What happens if Argentina gets too expensive? What are alternative cities/countries to move to when it's overpriced in Argentina?

[Avocado]

All you expats stop your crying already. I am doing my best to make Argentina great again! What more do you expect from me? I am working hard to fix our great nation. It's one thing for me to allow you to stay as a guest in my country but it's another thing for you to lie and complain that it's the same price as the USA! Come on. That is just a lie. You pretend like things would be doing well with Massa. Keep lying to yourselves if that makes you sleep better at night.

Let's be honest. You Americans aren't going back home. At least be honest with yourselves. If you leave Argentina because you can't afford it, you are certainly NOT heading back to the USA. I was just there last month! It was very expensive. I saw many homeless people on the streets. More than Buenos Aires. So be honest with yourselves. It's not as cheap as @Larry is making it out to be.

You will have it far worse than you have it here. The one thing @Larry is honest about is he must go to a country like Peru. He can't afford the USA. Maybe prepare for life in Venezuela, or Peru or Paraguay or Bolivia but you certainly aren't going back home.

I hate you @Javier Milei! You are evil. Why couldn't Massa have won???!

Oh, @España I love Spain BUT Malaga is apparently in the fast lane to becoming the new Barcelona, and you know what that means – it's practically a tragedy for us rich expats with our exquisite tastes and high standards.

Now, let me enlighten you about the dire state of affairs for the poor Spanish folk in their 30s. Picture this – they're still bunking with their folks in cozy little apartments, practically playing sardines, and to top it off, they can't even entertain the idea of having adorable little kiddos. Why, you ask? Well, blame it on the rich immigrants and retirees who've swooped in, buying up property like they're collecting Monopoly houses, leaving the locals to cry into their paella.

It's practically a real estate soap opera, with uncontrolled immigration throwing in its two cents. I mean, who knew the quest for sun-soaked paradise could wreak such havoc on the locals? But hey, what can you do? It's tough being a rich expat witnessing the struggle of the poor locals from our ivory towers – I mean, beachfront condos. Let's just hope they find some solace in their sangria, poor things

Oh, grab your popcorn, folks, because if Milei works his magic with those free-market shenanigans in Argentina and especially Buenos Aires, it's practically gonna be a show better than a telenovela. Picture this: the stage is set, the actors are ready, and the plot twist involves more free-market twists than a rollercoaster.
Now, let's take a cheeky peek at Spain – where unemployment is doing the limbo and salaries are like the saddest party balloons at a budget fiesta. Why, you ask? Well, thank those pesky restrictive socialist economic policies. It's like they're playing the economic hokey-pokey – you put your job security in, you take your competitive salaries out. It's practically a dance of despair.

Argentina is gearing up for its own economic tango in the next few months all thanks to @Javier Milei . Will it be a spicy success or a melodramatic mess? Only time will tell, my friends, but one thing's for sure – we're in for a wild ride! I predict rocky roads!

 

[Karina Milei]

Oh, the wonders of the "free market" utopia in Peru, where the economy is apparently as strong and reliable as a superhero with a steady day job. Must be all that Fujishock magic from the '90s and the more recent Lima Consensus sprinkled on top. Because, you know, if there's one thing we love, it's embracing economic policies that have a dash of shock therapy and a pinch of consensus – it's practically the secret recipe for success!

But hey, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Why are policies from my big brother, Javier Milei, a hit in Peru but not in the grand land of Argentina? It's like trying to decipher the plot twists of a telenovela – mysterious and slightly confusing. Some people like @Larry say how stable and sound the economy is in Peru compared to Argentina.

Now, if the quest for the ultimate low cost of living is your life's mission, fear not! There are options galore. Colombia, Peru (oh, the irony), Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, Georgia, Morocco, Turkey – the world is practically your oyster! Even Brazil is on the list, as long as you steer clear of those pesky big cities and tourist traps. Because, you know, who needs the hustle and bustle when you can have the tranquility of the unknown?

And oh, Europe, the land of medieval charm and visa opportunities for the independent souls. Rural France or Italy, anyone? The cost of living is practically pocket change, especially if you're hanging out with the local farmers and their friendly goats. It's like living in a fairy tale, complete with visa options that won't break the bank.

So, there you have it – a world of sarcastic options for the discerning expat who's not afraid to dance with the economic unknown. Because who wouldn't want to live in a place where shock therapy is a selling point?

 

[Pobre Luis]

My vote is Brazil. Very close to Buenos Aires where my wife has family. I really like Rio de Janeiro where I have family. But the truth is that it's very very very expensive. So nevermind. I'm staying in Buenos Aires!

 

[Avocado]

My vote is Brazil. Very close to Buenos Aires where my wife has family. I really like Rio de Janeiro where I have family. But the truth is that it's very very very expensive. So nevermind. I'm staying in Buenos Aires!

I enjoy Brazil and especially Rio very much but have you seen the prices there? It's one of the most expensive cities in South America now. Very beautiful but NOT cheap. If you are complaining about cost of living in BA than you certainly won't be able to afford Rio. A ride in an Uber for comparable ride is double in Rio vs. BA. Rents are all higher. It's more dangerous. Plus most expats struggle with Spanish and they speak Portuguese there which is even more difficult. People from Brazil are much friendlier than the typical Porteño however.

