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If you have never thought about becoming a digital nomad, there is no better time than now.
Many nations now offer digital nomad visas for foreigners who wish to work and reside within their borders, and this trend is expected to continue.
Typically to meet these requirements, you will typically need to prove that you are bringing in a certain minimum amount of money each month from your remote digital job.
Otherwise, you will need to be self-employed with a business you can run from afar, or else work for a company headquartered in a country other than where you want to stay.
While most digital nomad visas are temporary and do not lead to citizenship, some countries do allow for permanent residency if you meet certain requirements.
More than fifty nations currently offer or are working on visa programs tailored to digital nomads.
Digital nomads live a life of travel, of being around a community of like-minded people, living in big cities or remote beaches around the world while taking advantage of technology to fuel their passions.
The best place for a digital nomad to stay depends on the person. Some people prefer the hustle and bustle of city life, while others find it too distracting.
Others prefer quieter rural areas where they can work from their home or from coffee shops without having to pay high prices for an apartment in an urban center.
In this article, we will list down five more countries in South America for digital nomads to consider visiting.
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What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a person who chooses to live a location-independent lifestyle. They may be freelancers, entrepreneurs, or remote employees, but they all work online and travel while they work.
Other digital nomads may have some sort of online business that allows them to work remotely from anywhere in the world.
The rise of the internet has made it possible for people who want to be location independent to actually make it happen by using technology as their main tool for connecting with clients or customers around the world.
What does a digital nomad lifestyle need?
Naturally, digital nomads need internet connection for their work. A digital nomad needs to be able to connect with their clients and colleagues, so a fast and reliable connection is essential.
If you are going to be working as a digital nomad, your laptop is your lifeline. You will need to make sure that wherever you choose to live has reliable internet access or else has plenty of public spaces like coworking spaces or coffee shops with good WiFi.
Of course, the necessity for constant connectivity will vary depending on your line of work.
If your job is more about the output you produce, like graphic design or writing, or if you run a business that generates passive income for you while you are away, you may not need constant internet access.
However, if you work as a virtual assistant or social media manager and rely on online conferencing tools like Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts, then you know how important a reliable internet connection is.
The cost of living is another issue for those who work remotely. Expenses in these categories include lodging, transportation (including meals and airfare), food, and utilities.
Digital nomads have the flexibility to live wherever they like thanks to their ability to work remotely from a computer or mobile device.
They work in fields that value originality and independence and have flexible schedules. Since they are mobile, they frequently complete their tasks in interesting locations like cafes, on beaches, or among other crowds.
To this end, a good location is key for being able to focus and work. Location is a big factor in working and living as a digital nomad.
You need to be able to focus on your work, which means that you do not need to worry about noise or distractions from other people. It also means having easy access to essentials like food, communities, and entertainment.
It is also important that the city has public transportation so that it is easy for you to get around. If you are going to work while traveling, then finding somewhere with quiet surroundings is key!
The nature of the work-life balance equation changes when you are living out of a suitcase and working from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.
You have to figure out how much time you can spend on your laptop each day before your body starts to revolt against you—and then adjust accordingly.
Internet connections are valuable, but personal relationships are essential. Traveling is often a solitary experience. Because of the fantastic communities of digital nomads that have formed there, many places have emerged as hotspots for this type of traveler.
The best digital nomad destination is one where you can get work done, and also have fun. While it’s important to be able to focus on your work without distractions, the digital nomad lifestyle offers a lot of variety that you would be remiss not to enjoy.
Those sorts of experiences are being offered in a lot of countries in South America and is the reason why we made this list.
What are the best countries in South America for digital nomads?
Chile
Chile is one of the best countries in South America for digital nomads. This country has a thriving tech scene, and it is also home to some of the best environments in South America.
The natural beauty of Chile, including its beaches and mountains, will keep you busy while you work on your projects. Chile is also quite affordable for a city with high standards of living. It has relatively higher costs of living among South American countries, but it is much lower than many European cities.
