Expatify

Travel & Expat Lifestyle Magazine

10 Most Suitable Countries for American Expatriates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Comments

310 thoughts on “10 Most Suitable Countries for American Expatriates

  1. James, every time I see Mexicans they’re babbling to one another in Spanish, but I’m somehow a bad person if I’d like to speak English in a foreign country?

  2. This list is fucking hilarious. “English-speaking, BBQing, beer drinking Australia has a lot to offer the American.”

    If you’re looking for places that are nearly identical to the US, and are rating them on what they have to offer you; do yourself and the world a favour and just stay at home, order an extra-large pizza and watch the game safe in your smug confidence that the world loves you.

  3. To all of the MURIKANS complaining about how dangerous mexico is…. you are all over-sheltered pussies and on top of it you honestly believe all of what CNN says. Seriously, i’ve lived in mexico ALL MY LIFE. Those beheadings are usually between drug dealers vs other drug dealers. They are NOT normal people. Worrying about that is like if I as an american had been worrying about CRIPS VS BLOODS shooting the shit out of each other or thinking that DETROIT is what all of USA looks like.

    All of you lazy Murikan babboons want to be spoon-fed by the entitlement paradise you have there, when all it does is promote idiots to reproduce who NEVER ever take any kind of risk because they all live in a bubble.

    THAT is why am an expatriate, i PREFFER looking after myself and know that if i make a mistake it’s my fault and only my fault, and the government is NOT MY NANNY.

    I am so glad i left HEDONIST, ENTITLED, LAZY-ASS USA.

  4. Any comments about expats in Belize? How safe is it there? And how expensive. Would be interested in a modest home on the beach somewhere…any suggestions?

  5. I’m a bit blown away by Buenos Aires being on the list with information that it’s one of the cheapest cities for expatriates. I was an exchange studenet in 1996 in Buenos Aires, and everything was very, very expensive. Maybe things have changed or maybe I was just in the wrong part of town. No way I could have afforded it if I’d not had my scholarship and stipends.

  6. Why is Canada not on the list?

    Here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where I live, there are around 100,000 expat Americans in town.

  7. This article really needs to be updated. The world has changed greatly since 2009.

  8. Tired fighting, & losing for decades to obumacraps, & free-stuffers, I might pass lovely Italy also. Too much debt, like America, is destroying their future. More unrest just a matter of time. Spain is being conquered ‘again’ by the Jiahadies, while their lib-tard leaders still fumble. South Africa IS a crime-ridden, STD infested, economic, basket-case; why the Obamas love it so ! Thailand could be worth the stay, but STD’s, esp. AIDS!, are rampant, often due to the nation remaining a key center of the drug crossroads. Hard to say who will win in France, the french, or the Jihadies. Germany is a mixed-bag of choking taxes/regs, Jihadies, and crazy extremists, like the Greens, though parts of rural/small city Germany remain attractive.
    Both Australia, and Switzerland profile entrants, which explains peace, & normalcy. Though don’t expect to defend yourself very well, in Aust., if a criminal strikes. Switzerland is -very- expensive, unless you know some bypasses. The Philippines can be very good, but over-crowding/traffic/pollution, when you finally find the right medical care/item you need to have, buried in the middle of town, are issues. Crime, because you are a ‘rich’ foreigner, does target visitors; long & short term. However, if you go through the red tape/taxes, you can own small arms there. (If Red China strikes, you may need something). Argentina was always a favorite, since spanish is one of my tongues, but economic ‘quakes’ are still too frequent, often violent. Again, the gov’t. just spends citizens’ money ’til the next ‘crash’. Northern Japan could be very good. Do think how close you are to current thugs, Red China (seaborne abuses) & Russia, (air & sea), w/ a retreating/neutered, America. Cavhorse

  9. Okay folks, opinions I appreciate, but I’d like the real ‘skinny’ on Ecuador, or anyplace where I can live cheap, see an ocean (Pacific preferably for it has no memory) I do speak Spanish, but am an old dude, apolitical, and prefer to get along with the native population. Does S.E. Asia fit anywhere? Visited there once on government pay – did not like it then – But Thailand looked good.
    Thanks,
    Rip

  10. I’m disabled and don’t have much money. President Trump is the best. But he can’t make America great again without first throwing the “swamp” in jail. He must freeze assets of Soros and Obama, Clintons. In short, finding “swamp” guilty with no punishment so they keep plotting is putting his and our lives in danger. 200,000,000 Americans dead in short time, rest slaves. Gotta bug out now. Elite attracted to money, so stable, humble country might be best. I just want to live out my days in peace, don’t care about getting rich.

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