Best Countries For American Expats To Move To From The USA

Dangers of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle – Know These Before You Embark!

1. You Might Never Find a Partner

Finding a lifelong companion in the 2020s is an exceedingly difficult task, almost bordering on impossibility. Despite the abundance of options facilitated by social media and dating apps catering to all preferences, love was easier to come by during simpler times.

Nearly half of all Americans are currently not in a relationship, as per the data provided by the United States Census Bureau. It is worth noting that the unmarried segment is slowly growing while the number of people who have been divorced remains constant at about 9%. In essence, the tendency of getting married is declining with time.

As marriage rates decline globally, being a digital nomad who travels extensively presents a challenge that only a few are willing to confront.

Solution: Find and date other digital nomads.

2. You Regret Missing Out on Your Family

For many individuals, living the life of a digital nomad and exploring the world for a year or two is a dream come true. They have the opportunity to visit exotic locales, test out different cuisines, and earn income online through their work. However, after several years (or, as in my situation, a decade or even longer), they come to the realization that a significant portion of their life was spent far from their loved ones.

Being able to go anywhere you want doesn’t guarantee attendance to important life events like birthdays, weddings, and funerals, especially if traveling expenses are not affordable.

That is why a majority of digital nomads who work for extended periods of time eventually become slomads – individuals who stay in one country for more extended periods compared to other digital nomads.

Solution: Incorporate regular visits back home into your nomadic schedule.

3. You Can’t Have the Things You Want

At times, the idea of purchasing a 27-inch computer monitor to edit photos or stream YouTube content seems appealing. However, I swiftly come to the realization that it’s impractical as it won’t fit in my baggage.

Being a person who has explored Asia for the past 15 years, I am highly cognizant of my possessions. While it may sound appealing to minimalists, it implies that you cannot acquire all that you desire.

Maybe you’re a coffee lover, but instead of buying an espresso machine and an expensive grinder, you buy a hand grinder and an Aeropress.
You may love movies and have always wanted a surround sound system. But, instead, you have your AirPods because they fit into your pocket.
Don’t get me started on more oversized items! Furniture, TVs, workout equipment, a car! No, these aren’t for you, and maybe you’re OK with that – for now, anyway.

It is possible that in the future, your desire for a fish tank in your living room could surpass your aspiration to be a digital nomad.

Solution: Accept the way things are now, but know they can change if you want them to and check out this digital nomad packing list .

4. You Give Up Your Interests

While hobbies are recognized for their ability to ease stress and enhance mental wellbeing, maintaining interests and hobbies can be a challenge for the nomadic population. Struggling to locate sports teams or individuals to engage in a game of chess with is a common issue when frequently moving from one nation to another.

In case your hobby requires plenty of equipment, restricted baggage capacity can also play a role.

For many, it’s a worthwhile sacrifice for a new lifestyle of freedom, but as the years roll by, you start to regret not keeping up with those dance classes or playing that musical instrument.

An answer lies in seeking internet-based alternatives to engage in one’s hobbies or interests during this period. One suggestion is to consider getting a chess app or acquiring online juggling skills.

Solution: There are so many indoor hobbies that require little or no equipment that you can take up today too.

5. You Develop Chronic Loneliness

The primary challenge faced by digital nomads is the feeling of isolation.

Being far from your loved ones and acquaintances could be your reality. Initially, it might not affect you, and you might even relish a new feeling of independence.

A single unfortunate day can make you realize that you are solitary, lacking any companions to communicate with, and that the only person you encountered has already departed.

Best Countries For American Expats To Move To From The USA

Costa Rica

It appears that Costa Rica is what would happen if California separated from North America, relocated to the south, grew a rainforest, and abandoned its conceited attitude.

For more than 150 years, Costa Rica has been friendly with the United States and prioritizes education over the military. As a stable democracy, it poses little to no culture shock for those who decide to reside there.

One should take note that obtaining a tourist visa is simple, but becoming a resident could be challenging for those without employment at a prominent company. Furthermore, settling in and establishing residency will be a top priority upon arrival.