Chile, with its location between the Andes and the Pacific, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Weekends can be spent exploring the nearby landscape or catching some waves. It is also a great jumping off point for discovering the rest of South America’s splendor.
Visits to places like the Atacama Desert and Wildlife Safaris in Torres del Paine National Park are open to tourists. The most well-known multi-day treks in Patagonia are, however, extremely strenuous.
Regular trail walking is necessary for the W Trek. Hikers without extensive hiking experience should not attempt the Torres del Paine Circuit, Dientes de Navarino Circuit, or Cerro Castillo Circuit.
Long distances must be hiked, and there is a fair amount of uphill on the trail. In short, before making a final decision, you should learn more about the specifics of the trip’s level of difficulty.
Santiago, Chile’s capital, is a top pick for remote workers in South America. In terms of infrastructure, the city resembles a traditional European metropolis, but it exudes a uniquely South American character.
The Internet connection is lightning fast, and there are plenty of digital nomads in the neighborhood to network with. Monthly expenses in Santiago average around $1400, while average download speeds of 50 Mbps are available.
A wide variety of hostels and inexpensive hotels can be found all over town for those on a tighter budget. You can spend as little as $10 USD per night in a hostel, while $30–$40 USD will get you a room in an inexpensive but nice hotel.
If you’d rather have some privacy during your stay, you can get a one-bedroom apartment or condo near the city center for $30-$70 per night. It’s possible to find more affordable alternatives if you’re flexible about location or the number of amenities you require.
If you plan on being in the area for an extended period of time and would like to rent an apartment, you can get a fairly lavish one in the heart of the city for around $500 per month.
If you are a foreigner without conventional forms of identification like a Chilean bank account or local pay stubs, you may need to go through additional hoops to have your rental application approved. Your security deposit may be increased just in case.
Surprisingly, groceries and fresh produce are both expensive and hard to come by in Santiago. It may seem cheap by American standards, but it really eats into the local economy. Find your local produce markets to find the freshest food at the best prices.
You can eat well in Santiago for $5-$10 per meal if you are willing to eat at less upscale restaurants. If you want to find restaurants that serve local options as you explore the city, a good place to start is Mercado Central, which is where the locals shop for groceries.
Galindo, a popular chain of inexpensive restaurants serving traditional Chilean fare, is a favorite among locals.
Santiago is a well-organized and safe city, so you can get around on foot provided you take normal precautions. If you want to get around the city more quickly, you can use the shared bike system that is available in certain areas.
Santiago’s metro system is the largest in all of South America, making it ideal for longer journeys. There are six lines that will get you to all the major attractions in the city for less than two dollars. If you can, try not to travel between 7 am and 9 am or 6 pm and 8 pm, when traffic is at its worst.
In spite of Uber’s existence, the quality of service is inconsistent. Taxis typically cost about $1 USD per kilometer, so it might be more cost-effective to call one. The fare for a taxi from the airport to downtown should be around $15 to $30.
Other options you may consider is Valparaiso, or Antofagasta. The average monthly cost of living in Valparaiso is $1800, and it offers an average download speed of an internet connection is around 8 Mbps.
It is not quite as nice as Santiago, but digital nomads will find it to be an acceptable and relatively risk-free place to live in Chile, with a sizable English-speaking population. There are also plenty of places to set up shop, and access to the web is widespread
Meanwhile, in Antofagasta the average living expenses hover around $1600 with similar internet speeds as that of Valparaiso.
Digital nomads in South America can find a sufficient number of opportunities in the city, with a mood is usually lighthearted but productive.
Does Chile have a digital nomad visa program?
Chile does not have a special visa for digital nomads, and visa requirements vary from country to country. A tourist visa is the most common type, and it lasts for 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days for about USD 100.
Keep in mind that Chile is ahead of the curve when it comes to the COVID vaccine in South America. It is your responsibility to research the current vaccination requirements of your destination country.
It is highly suggested that you purchase travel and medical insurance to cover the duration of your trip as well.
