living in South America?

[jka134]

I would like to move to South America and would like some recommendations as to which country (also area of) would be your choice and why. Thanks, John

[MikeS]

That would depend very much on what you want I guess. Perhaps elaborate a bit more and you might get some more useful information :confused1:


However if you like very strong westerly winds, I can highly recommend Ruta 40 in Argentina

[Warthog]

Seconded.

It a bit like saying you want to move to Europe. However, Europe is a very diverse place, comparing Iceland to Albania for example. Ditto for a continent the size of South America (Europe could fit within the borders of Brazil alone!)

Firstly do you speak either Spanish or Portuguese?

[Robson Jaborá/SC]

Do you want do live here?

[jka134]

Yes, you're all right - I was rather vague. What I'm looking for is a very general feeling for a country. It is important to me that the people are generally friendly and the government not too restrictive. Cost of living is a consideration as is decent medical care. I ride year around so a snowbound environment is not an option. I speak a little spanish and find it a relatively easy language so that is not an issue. Thanks, John

[mollydog]

John,
Fill out your profile. Takes about 30 seconds. Click on User Options.

You have to do it yourself!

Have fun,

[Warthog]

Base on what you saidf, and my limited knowledge I would say Chile is a place to investgate.

We travelled Argentina and Chile, and found Argentina to have the friendlier populace.

However, I would say that Chile was less culturally detached from the "west" than Argentina and the BA government seems to be taking liberties at the moment: they have recently seized all private pension funds!!! Not the sign of a predicatble/stable environment for all the pleasure it gave us...!

[jka134]

Thanks Mollydog and Wharthog! That is just the information I am looking for. I realize I need to go there myself but weeding out the definite "no's" is a great help - thanks again and best to you - John

[*Touring Ted*]

From my experiences..

Argentina: Friendliest most hospitible people in the world. Great BBQ, great weather and a lust for life attitude. Has snow capped mountains to tropical rainforest. Its a very modern thinking country with a sadly corrupt government which holds in back.. In my opionion, its got the perfect balance of everything..

Brazil: Painfully beautiful country and smoking hot women. Pretty expensive though and the major cities arnt the safest. Probably the most modern and "western" country in South America. I could live in floreonapolis quite happily.

Chile: Didnt see as much as I should have. I can't really comment. Its a lot like Argentina but more expensive and less friendly.

Venezuala: Ruined by the corrupt police and military style government. Lots of money through oil. I just couldnt warm to Venezuala. Just seemed like everyone was trying to rob me, corrupt me or criminalise me. I was in and out as quickly as possible.

Colombia: Ok, it has it places you just wouldnt go but apart from that its FANTASTIC. The people are sooo friendly, the scenery is beatiful and its still unspoilded by tourism. I would live there in an instant !

[rhinoculips]

Ecuador and Colombia are my recommendations.

Ecuadorians were the friendliest of the bunch. Its cheap living, cheap gas and has variety of climate. This is where I am focusing my research on for when I move to SA.

Colombia is cheap and untouched for the most part. Its security is improving greatly. It was once known as the "kidnap capital of the world" Not so anymore. Heck, you are more likely to get kidnapped in Mexico now. As stated above, there are still unsafe places, but not so much anymore. Also, the women are jaw dropping gorgeous.

[Road Hog]

Give Uruguay a look

I made a quick 6 week run through Chile, Argentina, southern Brazil and Uruguay. From this brief time I think if I were to pick one, it would be Uruguay as I found the people very friendly and the cost of living would most likely be less. You would be close to both Brazil and Argentina for some good riding. Next year I ride north and may have to revise this recommendation. What you really need to do is spend some time in each country you might consider to get a feel for how it fits.

Road Hog

[Mr. Ron]

For me, it would be Colombia, but i still need to visit everything south of Peru. One question is, what do you plan on doing there? Open a business? Are you independantly wealthy?

[stbarnett]

I have been living in Panama for the past three years and really like it. For more information about living here check out the PanamaForum chat group on Yahoo.

[Robson Jaborá/SC]

And then John? Did you decide something?

[Your Mileage May Vary]

My first choice, by far is Uruguay.

It´s probably the least currupt of the South American nations, the people are wonderful and the beaches the are best in SA, and outside of some parts of Montevideo, I have never felt unsafe or threatened. It´s not too hot in the summer, but the winters can be a little cool. And it´s still very affordable.

Hope this helps!
Robert