remote workers seeking a beachy lifestyle with a solid community (and WiFi connection).
If you’re looking for a place in South America to call home that offers a relaxed, beach town vibe versus a big city, look no further than Florianopolis, Brazil. This idyllic location is the perfect destination for remote workers seeking sunshine, good WiFi, and great community. Florianopolis has earned itself a reputation as being one of the safest cities to live in Brazil.
The breathtaking coastlines plus the growing number of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants have attracted many digital nomads, remote workers, and backpackers to the island. It’s also a popular destination for surfers, with countless beautiful beaches to catch waves year-round. Experience Brazilian culture and cuisine while indulging in the marvelous outdoors.
Best areas: Centro, Lagoa da Conceição, Campeche
Cost of living: $1,000-$1,800/month
Language: Portuguese
Data providers: BITEL, Claro, Movistar
What to know before you go:
- Internet: Overall, WiFi speeds are fairly high with the average standing around 53 Mbps. As more remote workers and digital nomads flock to the island, cafes and coworking spaces with strong internet speeds are becoming increasingly common.
- Safety: This island has earned itself the title of one of the safest cities in Brazil. You likely won’t encounter safety issues here, but ensure that you’re mindful of your possessions and whereabouts.
- Accessibility: The local bus system in Florianopolis is affordable and easy-to-use. Uber is also a quick and easy option to get around the island. You’ll see local taxis too, but these can be harder to find during peak hours.
- Things to do: When you’re not behind the keys of your laptop, venture outdoors and experience the island’s surf scene, waterfall hikes, and sandy beaches. Try kitesurfing, admire local street art, wander the historical center, discover local music, and taste the freshest seafood. Life in this piece of paradise is wonderful.
7. Santiago, Chile
Best for: People who don’t want to choose between living nearby the city, beach, and mountains.
There are countless reasons to want to live in Santiago, Chile. It’s one of the safest major cities in Latin America and is home to stunning landscapes, beaches, mountains—and of course, great wine. Its stable economy makes it a more expensive option compared to other cities in South America. However, many expats find that the cost of living is still reasonable enough to afford a quality lifestyle.
Santiago blends Mediterranean, cosmopolitan, and modern cultures into one. With the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean nearby, the city offers an incredible range of activities to pursue. Within a few hours, you can reach the beach, wine country, or skiing in the mountains. Its incredible environmental diversity is irresistible.
Best areas: Centro, Providencia, Las Condes
Cost of living: $1,800-$2,300/month
Language: Spanish (not much English)
Data providers: Claro, Movistar, Wom, EnTal
What to know before you go:
- Internet: This city boasts one of the strongest broadband speeds in South America. Digital nomads report finding speeds of over 90 Mbps—making this a super attractive destination for remote workers.
- Safety: Chile is thought to be one of the safest countries in South America. However, Santiago is a large metropolitan city, so petty crime can still occur. Be extra mindful of your belongings when traveling through busy streets or on public transit.
- Accessibility: There are numerous ways to navigate Santiago, Chile. With bike paths available throughout the city, cycling is one option for getting around. Alternatively, choose between public transit options such as the subway, bus, and colectivos.
- Things to do: The adventures that await in Santiago and its surroundings are endless. Tour the historic city center, visit Bellavista neighborhood, take in the panoramic views at Cerro de San Cristóbal, or go for a stroll in Cerro Santa Lucía. Enjoy a long weekend in the wine region, go skiing, or take a day trip to the coast.
8. Bariloche, Argentina
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the pace of a small town versus big city.
Bariloche, Argentina lies right within the heart of the Patagonia region. It’s a modern city filled with spectacular views, mountainous fresh air, and hiking, great food (and chocolate). At times, it doesn’t feel like you’re in Latin America—it feels like a mountain town in the Swiss Alps.
Digital nomads love this city for its outdoorsy lifestyle and relaxing atmosphere for working. The city sits on the lakeshore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, along the foothills of the Andes mountains.
Best areas: Melipal, Belgrano, El Faldeo
Cost of living: $1,000-$1,800/month
Language: Spanish (not much English)
Data providers: Tuenti, Claro, Movistar, Personal
What to know before you go:
- Internet: WiFi speeds in Bariloche can be rather hit or miss depending on where you stay and its proximity to the central part of town. Sometimes speeds are as high as 40 Mbps download, other times you’ll encounter speeds as slow as 1 Mbps. It really depends on where you’re working from.
- Safety: The crime rate in Bariloche is low—it’s known to be a safe city crime-wise. However, the wild, unpredictable weather in Patagonia can sometimes pose as a safety risk. Stay up-to-date with local weather news in case of oncoming storms or weather hazards.
- Accessibility: To get around Bariloche, it’s best to have a car. The distances in Patagonia are long and if you choose to ski or snowboard, having a vehicle to transport your gear is ideal. Otherwise, there are city bus lines you can take to travel the city and connect to more distant points.
- Things to do: When in Patagonia, there’s no better way to spend your free time than in the great outdoors. Take advantage of the area’s hiking, skiing, and adventure sports options. In the summer season, you can find kayaking, windsurfing, and fly fishing activities on the lake, too.
9. Montevideo, Uruguay
Best for: Remote workers seeking a relaxed city lifestyle with easy access to nature.
Uruguay is known as the safest country in South America. Its capital, Montevideo, was once ranked the city with the best quality of life in Latin America. The city’s countless parks, tree-lined streets, and beaches are serene. Many people opt for walking and navigating around this beautiful city slowly, rather than jumping into a car or metro. You’ll find yourself spending more time outdoors than indoors here.
In Montevideo, it’s easy to travel from the city to the countryside, beaches, and mountains all within a day trip. The close proximity to nature makes this an ideal home base for active expats and remote workers. Plus, there is a large community of expats to experience the relaxing lifestyle, vivid nightlife, and delicious food scene with.
Best areas: Carrasco, Pocitos
Cost of living: $1,500-$3,000/month
Language: Spanish (some English)
Data providers: Antel, Claro, Movistar
What to know before you go:
- Internet: The country has exceptional internet speeds throughout, with averages ranging from 30 Mbps to 120 Mbps.
- Safety: Uruguay is known to be the safest country in South America. While no city is without crime, you can expect to encounter little to none while you are in Montevideo.
- Accessibility: Buses, cycling, and walking are the most popular ways to get around the city. Ubers and taxis are also readily available for use.
- Things to do: With beaches, mountains, and abundant tree-lined streets within reach, there are plenty of activities to do while in Montevideo. Go on a day trip in nature, get lost in the traditional music scene, or enjoy an evening out at one of the many incredible restaurants the city has to offer. This city has almost everything you could ever need.
FAQ About living in South America
What is the best country to live in South America?
There’s no such thing as the best country or city—only what’s best for you. We recommend considering what elements of a country are most important—like safety, WiFi speeds, nature, accessibility, and activities—to you and using that to influence your decision.
What is the safest country in South America?
Uruguay is renowned for its safety and is thought to be the safest country in South America.
What is the cheapest place to live in South America?
Bolivia is thought to be one of the most affordable South American countries. However, the cost of living is highly dependent on the person and the lifestyle you lead. Some countries, like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, may also offer affordable living options.
What is the best place for expats to live in South America?
Again, there is no such thing as the best place to live in South America. It all comes down to what’s ideal for you. Expats, digital nomads, and remote workers are spread out throughout South American countries, with new popular destinations and hot spots continuing to surface each year.
