With the recent election upset…. Heck, who are we kidding? With ANY election, the American people are always looking to leave the country. Our primary country of choice is Canada. They’re our neighbor. They’ll take us in. And you know, it doesn’t hurt that their Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is kinda hot. Don’t lie, I know I’m not the only one to be thinking that…
But, have we considered other countries that we could move to if we’re up for a change? Check these out:
Uruguay:
Uruguay is considered one of the most libertarian countries in the world. This small country is very charming while at the same time offers a modern infrastructure and a stable economy. It has wonderful tourist attractions activities and they also have a healthy banking system. Uruguay has one of the, if not the highest nominal GDP per capita in South America. In less than 10 years, Uruguay has slashed its carbon footprint by 95% without government subsidies or higher consumer costs.
Living costs are much lower than the United States, especially for rent, health care and food. Americans can buy real estate and own businesses, and they have a free automatic 90-day visa to explore Uruguay. For residency, expats only need to have a proof-of-income of $500 per month to qualify.
Malaysia:
Malaysia is the most developed country in Southeast Asia besides Singapore. Malaysia’s economy is strong, they offer a well educated population and a strong infrastructure. Their public transportation is fabulous and a plus for the soon to be expat? Nearly everyone speaks English. It’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, has one of the most affordable and cleanest cities in the world. According to Wikipedia, Malaysia has one of the best economic records in Asia. Malaysia’s economy is self sufficient. It is considered one of the most optimistic countries to live in.
The cost of living is not as low as Thailand, but definitely less expensive to provide for yourself than in North America, Europe, or Singapore. A furnished 3 bedroom apartment may run around $650 per month. Foreigners can open bank accounts pretty easily with just a passport and proof of their new local address. New citizens can own their own property and run a business. Free 90 day visas are given on arrival and they aren’t that strict about quick border runs to renew them. Residency can be gained by starting a business, having employment, or showing a bank deposit of $50,000 for retirees.
Chile:
My ancestors came from here! This may be my main choice!
Chile cost of living is lower than North America for rent and fresh food. Americans only need their passports to enter Chile as a tourist for up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you only need to cross the border into Argentina, Peru or Bolivia, and then re-enter with a new 90 day tourist card which is a slip of paper. You can also apply for an 90 day extension within Chile. You will need to go to a local police station 30 days prior to when your initial 90 days expires and apply.There is a reciprocity fee for Americans of $131.00 USD, Canadians $132.00 USD and Australians $61.00 USD. This amount is the same that Chileans are charged to visit America. However, if you enter the country by car or bus, you do not have to pay the fee. You only pay it if you fly into the airport.
Chile’s government has sound economic policies and a keen interest in adhering to Free Trade Agreements, making it a country which is eager to welcome more foreigners and foreign businesses. Chile has public and private healthcare insurance. Its healthcare standards are relatively high throughout the country, although the private medical facilities in the larger cities are slightly more advanced and refined. For those who plan to make Chile their home for the majority of the time over the next five years or so, obtaining permanent residency and citizenship is quite cost-effective. Total fees paid to the government depend on your country of origin, but it’s quite low. For US citizens, it’s $0. The trade-off, however, is time. Chile requires that a person be in the country a minimum of 185 out of 365 days for five years, from the time the initial (temporary or contract) visa is stamped in their passport, in order to qualify for citizenship. You can obtain citizenship in as little as five years starting from the date your initial visa is approved.
One thing to remember. USA is one of two countries that requires their citizens to pay taxes on their foreign income. To avoid this, thousands of people denounce their citizenship each year so they’re not paying double the taxes. If you select a country that doesn’t charge income taxes then you’re good.
What country would you consider moving to? Any not on this list? And why?
This was right on time and topic. I’m always looking to travel and I’ve never been to any of these countries. Sign me up for all three, I need a vacation.
ROFLMAO, I have to admit. I am Canadian and as we watched the election results we were wondering how many of our southern cousins would want to move to Canada. I was even told our immigration site crashed a few times too with all the requests.
We love it here but if ya’ll are coming you better get used to our coffee! LOL!!
I have been thinking about the possibilities for years. Of-course now that we’re in the place we are with Trump, I would really like to go. Though I doubt I could convince my husband.
Great post! So many beautiful counties that I’ve never considered. I have to put some of these countries on my “Bucket List.”
My son in law speaks Spanish and wants to live somewhere where they speak Spanish for a while. Uruguay or Chile would be cool places to live.
Hands up I would absolutely love to up and move and experience life in another country I think it would be such an amazing thing to do.
Sarah Bailey recently posted…5 Ways to Winter Proof Your Home
I think it’s silly how people make empty threats. Few of us can afford to just up and leave. This is still a democracy, not a dictatorship and no matter what we have it pretty good. That’s what checks and balances are for. But these countries do look lovely 🙂
Heather, couldn’t agree with you more! I keep telling my daughter if she weren’t in school I’d move to Ireland. But, yeah. Money could be an issue! LOL
Our first choice is basically anywhere in Europe where there is peace. BUT, getting a job off shore is the key! ☺
I’m happy with Trump so I’m staying in the good ole U.S. Great ideas though.
These are some really cool options. I would love to see what Uruguay is like! It sounds lovely.
All three of these countries sounds like a great place to live. I would love to check Chile out because I have heard a lot of good things about the country. Thanks for sharing these awesome places to move.
This is a great post considering everything going on in America. I might just move to one of these wonderful countries.
I don’t want to move from America but these would be great places to visit. One day I will visit outside of the US.
I honestly wouldn’t move. I live in Canada and it’s pretty fabulous here so I wouldn’t go anywhere. weeks ago I’d visit the US but now I wouldn’t move or visit there!
I totally had to look up Justin Trudeau after reading that and girl, I don’t know what you’re seeing! haha Uruguay sounds like the place to live!
Interesting read, we often don’t think of countries outside of our everyday dialogue. I’ve always been interested in Chile, might have to take a trip.
Lol…. a lot of people have been saying they want to move. These sound like some interesting places to consider
Lol, I know people are saying they are leaving but I am not going anywhere. I hate moving!