As much as we may aspire toward expatriatism for the exotic and venturesome, there’s no question that our exhilarating lives abroad can also bring feelings of isolation. There are times when being far away from home, and distant from family and friends, can weigh on our minds and atrophy our intrepid spirits.
That’s why for many of us it may be helpful to consider expatriating to a country that has a healthy combination of exoticism and familiarity; a place that’s compatible with where we’re from.
So in this vein, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 most suitable countries for American expatriates!
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has perhaps the most stable government in Central America, and since it’s been premised upon a proven democracy for at least the last 60 years, things are run there in a familiar way for Americans. That might be what makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in the world for American expatriates. It doesn’t hurt that it’s not too far away from home either, not to mention the low cost of living.
In fact, if you’re ever feeling lonely, there’ll never be a shortage of Americans on vacation to remind you of home.
9. South Africa
South Africa has been steadily growing in popularity for American tourists, especially for students studying abroad. It’s far away from America, sure– but South Africa has that perfect combination of exoticism and familiarity. Of course, it helps that they speak english! You can start your day with an English breakfast and then finish it on a wildlife safari. It doesn’t get much better than that.
8. Mexico
Some might think Mexico is a little too close to home, but that’s also what makes it so convenient for Americans. In fact, Mexico undoubtedly houses more American expatriates than any other country in the world. Combined with the low cost of living and the intense familiarity of the culture to any American from the Southwestern United States, Mexico makes a cozy destination for the weary yankee.
7. Spain
Spain has a lower cost of living compared with central and northern Europe. Mix that with its dynamic location and lively culture and it’s clear why Spain has become a top destination for expats from around the world. The European culture will be familiar and accessible for Americans, and getting around speaking only english should be a breeze.
Spain also has historical and cultural wealth that’ll keep any expat’s mind afloat. Also, it’s become an extremely popular destination for college students.
6. Brazil
With Brazil’s burgeoning worldpower economy and the steady need for english teachers, it’s become a favorite location for American expats. That stable economy means jobs, and the cost of living in Brazil is still fairly low. The culture is diverse, yet remarkably friendly to Americans, and it’s another country with just the right mix of exoticism and familiarity.
Compared with most other South American countries, it’s easier to get around here speaking only english.
5. Italy
Italy’s appeal is similar to that of Spain’s on this list, but with Italy you get just a little bit more. The cultural history is magnificant here, there’s a stronger American expat presence, and in just about every city or town with a university you’ll find American college students studying abroad. And come on– it’s Italy!
4. Australia
Randy Newman once joked of Australia, “[America's] building its own American amusement park there.” Indeed, Australian culture will easily be the most familar to the American among this list. English-speaking, BBQing, beer drinking Australia has a lot to offer the American. But with Australia you get a little more of the rugged and adventurous.
It also helps that the Australian dollar still comes at a good exchange rate. And they’ve got surfing too!
3. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is among the cheapest places for Americans to live in Europe, and there’s always a high demand here for english teachers. Those factors alone might make it the most suitable country in Europe for American expats.
It doesn’t hurt that it’s a beautiful country with a rich cultural history. People here are particularly friendly to Americans, and positioned right in the middle of Europe, you’re just a train ride away from everything the continent has to offer.
2. Thailand
Thailand’s culture might be less familiar to Americans than any other on this list, but the country makes up for it in every other category. Thanks to the Amity Treaty of 1968, American companies have to jump through fewer hoops than any other nationality to operate here. The people are exceptionally kind and welcoming, cost of living is cheap and there’s a continuous and voracious need for english teachers. Thailand puts out a serious effort to lure the American expat. As much as you want to go there, they want you to stay even more.
It’s become one of the top places in Asia for American tourists, youth backpackers and, of course, expats. Admittedly, it also gets extra points for closest resembling paradise. You’ll instantly forget where you came from the moment you step off that plane.
1. Argentina
First and foremost, Buenos Aires made our list for one of the cheapest cities in the world for American expats to live in. That gives this beautiful, diverse, and inexorably friendly country major props on this list too. Among South American countries, getting around here speaking English is relatively simple, and the cultural wealth is the only thing that matches its landscape.