If you are looking for a place where the weather is great and the beaches are beautiful, then Chile might be the right choice for you.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular destination for digital nomads and expats. The country has a stable economy, great climate and is one of the most developed countries in Central America.
The healthcare system in Costa Rica is considered to be one of the best in Latin America, with many foreigners choosing to retire there permanently.
It is an ideal place for digital nomads to set up their base, with a great internet connection and plenty of co-working spaces. The cost of living in Costa Rica is also relatively low compared to other countries in Central America.
More than a quarter of Costa Rica is protected as national parks and wildlife refuges, earning the country international acclaim for its commitment to environmental protection. It also uses mostly renewable energy for power in most years.
Universal primary and secondary education as well as a literacy rate that ranks among the highest in the world are both direct results of the government of Costa Rica disbanding its army in 1948.
As a result, all legal residents and citizens have access to one of the best public healthcare systems in Latin America.
You could spend weeks or months in Costa Rica and never run out of things to do or places to see. So, what does life look like for a digital nomad?
It is difficult to pinpoint a single hub for digital nomads in Costa Rica due to the large number of smaller towns that also host long-term travelers or expats from countries all over the world. But as the nation’s capital, San Jose is stocked to the gills with digital nomad-friendly services.
Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Puerto Viejo are three small beach towns that serve as hubs for digital nomads.
San Jose may not have the same picturesque qualities as some of the other cities on this list, but it does have a lot of great places to visit, eat, and work, including the excellent Selina San Jose. – to draw attention to it.
It is also in a prime location for day trips and weekend getaways from anywhere in the country. You can easily spend a night or two at one of Costa Rica’s many stunning beaches.
Remote workers who are considering making San José their permanent home will appreciate the city’s proximity to both the beach and the jungle, which contribute to a high quality of life. The trips you can take in a day from San José, or on a weekend, are unparalleled.
San José offers a lot of the conveniences of a major city without the hectic atmosphere found in others on this list. It strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and traffic. While it may be lacking in comparison to other major cities, it provides all of your needs.
Cost of living in Costa Rica can be high compared to other Latin American countries. While this is especially true in seaside tourist destinations, it is also the case in San José.
It can be more challenging to find dense expat or digital nomad communities in the smaller towns in Costa Rica that are closer to the ocean or jungle.
Does Costa Rica have a digital nomad visa program?
The country of Costa Rica has a program for digital nomads who wish to work remotely. With this program, a tourist visa can be extended from 90 to 365 days, and then renewed for another year.
In addition to not having to pay income tax, digital nomads in Costa Rica can take advantage of other perks like opening a national bank account and having their foreign driver’s licenses recognized.
To further facilitate their remote work, digital nomads may be exempt from paying import duties on communications and electronic equipment.
Foreign nationals may apply to the immigration sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for remote workers and service providers if they provide paid services remotely and earn a minimum of three thousand US dollars per month originating from outside of Costa Rica for the duration of the stay.
Foreign nationals and their dependents who meet the requirements listed below may legally stay in the country under the visa:
- The applicant or their representative must sign the application form.
- Receipt confirming payment to the government of one hundred US dollars or the equivalent amount in Costa Rican colones at the Central Bank of Costa Rica’s reference exchange rate.
- A copy of the foreign national’s valid passport’s photo page, which includes their photograph and biographical information, as well as the page with the Costa Rican entry stamp if the applicant is already in Costa Rica. For the documentation process, the passport must always be provided.
- Consular or restricted visas based on the applicant’s nationality, in accordance with Costa Rican law.
- Bank statements must be accompanied by an affidavit stating that the statements were requested and obtained from the appropriate financial institution. These statements must provide proof of the minimum income and indicate that the individual received payment or remuneration from outside Costa Rica.
- The amount should be of no less than $3,000.00 per month at the official sale rate determined by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, or $4,000.00 if the applicant is requesting that their family group be granted permission to legally stay in Costa Rica.
