When looking for the best places for expats, a common debate emerges: should you head to Latin America or Southeast Asia? With more people than ever seeking second residencies, affordable lifestyles, and better quality of life, both regions are attracting a wave of global citizens from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. But which region comes out on top?
We’ve spent years analyzing these destinations and have chosen Latin America for now, while planning to explore Southeast Asia in the near future. Here’s our comparison of both regions, outlining their pros and cons to help you decide which might be the best fit for you.
Pros of Latin America: Why It’s Among the Best Places for Expats
1. Easier and Cheaper Residency & Citizenship
Countries like Mexico base immigration on income, not net worth, making it more accessible. You can also gain citizenship and a second passport in Latin America, which is nearly impossible in most of Southeast Asia.
2. Language Advantage
Spanish is easier to learn than Thai or Vietnamese. Many expats already have some exposure to Spanish from school, making integration smoother.
3. Same Time Zones
If you run a business based in North America or Europe, Latin America’s time zones make scheduling calls and operations much easier than the 12+ hour difference in Asia.
4. Short Flights to the U.S. and Canada
You can fly from Mexico to Miami or Los Angeles in under four hours. Most Latin American cities offer direct flights to major U.S. hubs.
5. Food Quality
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are abundant and not highly processed. Though Southeast Asia has great cuisine, the food quality in Latin America is often more comparable to home cooking.
6. Climate Variety
From tropical beaches to snow-capped mountains, Latin America offers every climate type. You can choose what suits your lifestyle best.
7. Property Ownership
Foreigners can own property in many Latin American countries, making real estate investment more straightforward.
8. Healthcare Access
Latin America has excellent private healthcare at a fraction of U.S. costs. Mexico alone handles nearly 40% of global medical tourism.
9. Expanding Passport Power
Passports like those from Mexico and Argentina are climbing the global rankings, offering visa-free access to countries like Russia and Japan.
10. Expanding Expat Communities
Latin America has well-established expat hubs, providing support systems for newcomers.
Cons of Latin America
1. Bureaucracy & Inefficiency
Paperwork like tax IDs, visas, and licenses can be time-consuming. But with the right facilitator or attorney, it’s manageable.
2. Cost of Living Varies
Places like Panama and Costa Rica can be pricey. On average, Latin America is more expensive than Southeast Asia.
3. Tax Laws Can Be Complicated
Without proper planning, some countries can become tax traps. It’s important to consult expat-friendly accountants.
4. Safety Concerns
While media often exaggerates, some areas have safety risks. That said, many cities in Latin America are safer than parts of the U.S.
Pros of Southeast Asia: Still One of the Best Places for Expats
1. Lower Cost of Living
Places like Vietnam offer rent under $400/month in popular areas. Food, transportation, and healthcare are also incredibly affordable.
2. High Safety Levels
Asia is renowned for low crime rates, especially in comparison to Western cities.
3. World-Class Food Culture
Asian cuisines are diverse and flavorful. Food lovers often find Southeast Asia irresistible.
4. Better Infrastructure
Reliable internet, modern public transport, and newer buildings make daily life smoother.
5. Banking Systems
Countries like Singapore offer some of the world’s safest and most efficient banking services.
6. Private Healthcare
Thailand and Malaysia are leaders in affordable, high-quality private medical care.
7. Luxury for Less
Expats often enjoy a higher quality lifestyle, with luxury amenities more accessible than in Latin America.
8. Vibrant Digital Nomad Hubs
Southeast Asia has long welcomed online entrepreneurs, with hotspots like Bali and Chiang Mai offering co-working spaces and strong networks.
Cons of Southeast Asia
1. Cultural Integration
Language barriers and significant cultural differences can make integration slower and more challenging.
2. Difficult Languages
Unlike Spanish, languages like Thai and Vietnamese involve new alphabets and tonal pronunciation.
3. Time Zone Challenges
The time difference makes real-time work with U.S. or European clients difficult.
4. Long Travel Times to the West
Flights to North America or Europe often exceed 20 hours and may involve multiple layovers.
5. Limited Residency and Property Ownership
Most countries don’t allow foreigners to own land outright. Permanent residency is rare and often tied to expensive financial commitments.
6. Air Pollution
Burn seasons in places like Thailand and poor air quality in big cities can be problematic, especially for those with health conditions.
Final Thoughts: Best Places for Expats Depend on Your Goals
Both Latin America and Southeast Asia are among the best places for expats, but the right choice depends on your goals:
- Want proximity to the U.S. and easy property rights? Latin America may be better.
- Want to maximize cost savings and love Asian culture? Southeast Asia might be your move.
Every country has its own pros and cons. We recommend booking a personalized relocation consult to help you choose the right fit based on your specific goals. Visit entrepreneurexpat.com/consult to get started.
Where do you think are the best places for expats? Let us know in the comments!