Argentina is receptive to Americans. It’s a top location for students, and the standard of living relative to the cost of living is unmatched. There’s no surprise why American expats are flocking here, and we recommend you do the same. Argentina strikes just the right balance among all the things considered among this list.
Here’s how we determined the list:
First off, we considered how receptive the locals were to Americans– is the local culture open to American values? Are they welcoming to yanks? Next, we looked at how popular the destination was for Americans who have already expatriated. Are there plenty of homegrowns who you can meet and befriend? Is there already a thriving community from the U.S. there? We also considered how easy it is to get around speaking only english, and also looked at similarities between the local culture and America. Do local customs overlap with American ones? Lastly, we considered certain practical necessities, such as how easy it would be for Americans to find jobs there, and whether the location was affordable (this is how we eliminated places like the UK, France, or Japan from the list– too expensive, despite doing well at all the other categories!). We also admit to a heavy dose of subjectivity involved in the rankings.
Thanks, I enjoyed your post. It’s nice to see someone writing something worth reading. Nice to see Costa Rica is #1
wow, i’m soo happy to find your blog. i soooooo agree, Costa Rica is a great place for expats! that’s where i am now, but making an expat move to Guatemala. there is a big community there, but nothing like costa rica. i would loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to be an expat in all the other places. gotta convince my hubby:)
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
My husband and I (two Americans) lived in Prague, Czech Republic for five years, so we can vouch for how great it is to be an expat there. But, we got curious about the rest of the world so we started traveling it. Now we’re looking for our next “expat home” – several of the places listed here are on our list. Will keep coming back for more suggestions!
@marina: You should check out this awesome post by Audrey & Co. who posted the comment below yours. Very in depth coverage about Easter / Holy Week in Guatemala: http://www.uncorneredmarket.com/2009/04/holy-guacamole-its-semana-santa/
@Audrey: We’ll keep watching your updates. Really love what you two are doing and the content is incredible. Let us know if you are interested in doing a guest blog post about your Expat related experiences.
@Glenn um, I think CR was #10, not #1?
Have you been watching the news lately? Mexico is practically experiencing a civil war due to an uncontrollable violent drug cartel, Thailand’s government is on the verge of collapse and just recently opened fire on protesters in Bangkok, and South Africa has major problems with crime and disease. I recommend that you brush up on your current events before recommending people move to countries with major problems.
Love this list. I used to live in Mexico and in South Africa – both amazing, beautiful countries and the people area awesome!
JLG: I think this list is meant to be more of a permalink rather than something that is only immediately relevant. Yes, Thailand and Mexico are in strife, but in the long run these countries are good investments for Americans for all of the reasons stated.
Part of being an expat in more exotic locations is dealing with instabilities that you won’t find at home. People that are only looking for the safest, most stable lifestyle aren’t likely to become expats to begin with.
Furthermore, in both Thailand and Mexico it is not Americans who are being targeted. Agreed, traveling to Bangkok right at this moment isn’t recommended– but in the long run the atmosphere will still be receptive to Americans.
South Africa’s reputation of having trouble with crime and disease is steadily improving, and areas where it’s still a major problem are isolated and can be avoided without too much risk to the expat. Crime is, of course, a problem in many parts of America too. That doesn’t make the problem omnipresent. People living in quiet rural suburbs don’t fear for their lives every time there’s a drive by in Detroit.
Apart from a great demand for English speaking teachers in Thailand, what are some products/services that are American Centric that would be in Demand in Say Thailand and South Africa?
A was in shock from reviewing your list. I am an American and have experience in 8 of the 10 countries you listed. I differ in opinion with you greatly on Mexico as to safety and value. I know it well. A great place 20 years ago. Today, dangerous on kidnappings, drug wars and no value in cost of living. I would pass on the Check Republic due to too high cost of living and instead opt for Romania. Spain, Italy, and Auz are way too expensive. Have to be loaded for any of those. That leaves Thailand,and Costa Rica for the poor among us. The next best places will be VietNam, cambodia, and Nicaragua. For me, you missed the obvious THE PHILLIPINES.It has everything without coiupos.