- Alternatively, if the procedure is completed in Costa Rica, the applicant may submit a certification of the above issued by a public accountant or notary public, or by the counterparts of such professionals abroad in accordance with the legislation of the respective country. This certification is the only one that needs to be accompanied by a consular legalization or apostille.
All documents issued in a foreign language are required by law to be accompanied by an official translation in Spanish.
Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America, located between Argentina and Brazil. It has a population of 6.8 million people and is a constitutional republic with an official language that is Spanish, though most Paraguayans speak Guarani as well.
The country’s climate is tropical, with hot summers and mild winters, with occasional torrential downpours.
The economy relies heavily on agriculture; Paraguay exports soybeans, beef and cotton–to name just a few products—to other countries like China or Japan who import them for manufacturing purposes such as food processing or clothing production respectively.
Exotic fauna, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes are just a few of the attractions. Paraguay is the perfect South American melting pot because of its natural reserves and landscapes, indigenous culture, and delicious local cuisine.
The natural scenery in this country has everything you might want from a vacation. From the rushing waterfalls to the peaceful woods.
Reserva Cordillera San Rafael in Paraguay’s southeast is one of the more well-known destinations. This national park is one of the world’s most significant natural areas, covering an impressive 73,000 acres. Speckled rail, pampas foxes, capybara, and a whole lot more may all be seen in this park.
Those wishing to see something different and venture off the beaten path have increased its popularity.
There are not a lot of hostels in Paraguay, but there are plenty of budget options including motels and guesthouses. Hotels can range from cheap to very expensive in major cities.
Around twenty dollars a day is the typical cost of lodging here for a single traveler. Hostels often cost between $5 and $10 per night in popular tourist destinations like big cities.
You can locate affordable lodging in Asunción by staying in advance or checking out the area around the bus terminal. Prices for visitors are lower outside of the capital city of Asunción.
The average cost of a day’s worth of food in Paraguay is $15, though this varies from country to county. An typical restaurant lunch here can cost up to $6 per person, depending on the diner’s spending habits.
Breakfast is typically less expensive than lunch and dinner. However, the cost of dining at a sit-down establishment is typically more than that of a fast food joint or a food cart.
In Paraguay, one can save money on food by buying at a supermarket. It is estimated that the daily cost of alcoholic beverages for the average person is $8 or more. And the daily cost of bottled water is less than a dollar.
Several people visit Paraguay specifically to participate in the country’s many festivals. The celebrations help to shape the character of the nation as a whole.
On the streets of Encarnación, the Carnival version explodes just before the season of lent. The festival spans a number of February weekends. This comes with a party that is heavy on the glamor and the rhythms. Meanwhile, women in glittering, feathered attire act as festival leaders.
The Bolivian Urkupia Festival takes place at the conclusion of the month of August. Paraguay is a great place to visit in February or August if you enjoy cultural events and celebrations from around the world.
If you are a digital nomad, Paraguay is a decent place to call home. It is very diverse culturally, has more native English speakers, and welcomes tourists.
The majority of Paraguay’s digital nomads can be found in Asuncion. The monthly cost of living is approximately $900, while typical download speeds are around 4 Mbps.
It is a secure place with lots of friendly locals who also speak English. For permanent residence, it’s quite suitable for digital nomads.
Does Paraguay have a digital nomad visa program?
There are no special digital nomad visas in Paraguay, but thanks to territorial taxation, anyone with a typical Paraguayan residence card can be considered a tax resident in the country and avoid paying taxes on income earned from providing services to customers outside of Paraguay.
Many factors, including tax residency, must be taken into account, however, such as:
- If you can prove to the satisfaction of an immigration authority that you have been granted permission to reside in Paraguay, that country may treat you as a tax resident there.
- Taxpayers in some countries must provide a certificate of tax residency to verify that they are residents of another country.
- A foreigner must receive Paraguayan credentials (residence permit provided by the immigration administration and ID card granted by the police) and dwell in the country for 120 out of 365 days to qualify for a tax residence certificate.
This means that living in Paraguay for 120 days a year could be a great and affordable experience for digital nomads.
