3-6 Top Ten Cities for Expats

Warm-up

• What’s the difference between an immigrant and expatriate (expat)?
• Which city in the world do you think would be good to live and work in?
• Which city do you think would be difficult to live and work in?

Article

The 10 Friendliest Expat Cities

Back in the day, anyone who left home in search of the good life was called an immigrant. Today, there’s a much hipper label for the modern migrant—expatriate, or expat. Unlike people who immigrate because of poverty, political instability, or poor working conditions, expats usually come from wealthier countries and often plan to return or keep their native citizenship. Expats can be anyone; from broke young travelers who never bothered with a return ticket to white middle-aged business dudes. Here are ten great cities to live the expat dream.

Cuenca, Ecuador

The third-largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca is a thriving metropolis with a small-town feel. A combination of colonial beauty and friendly locals make it a top pick if you’re looking for a laid-back place to settle down. The fact that Ecuador is ridiculously cheap and that the weather is perfect year-round is just a bonus. Located by the Andes and the Amazon Basin for all your outdoorsy needs, trade in your gym membership for something a little more tropical.

Singapore

In spite of its harsh anti-littering policy and unforgiving drug laws (no poppy seed bagels in sight), the city-state of Singapore is ideal for foreigners hungry for a slice of Asian life. Unlike Bangkok or Manila, Singapore is incredibly efficient with an insanely low crime rate—but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. With endless blocks of restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops, this sunny English-speaking port town is a cosmopolitan junkie’s playground. With a huge population of expats, you won’t have a hard time making friends. Use those tax incentives to take your new buddies for a drink.

Saigon, Vietnam

If Singapore is too spotless, try Saigon. Like Singapore, there’s everything from late-night dance parties to Tai Chi in the park, but with enough grit to keep it real. Its vast network of 24/7 food vendors and cheap bars guarantee you’ll never go hungry or thirsty again. When you’re ready to get local, buy a motorbike for practically pennies and learn to navigate your way through the hot mess that is city traffic. And now, thanks to the new citizenship law, becoming a Vietnamese national is as easy as learning the language, marrying a local or staying put for 5 years.

Panama City, Panama

Way less expensive and cliché, Panama is taking over Costa Rica as the expat capital of Central America. Panama City is a cheaper, less pretentious version of Miami, and there’s a little something for everyone; from swank nightclubs and trendy lounges to opportunities for trekking and zip-lining across rainforests. Europeans, Americans and Asians have all discovered the secret and set up shop. For you, this means the city is filled with food options in case you have a hard time leaving your American zest for variety behind. Panama also offers some sweet tax breaks for expats.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Previously overlooked in lieu of more glamorous European cities like Barcelona or Vienna, Vilnius is emerging as an expat hotspot. There’s something enchanting about this quirky Lithuanian capital. Decked out in Gothic-Baroque charm and home to the world’s only statue of Frank Zappa, artists and bohemians love Vilnius for its cheap cost of living and carefree attitude.

Rio de Janeiro

Despite claims by travel sites and blogs that Rio is too dangerous for tourists, the city remains a top pick for expats. Perhaps it has something to do with their gorgeous beaches, nonstop parties, sexy locals, and a huge, close-knit population of other expats. This modern city, in a developing country, is one of the more foreigner-friendly places in Brazil. If living within city limits is too pricey or rowdy, there are plenty of cheaper options in the suburbs of Rio where you can still spend your days tanning on the beach and your nights partying with Brazilians.

Medellin, Colombia

Cocaine wars and FARC-related shootings are so 1990s. The new Medellin is surprisingly safe and welcoming to visitors. With perfect year-round temperatures, lush mountain ranges, and several area universities, Medellin has recently attracted a growing number of expats. This means plenty of student-priced apartments are always available for rent. The nightlife might not be as crazy as it is in Bogota, but the number of beautiful people per capita is still pretty favorable.

Cape Town, South Africa

Surrounded by stunning beaches and situated right under Table Mountain, this seaside city’s prime location is enough to make anyone move there. Throw in a perfect climate, thriving cultural scene, and an eco-friendly attitude, and you’ve got expat central. With all the outdoorsy, adventurous things to do, you’ll be looking fit in no time. If you’re more of a drinker than a hiker, there are plenty of vineyards in the area to indulge your boozy self.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay is one of South America’s best-kept secrets, and the small population of expats who live there hope to keep it that way. Frequently overshadowed by rambunctious Buenos Aires, Montevideo is like the girl next door—fun, attractive and totally accessible. Montevideo locals are super friendly, and from historic Ciudad Vieja to trendy beach-situated Punta Carretas, there’s more to it than you might think.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Maybe it isn’t as cheap or friendly as Montevideo, but there’s something damn seductive about Buenos Aires . Still pretty affordable, Buenos Aires is perfect for expats in search of a long-term cosmopolitan getaway. Definitely not the girl-next-door, this city is more likely to date you every night while force-feeding you bottles of wine and seducing you into calling her to do it again the next day. Just know that once you start a love affair with Buenos Aires, you’ll be asking your home country for a divorce in no time.

With 7 continents and over 200 countries to choose from, there’s no reason to stay put in your country of origin just because it’s marked on the front of your passport. When the economy is bad; there’s no better time to pack your bags and head to where your money means more. You just might find that the good life costs a lot less than it does back home.

The 10 Friendliest Expat Cities. (2012). Retrieved from http://offtrackplanet.com

Vocabulary

Questions

• Which city sounds the best for you? Why?
• Do you think you would be able to spend a long time (more than a year) outside of your country for work or school? In the Lesson Document make a list of all the pros and cons of living and working abroad.
• Do you think your country would be a good place to be an expat in? Why or why not?