What’s so great about the Philippines? It’s a little expensive there too – in Manila anyway. It costs just as much there as it does here in the States for a comparable standard of living. If you know of a great cheap city in the Philippines, let me know. I was thinking of going there until I found out it’s really not that much cheaper than the States.
What about Uruguay??? Yes it’s a very small country, but, very educated, very cheap, lots of english speaking natives, easy to get around, relatively stable government, heathy, and safe. Check it out, expats, it’s a long way south, but worth the adventure!
Priapolis is kind of like a miniature version of the Greek Mediterranean,Punta Del Este is a little more expensivend more jet-setty than ex-patty during thier summer, Colonia is a sweet town with a historic downtown that is post card piture perfect. Montevideo is like a small, quieter Buenos Aires. Great Backpacking, Hiking regions thoughout the “outback” of Uruguay. Like I said, check it out.
….forgot to mention; AWSOME beaches, not commercial at all, except, of course for Punta Del Este.
Absolutely wrong.! I have been to most Countries and english speaking westerners are a perpetual target for all sorts of crimes. Politeness=weakness in most.! The us
is the still the overall best place to live, the rest wished they lived there.!
For each of the countries listed, how difficult is it satisfy local laws and regulations regarding citizenship?
i.e., do you need to obtain green cards, apply for “social security” numbers, etc?
for those who want the low down on CR, this is the most up front site I’ve found that isn’t tied to some real estate firm.. http://www.therealcostarica.com/
I’m new at this, for I’m jus’ starting my R&D.. Have heard for years that CR was the escape hatch but after reading the truths on this site, it’s hard to think of “Having” to hire the locals to do everything for you, even cleaning your own house, for it’s illegal for you to do anything that locals can do.. buy a house and need to replace something that is broke? Sounds like you have to hire it to be done.. I’ve always been one to fix it myself, for it’s always a better job when completed..
Another come here and spend your money country ???.. Great if you want to retire in some retirmement community, I wish to live.. If I wish to change the color of my living room, I don’t need to hire it out..
Argentina? this is a first that I’ve heard, but hey I’ll check it out.. Is there really any American Friendly place to relocate ???
I’ve been living in Cancun, Mexico for 5 years. Yes, there are drug issues. However, the only people affected by them are people who are directly involved. I have never seen anything related to these issues other than what I’ve read on American websites. Overall, Mexico’s a beautiful place to live, and the people are very warm and receptive. I have had a wonderful time learning about their culture, and the Mexican people are very open about teaching me.
Just like in any country, the illegal issues (drugs, violence, etc) are only a problem if you’re involved in it, or if you take a walk at night in a bad neighborhood. Make smart decisions, and you’ll be fine.
If you have the opportunity to move to Costa Rica, this is an amazing place, love it, love it, love it. After spending a decade as a flight attendant throughout North & Central America but based in NYC, I agree with Lau’s post. Smart decisions are the crux of survival no matter where in the world you find yourself. I’ve circumnavigated our planet many times (perks of flying for an airline with “sister” carriers), and the one and only place I got mugged? New Orleans. Go figure.
Being retired airline, I have the advantage of flying at very low cost. We have a home in the Philippines besides the US and find it a great place. It is a long flight from the US [14-16 hrs] Someone ask about cities there besides Manila. There are lots and at much less cost than Manila. Look at the middle islands, Cebu, Negros,and Leyte. If you can live outside the larger towns it is better for enviroment but stay close enough to the towns for shopping. You don’t need a car but it helps to have a motobike. Public transport is fine and very cheap. Their interisland ships are very low cost but be careful when the weather is bad, they tend to sink!
I disagree with the list. It falsely assumes that many of us that have been expats and/or will be expats again A need English speaking people about and B get lonely for Americans. Puh-leez!
It’s extremely difficult for Americans to be expats in any EU country-hence,prague is loaded with americans,and the cost of living is now no longer cheap.
