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South America is one of the top digital nomad destinations right now, highly sought-after not only for its tropical climate and Luso-Hispanic heritage but also its affordability, especially if you’re an American getting paid in dollars and, most importantly, friendly visa policies.
Several South American countries now offer the increasingly popular Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), which allows for extended stays in a national territory while also sometimes exempting holders from regular taxation and the deeper level of economic integration regular expats are subject to.
If you’re considering relocating as a remote worker, you’ll be glad to know these four hugely affordable countries offer simple, easy-to-apply-for DNVs valid for the long-term:
Peru
The newest addition to the ever-expanding DNV list, Peru has confirmed a nomad visa will be introduced sometime soon, and while further details are yet to be outlined, we know already it will be valid for an initial 365 days, renewable ahead of expiration.
Applying for a DNV will typically require presenting a valid passport, having a clean criminal background, and earning above a certain income threshold, which, in Peru’s case, is unlikely to be discriminatorily high, taking into account the country’s average cost of living of $872 per month.
While the visa isn’t yet launched, most foreign nationals, including American citizens, can base themselves in Peru for up to 90 days visa-free, and while this is hardly enough time to explore the Incan gem thoroughly, you will certainly get a feel for the country ahead of traveling onward.
Some of the best nomad destinations in Peru are Lima, a metropolitan coastal capital within short driving distance of gorgeous Pacific beaches, Cusco, gateway to the Peruvian Andes and the World Wonder that is Machu Picchu, and Arequipa, filled with volcanic stone-built, Baroque buildings.
Argentina
Considered the second best digital nomad visa in the world, Argentina’s DNV is certainly one of the easiest to get: officially called a ‘Transitory Residence‘, it enables any nomad who is of good character, has entered the country legally and presents a current valid passport to stay for 180 days.
This period can be extended, provided the same conditions are met and nomads are not required to apply ahead of traveling.
In fact, this visa can only be obtained while you’re already in Argentina as a tourist, making this an incredibly enticing option for visitors hoping to extend their stay.
Argentina’s immigration rules are pretty non-severe, to put it simply, and though we wouldn’t recommend pushing your luck, even if you enter as a tourist, fail to apply for an extension to your initial 90 days, and simply overstay, all you’re required to do is pay a small fee of $14.92.
When it comes to choosing the perfect ‘workcation’ spot, options are commonly narrowed down to beautiful Buenos Aires, with its varied selection of work-friendly cafes and high levels of safety (it’s called the Paris of the South for a reason) and vibrant colonial city of Cordoba.
In terms of affordability, Argentina is incredibly cheap by American standards, with monthly expenses for budget-conscious nomads totalling only $706, on average.
Living in Buenos Aires, U.S. travelers can stretch their dollars a lot further thanks to a seriously-depreciated Argentine peso.
Brazil
Brazil is one of the most popular nomad spots right now, with laid-back beach towns like Trancoso and Arraial d’Ajuda being flooded by foreign residents, and of course, exciting metropolises Rio and Sao Paulo ranking high on Nomad List for the ‘great’ fun and multicultural scene they offer.
The cost of living in Brazil can vary depending on where you’re based—Sao Paulo can cost as much as $2,089, while Northeastern Salvador is much cheaper at $835—but all in all, South America’s largest and most diverse country is pretty affordable for American visitors.
The Brazilian DNV is valid for up to two years, and to qualify, all that is required is, not to sound repetitive, a pristine criminal record, citizenship of an eligible country, which the U.S. and Canada are, and, most importantly, earnings of at least $1,500 per month.
Applications can be made online ahead of traveling, or alternatively, nomads may try to fly to Brazil first as tourists and change their status once inside the country; however, if you’re an American or Canadian citizen, you should know that will no longer be possible from April.
Brazil is re-introducing visa requirements for U.S. and Canada passport holders, which means you will no longer be able to obtain a visa on arrival.
Find out more about the decision, and how it affects you reading this accompanying article.
Colombia
Launched as early as 2022, Colombia’s DNV has been touted as one of the easiest to apply for, as it does not require advance application: all you need to present is your valid tourist stamp, bank statements proving funds of only $684 per month, a passport and health insurance.
Unlike Brazil, Colombia’s tourist visa policies are not tightening up, and Americans can still fly visa-free and get a 90-day entry stamp, renewable for an additional three months, when not in need of a long-term visa as described above.
Top nomad hubs to consider are Medellin, possibly the most thrilling city break in the continent, Bogota, a sprawling capital with a concentration of museums and historical landmarks so impressive it’s earned an ‘Athens of the South’ monicker, and the walled Caribbean port of Cartagena.
When living in Colombia, foreigners are advised to familiarize themselves with local safety guidelines, as it is the only country in this list the U.S. State Department advises Americans to ‘reconsider’ visiting, due to the uncontrolled levels of crime across major cities.
Due to its amazing weather, rich biodiversity, and low prices – it can cost as little as $686 to live frugally in Colombia – it is still a nomad favorite, but extra caution is urged, particularly if you easily stand out as a ‘gringo’, as locals would say.
By keeping a low profile, avoiding peripheral districts with higher poverty rates, and not flashing valuable items in public – this includes iPhones and watches – you can increase your chances of not being targeted by criminals.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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