Infrastructure such as reliable airports, luxurious highways, and extensive conservation areas have been established by the Ticos, who have used the funds generated by the annual visit of one million Americans to the island, making it convenient and enjoyable to explore.

Costa Rica boasts stunning mountains, volcanoes, beaches, and an abundance of formidable wildlife as well.

The literacy rate is one of the best in the world, and both healthcare and public health insurance systems are outstanding. If you are employed full-time, you will get Aguinaldo, which is an additional month’s pay in December. It is not surprising that the people here say they are satisfied.

Australia

It is now more affordable to reside in one of the most diverse continents in terms of culture and geography, as the Australian dollar is presently valued at $0.78 US dollars.

Despite the majority of Americans opting for traditional destinations like Sydney and Melbourne, expatriates are attracted to smaller cities, including Darwin, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Broome, due to their affordable rent, stunning scenery, and the chance to fully immerse themselves in Australian culture.

If you are within the age range of 18 to 30 years, you are eligible to reside and explore Australia for a maximum of one year with the Working Holiday Visa. Moreover, you can extend the visa for up to three years by accomplishing sufficient designated employment.

It is important to note that the current processing times for applications may be significantly longer as the government works to process previous requests made prior to the lockdown period.

Mexico

According to Tim Leffel, an experienced expat who has written extensively on moving abroad, our total expenses in Mexico are lower than the amount we used to pay for rent alone in the US.

Foreigners residing in Mexico typically pay monthly rent ranging from $400 to $1,000 regardless of the location, including the warm coast of the Caribbean and the Pacific as well as the cold mountainous regions.

The bureaucracy may pose a significant obstacle, and it may take an extended period of time to complete the paperwork. However, renewing a six-month tourist visa by travelling to the US once a year is a simple and easy process.

One of the most sought-after destinations for relocation is undoubtedly Mexico City, which is considered to be one of the finest cities worldwide.

Before exploring the more affordable districts of Juarez, San Rafael, or Narvarte, newcomers can familiarize themselves and improve their Spanish skills in the Condesa-Roma neighborhood.

Oaxaca City is attractive due to its mole, mezcal, and architecture, whereas the low-key beach vibes of Puerto Escondido are also alluring.

Georgia

With a tourist visa that permits a stay of up to a year, Georgia has already established itself as one of the best nations in the world for digital nomads.

The “Remotely from Georgia” program has been introduced by the government to loosen visa regulations and allow remote workers earning a minimum of $2,000 per month to reside in the country for an entire year.

What are the distinctive features of Georgia? Exploring the highlands of the Caucasus, indulging in khachapuri (a kind of cheese bread), and immersing oneself in the vibrant and mischievous nightlife scene of Tbilisi are all clearly appealing. You can subsist on salads with herbs, orange wine, and natural stews.

Georgia is known for its affordability. A significant number of foreigners residing in Tbilisi spend $700 or below per month for fully furnished accommodations. Additionally, Georgians are friendly and hospitable. Once they ascertain that you’re not Russian, you’re likely to gain a companion.

Canada

Up north, you can anticipate an array of characteristics such as variety, delectable food, safety, healthcare, exceptional public schooling, a steady financial system, ketchup-flavored chips, environmental awareness, and, above all, an abundance of nature.

Enjoy skiing, surfing, diving, hunting, kayaking, walking, or even hibernating in a prairie home surrounded by the majestic mountains, imposing glaciers, pristine beaches, and captivating islands of Canada.

There are various relocation options available for you to consider if you wish to move to Canada. As you are likely to be proficient in the language, you may be able to avoid experiencing culture shock and instead directly immerse yourself in the culture.

Nevertheless, the delightful cities in Canada are becoming excessively expensive and when it comes to hiring, Canadians tend to have an unusual preference for “Canadian experience,” without clarifying the nature of such experience, rather than valuing the skills that individuals from other backgrounds can offer.

Although the solitude endured throughout the lengthy and dull winters can be dire, the legality of cannabis provides some comfort amidst all the wilderness.