It is still highly recommended you seek the advice of a tax attorney to figure out your digital nomad taxes in Paraguay.
Argentina
Argentina is a fantastic place to live as a digital nomad. It has many places in which you can work remotely, such as coworking spaces where you can rent an office or desk for the day, week, or month that will cost you less than what many places would.
The internet is fast and reliable, there are plenty of coworking spaces in every major city, and you can get a visa that allows you to stay for up to 90 days.
Monthly living expenses in Buenos Aires average around $1100, with connectivity that is lightning quick around 20 Mbps.
Argentina also has a high standard of living at low costs and a very low crime rate, perfect for those looking for a short stay or even permanent residence. Buenos Aires, the capital, a busy metropolis that somehow manages to feel like New York and Paris with a dash of Latin American flavor.
It is simple to meet new people and form friendships in a place like this because so many individuals from all walks of life and all corners of the globe congregate here. Urban Station and La Huerta are only two of the many available coworking spaces in the area.
Unlike in other Latin American capitals, there is a thriving café culture here, making it easy to swap up where you do your job from day to day.
You will like life in Buenos Aires’s metropolitan environment. In Buenos Aires, you will find an abundance of entertainment options and convenient access to every commodity you would require.
Internet speeds and availability are both high in Buenos Aires. You may easily connect here whether you are at a shared office or at home.
While the significant inflation of the Argentine Peso is obviously not good for locals, it allows visitors from other countries to enjoy a high standard of living on a budget in the city of Buenos Aires.
Mendoza, Argentina, the birthplace of Malbec wine, is just a short flight or boat ride away, while Uruguay’s beaches, some of the most beautiful in South America, are just across the river.
Argentina is one of the world’s cheapest places to live, and residents can expect to have a high standard of living without having to sacrifice anything for the privilege of taking use of all the opportunities available in the country.
The Argentine people have a reputation for being warm and hospitable, and some tourists have even found the locals’ brash confidence endearing.
Argentina is a country rich in natural beauty, and its cities offer plenty of places for digital nomads to work in comfort and style.
Argentina’s tango, its devotion to music and film, and its lively and groovy nightlife are just a few examples of the numerous things that set the country apart, contributing to its dynamic culture.
You can tell Argentina is a sunny, warm place just by looking at the flag; working there will be a pleasure thanks to the pleasant weather.
However, don’t come here hoping for a tropical vacation. In the winter, Buenos Aires can be rather chilly which is June-August as it is in the Southern Hemisphere.
Buenos Aires has a few vegetarian options, but Argentina as a whole has a fairly meat-heavy diet, making it more difficult for vegetarians to find their way around. Vegetarians may have a harder time finding food options elsewhere in Argentina.
Does Argentina have a digital nomad visa program?
In May 2022, Argentina introduced its own version of the digital nomad visa. Foreigners can enjoy Argentina’s rich culture and natural scenery while working remotely for themselves or for an overseas employer with the use of a special visa.
Working as a freelancer or for a foreign company is permitted under the terms of this visa, making it ideal for people who are not quite ready to quit their positions but would like to shake up their routine.
The Argentine government has not released a list of prerequisites for the digital nomad visa application yet. Although the specific conditions for the visa will not be known until its release, there are several things to keep in mind.
The following are examples of acceptable documentation:
- A legitimate passport or other acceptable travel document. Your passport’s expiration date must be at least six months after your departure date.
- Evidence of digital nomad income. While we do not yet know the precise number, you will likely be asked to present bank documents showing that you get enough money each month to live comfortably in Argentina.
- Rental Agreement. To be successful as a digital nomad in Argentina, you will need to spend some time actually living there. You must provide a lease or other written arrangement as confirmation that you have a place to stay.
- Comprehensive history investigation. The Argentine government will conduct a thorough background check and inquire about your personal and professional history and the purpose of your travel.
- Provision for medical care. Your health insurance plan must cover you while you’re in Argentina.
- Credentials and resumes required. If you want to work as a digital nomad in Argentina, the Argentine diplomatic mission will want to see confirmation of your educational and professional accomplishments.
