| Not all areas of the world have an abundance of | | | | renewed each month thereafter for $25/month up to |
| recommended destinations for prospective | | | | 6 months. |
| expatriates. In the Caribbean there are only a very | | | | - Costa Rica: Outside of transit passengers, the need |
| few that meet the criteria for a high rating, but in | | | | for and time allowed for a tourist visa varies from up |
| Central and South America, your choices are greater. | | | | to 30 days to 90 days. For U.S. citizens and those of |
| Several are consistently found among the top ten to | | | | over a dozen other countries, no tourist visa is required |
| fifteen prospective expatriate living destinations. | | | | for stays of up to 90 days. |
| Among these countries, you have the opportunity to | | | | - Guatemala: Citizens of the U.S., E.U. countries, |
| visit as a tourist for weeks to months before making | | | | Australia, Canada & Japan can stay in the country for |
| the final decision as to where you wish to settle down. | | | | up to 90 days without a visa. |
| So what are some the countries I recommend for an | | | | - Nicaragua: Tourist visa not required for U.S. Citizens |
| expatriate traveler? In Central America, you have | | | | for up to 90 days. Others need to check for your |
| Panama, usually in the top 5 in all lists. It is my top | | | | country. South America |
| choice and one in which I personally intend to spend | | | | - Argentina: Tourist visa is valid for 90 days and is |
| significant time in the coming years. In addition, you | | | | renewable. |
| have Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In | | | | - Brazil: Tourist visa valid for 90 days, extension of 90 |
| South America you have Argentina, Ecuador and | | | | days up to 6 months. Maximum of 6 months in a |
| Uruguay frequently mentioned and in some lists Brazil | | | | twelve months period. |
| is included. | | | | - Ecuador: Tourism visa valid for three months. Can |
| If you plan your itinerary carefully, you can maximize | | | | extend to 90 more days in Quito and Guayaguil. They |
| your experience in each country just by utilizing the | | | | also have a volunteering visa (have to be volunteering |
| tourist visa. I have researched and listed below the | | | | with a non profit organization) for up to one year. |
| times that a person can reside in each country as a | | | | - Uruguay: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for less |
| tourist. For those countries that allow up to 90 days | | | | than 90 days. Others need to check for your country. |
| either without a visa or with a tourist visa, you could | | | | Just by using a tourist visa -- or no visa in those |
| easily spend a year spread out over four different | | | | Central and South American countries that do not |
| countries. This would give you ample time to become | | | | require a tourist visa -- U.S. citizens could spend over |
| acquainted with each country. | | | | two years outside of the United States without even |
| Central America | | | | having to renew one visa. Citizens of other countries |
| - Panama allows a tourist 90 days. | | | | have similar times but would need to verify their |
| - Belize allows a tourist 30 days which can be | | | | country requirements for themselves. |