Thailand

Thailand is considered the most inhabitable among all tropical destinations worldwide due to its exceptional infrastructure and affordability, which is why it is included in the top countries for American expatriates.

Access to high-rise amenities such as a pool, sauna, and gym in lively Bangkok costs $600 monthly, whereas in relaxed Chiang Mai, which has a thriving community of freelancers and other self-employed individuals, the amount is approximately half.

In case you are able to forego the comforts of a bustling city, you can find affordable rates for bungalows located in idyllic beach towns on islands. These venues offer delightful seafood that is both inexpensive and often flavorful.

Although it may be challenging due to strict regulations, extended stays in Thailand can still be achieved. The time frame for your stay, ranging from a few weeks to several years, will depend on the type of visa you are granted.

Belize

Belize provides everything we enjoy in destinations similar to Mexico, but with significantly fewer people. It boasts a lively native heritage, ancient jungle remnants, and numerous tranquil, unassuming islands nestled in the turquoise Caribbean sea.

Being the sole nation in Central America that recognizes English as its official language and utilizes US currency, it is a highly sought-after location for Americans who desire to settle down.

Belize now offers a visa exclusively for remote workers, making it one of the ideal places to try out the digital nomad lifestyle on a trial basis. With the Work Where You Vacation visa, you can spend half a year in the country.

A drawback of this visa is that it offers a smaller duration of stay compared to other visas. Moreover, individuals must have a significantly high income of at least $75,000 for individuals and $100,000 for couples/families to meet the eligibility criteria.

One advantage of Belize’s visa is that it necessitates very little documentation, so much so that the country’s tourism bureau emphasizes its simplicity. Merely a valid passport, proof of a bank account, a criminal record free of blemishes, and travel insurance are required to enter.

Uruguay

Uruguay, with a comparable land area to that of Washington State, boasts a sturdy economy, an efficient political system with minimal corruption, and a liberal stance and regulations regarding the LGBTQ community.

The nation gained significant admiration from the liberal community, mainly due to President Jose Mujica’s term from 2010 to 2015, in which he became widely known for residing in a rustic farmhouse located on a dirt road.

Montevideo, the culturally vibrant capital of the country, boasts superb public transportation and offers some of the finest wine, steak, and beaches on the globe.

Although living at a respectable standard can be costly, both food and rent are reasonably priced. Foreign nationals can easily purchase property in Uruguay, with a clear path to obtaining permanent residency and access to a reliable social security system that is not dependent on bribes.

Uruguayans are mostly friendly, however, if you want to navigate everyday life, you’ll need to have a high level of proficiency in Spanish since hardly anyone speaks English.

New Zealand

Picture residing in a country where you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the indigenous culture from the Mori people, take a stroll to witness waterfalls and active volcanoes, discover the film locations of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and savor delectable wine made from locally grown produce- and that’s only a glimpse of what the North Island has to offer.

The South island which is a mere three-hour boat ride away boasts of ancient forests, magnificent glaciers, vast wine regions, and some of the most exceptional skiing spots worldwide.

When the Working Holiday Visa reopens, young adults aged 18-30 can apply and stay for a year to take on various jobs in the tourism, hospitality, and agricultural sectors. Earnings from these jobs can be used to fund thrilling experiences such as skydiving or bungee jumping, which were first introduced in this country.

South Korea

The appeal of South Korea’s K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty, and K-style ensure that its popularity continues. Seoul, a large city with excellent public transportation, top-notch shopping and street food, and a culture that embraces drinking, is attracting Americans.

Thanks to open-container rules, Soju can be discovered on the streets till the early hours of the morning. The nation is modern and mountainous. It boasts some of the fastest Wi-Fi connections globally. However, online censorship is prevalent, so ensure you have a VPN available.

Housing costs could be high if you live alone, but the overall expense of living is unexpectedly reasonable. Unless you’re a part of the English teaching profession, it can be challenging to secure employment sponsored by a Visa.