Although it is not set in stone just yet, the length of time a digital nomad visa in Argentina can be valid for is between one and three years.
The visa will likely be valid for the exact amount of time required for the country to recover economically after the pandemic, as digital nomad visas were developed as a concept to allow for this.
Due to the lack of formal confirmation, it is recommended that you monitor developments on this matter on the official Argentina government website.
Bolivia
Bolivia is a country with a lot of potential for digital nomads. The country has a large and growing population of young people, who are often more receptive to new ideas and technologies than older generations.
In addition, Bolivia has good internet connectivity and relatively low prices for this region. The safety situation in Bolivia has improved significantly over the last few years, making it much easier for foreigners to travel there on their own if they wish.
What’s more, the climate in most parts of Bolivia is mild year-round, although there’s some variation depending on where exactly you’re going. It can get cold at night during winter months however, during June through August.
The country is in the middle of South America, but it has no coastline. Chile and Peru are to the west, while Brazil and Paraguay are to the north and east. Over 12 million people call Bolivia home, and the country is rich in cultural diversity.
Although Spanish is the country’s official language, many indigenous languages are also spoken. Bolivia is rich in biodiversity, and many of its residents still use their native tongues to communicate.
The Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest—Bolivia has it all. Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, is located there as well. The Bolivian capital of La Paz sits at an altitude that makes it the highest capital in the world.
The most expensive place to live in Bolivia is Santa Cruz, where monthly expenses average around $1,000. The typical download speed is only 2 Mbps, which is extremely slow.
However, air quality is clean and healthy, and you can find similar levels of English proficiency can be found in Lima and Arequipa.
Does Bolivia have a digital nomad visa program?
No special digital nomad visa exists in Bolivia at this time. Those who want to visit can get a Special Purpose Visa or a regular tourist visa. The former has a 30-day duration but can be extended or changed into a permanent resident visa.
Tourist visas are not required for inhabitants of the United Kingdom, the European Economic Area (EEA), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the vast majority of South American countries.
However, other tourists, such those from the United States, need a visa to enter. For up-to-date information on Bolivian laws, please contact the Bolivian embassy or consulate in your area.
Visitors are allowed 30 days in Bolivia per admission. If you need more time in the country, you can request a visa extension. The maximum time you can spend in the country is 90 days per year, however this could increase to 180 days if your visa allows repeated entries (no more than 30 days per entry).
Immigration officials at the point of entry or the Embassy/Consular authorities will decide how long your visa will be valid for.
The cost of a visa to enter Bolivia varies by nationality. Group 2 citizens may be eligible for a free visa by applying at an embassy or consulate in advance of their journey. There is a cost of about USD 160 if you apply upon arrival.
However, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on factors like your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and any changes to immigration laws.
Should you become a digital nomad in South America?
The continent of South America is rich in history, culture, and opportunity for exploration. In addition, many of the world’s finest locations for digital nomads may be found here.
South America is the perfect destination to live and work remotely while seeing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant urban centers.
The breathtaking beaches of Colombia and the vibrant culture of Argentina’s main city, Buenos Aires, are just two examples of the many wonderful South American countries that may accommodate the needs of a digital nomad without breaking the bank.
As a digital nomad, you will find an amazing array of destinations in South America. The continent has a rich cultural past that dates back thousands of years, as it was home to some of humanity’s first civilizations.
Although the internet is not as fast or dependable as in other countries, the cost of living is modest, especially when compared to Europe or North America. The people are warm and hospitable.
Surfing on Brazil’s golden beaches, trekking through Patagonia’s mountains, studying Spanish in Colombia, and surfing along Chile’s Pacific Coast are just a few of the many exciting activities available to tourists to this, one of the world’s most diverse areas.
You should try being a digital nomad in South America if that lifestyle appeals to you. It cannot be overstated how simple it is to begin, not to mention how entertaining it can be.
We hope that the additional resources we have provided will be useful to you as you work toward your goal of becoming a digital nomad.
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