Italy and Spain,unless you have alot of money upfront to show solvency,you cannot get more than the 3 month standard schengen country visa. [or a student visa,but even then,you must show funds to support yourself.] And they are not cheap countries,in any case. As much as they are great choices,the lack of choice in actually being able to reside there,well,that kind of takes them off the list. It’s difficult at best to get a long term residency permit for those countries.
S. Africa’s crime problems are massive-and i’ts not just petty crime,rather,it’s voilent crime on behalf of a petty crime that takes no prisoners,this is the problem. Noone is immune. Pretoria is supposed to be pretty safe,but the other major areas are tough. I have heard that there’s a brain drain going on there right now,b/c of the crime and violence issue. I have lived in Africa myself,kenya,and even I would not go to south africa at the moment. Other areas I would visit,and even reside for a time: Uganda/kampala,tanzania [zanzibar island,too!],botswana,ghana…there are a few others: eritrea….
I would also add Bali to the list-i know it’s been done by so many,and has changed over the years,but overall it’s very safe [except for 3rd world and tropical health concerns],and very low cost of living,very receptive to americans,and a fair amount of english spoken. there are a number of private schools run by expats,as so many families live on the island with their children,from the US and other parts of the world.
Taiwan is also a great country to consider-taipei is a dynamic city,the people island wide are so friendly and genuinely helpful,plus very excited to have americans and tourists,and love to practice their english/few sentences they know [most have studied in school.] It’s got ancient culture-the mainland chinese fled to taiwan during the cultural revolution-so they brought traditional culture with them and it was not destroyed like in much of mainland china. lots of teahouses and surfing and hiking in the remote areas…cool place,and very affordable [probably on par with aregentina these days,i am guessing.]
Speaking of argentina,what about chile? that is a great choice for expats-first world standards,extremely safe,climates from CA to pacific NW rainforest,no corruption in the police,a stable economy and moderate prices…it’s really being eyed as a good spot right now,along with Panama and Singapore.
so,I guess that’s my top 10 list!(:
What about New zealand , I visted there and absolutely adore it .
I have been thinking about moving there but Im not sure about its economy.
I am a U.S. citizen who has been teaching in South Korea for over 18 months, and also lived in Germany and Japan, and have been to 22 countries. I must say, some of you here really need to do some research. I know Filipinos who have told me, “Don’t go to the Phillipines; there’s too much kidnapping and other crimes.” The same with most of Latin America, which I’ve visited about a dozen times. You need to research the political/criminal environment before you just go off into the wild blue yonder. I’ve known many horror stories against Westerners abroad, even a few here in Korea, although S. Korea is relatively safe. Do your research first. Don’t end up in the Tijuana Jail because a crooked cop asked for a bribe for a trumped-up charge.
Chase
I had to go for lunch, but to continue my last entry, did you all know that an Australian man is now doing 5 years in a Thai prison? Why? because he wrote one sentence in his book, that he didn’t approve of the Thai Prime Minister’s economic policies. In S. Korea, there an English man doing 2 years in prison because he slept with a married man’s wife (even though she told HIM she was single). The Korean court didn’t care if he was tricked or not: you get a mandatory 2-year prison sentence for ANY adultery. Also, many Korean hagwon owners (private English schools, where I first worked) “re-write” your contract when you arrive, and I got a whole week’s pay deducted (we get paid once monthly) because they said other foregners were scandalous, and they had to have assurance I would behave and not go back to the states. Some countries (S. Korea included) “keep” your passport until you leave. It pays to know the law about any country you want to live in. Another case in good ole S. Korea (who we rescued from Japanese slavery, and North Korean/Chinese takeover): I am married to a Korean woman, and I only paid about $20 U.S. for a doctor’s visit; my other American friend had to pay $400 for a visit; we both had the Korean flu. And guess what, when he brought it to the authorities’ attention, they laughed at him. Foreigners (waygookins) are not classified as “full human beings.” I’m lucky I have a Korean wife, because I am spared much agony. If I wasn’t married to her, I’d be on a plane back home. Every country has weird laws including mine. Know them before you live in that country.
Chase
Surprised Canada isn’t on here. Americans have been emigrating there since the Revolution.