The good thing is the flight is very short and relatively inexpensive.

 

[Bob]

I have many friends that have lived in BA for 20+ years. They always say it's getting expensive but they never leave. I think they are there for the long haul. I always ask them where they would move to if the sh*t hits the fan and they can't give me an answer. The sh*t already is hitting the fan in the USA. Too expensive here. I"m heading down there. Prices still seem very cheap compared to USA.

 

[Bob]

Yes, this post is correct. There are thousands of Americans and Canadians living in Chapala/Ajijic area. It's a fine area. I prefer bigger cities but I almost bought a luxury property in Chapala to rent out facing the lake. I have many friends that live in that area. The weather is very nice. A TON of Canadians.

You can research online and see tons of blogs on living in that area:

Yes, You Can! Retire in Ajijic on Less Than $2,000 A Month - Mexico Relocation Guide

Wondering if you can actually retire in Ajijic on less than $2,000 a month? You can do it! Read this comprehensive guide to learn more!

mexicorelocationguide.com

Mexico is amazing and I own several properties in Mexico in different cities. I've been a 5.5 year permanent resident in Mexico and I could get my passport there and I may do that in 2024. I agree there are a lot of benefits including a stable banking system, proximately to the USA, some of the best food in the world. Real estate has gotten expensive there. I purchased many years ago and it's gone up 100% since I purchased from 5.5 years ago. It's been a strong source of income via luxury Airbnb rentals for me. I just purchased another property in Cabo that they are constructing now and done in 2025.

I believe with near-shoring and NAFTA it will be a great place to be a permanent resident and own assets. I am very proud to be a permanent resident there and I spend a lot of time there now. However, it's gotten more expensive but you can still live there and probably a great option if you find Argentina too expensive. Just keep In mind the exchange rate has shifted. During COVID I loaded up and purchased a lot of pesos at as high as 23.5 pesos to $1 USD and it's now under 16.95 pesos to $1 USD which makes it painful.


I agree with some @Larry that you complain too much about Argentina. I disagree with you that it's "as expensive as the USA now" as I saw in some of your posts. I find it's still very affordable if you have USD or Euro income. It is very easy to get permanent residency there. I posted this on my Twitter but I will copy/paste it here too. I have permanent residency in several countries. This was the first time that I did my entire permanent residency process for a foreign country myself without having to hire a lawyer. It was very easy.

https://x.com/BuySellBA/status/1700915447150072212?s=20

I post on several forums under different handles. I have since the Internet began. I've always enjoyed helping people and also learning from others. On these forums, you can figure out quick who is full of sh*t and who knows their stuff.

Once I start buying real estate in foreign countries, I prefer to get permanent residency in that country if possible. That way in the worst case scenario I can legally stay there forever and I have the same rights and privileges as a local.

I got my permanent residency visa in Mexico 5 years ago and it was super easy. I'd recommend anyone that quality do it.

Forgive me this is so long and detailed but another member on the forum asked for information on how to get your Mexican Permanent resident visa as a retireee. Here was my answer cut/pasted below:

________________

You start the process in the Mexican consulate office in your nearest USA city (I did mine in Santa Ana in Orange County, California). You have to either have a bank statement showing $210,000 US for the past 12 months in a row. Or show income via pension or can be rentals via real estate of $5,186 US dollars per month. I didn't know if one was easier/faster than the other but fortunately I qualified for BOTH methods.

Then you go to Mexico to finish the process. Was really easy. I did it 5 years ago and I can get my Mexican passport now if I wanted. I was amazed how simple it was. They have this email system that keeps you informed of every step of the process. Once I went to give them the application it only took 2 weeks. I couldn't believe it! (This outlines the process if you're interested - https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandie...s/g_7a_Permanent_Resident_Visa_Retirement.pdf

The down thing is Mexico has gotten really expensive. I own a few properties there and it's expensive now as the Mexican peso has shifted and gotten really strong so the US$ doesn't go that far there now. All my rentals are in USD and expenses are in pesos. That worked when it was 21 pesos to $1US but it's about 17 :1 now.

HOWEVER, if you don't speak Spanish it will be impossible for you to do it yourself. I recommend you check out this company - https://yucatanexpatriateservices.com/category/resident-services if you don't speak Spanish. They can help you. They have great reviews online and they I talked to Adriana when I was going through the process. I determined after an initial consultation that I could do it myself. The only thing I used her for was she prepared some forms for me to fill out to bring to Guadalajara to finish the process. That was a big help.

Here is the address I went to in Guadalajara to apply:

Alcalde No. 500 4° Piso Palacio Federal, Col. Centro, C. P. 44280 Guadalajara, Jal.

Their office hours are Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 1 PM.

_____________________

Checklist of documents to take to Immigration for the “canje” procedure:

-Original and copy of passport (the original is just to compare with the copy; they will give it back to you the same day).

-Copy of the resident visa stamped in the passport. (You get this from Mexican Consulate office in USA).

-Original of the FMM document (the one you will receive at the airport marked as canje for 30 days).

-Letter requesting the resident card.

-Online form requesting the change of document to permanent resident card.

-Formato básico (basic form).

-Payment of immigration fees for the card. You must go to a bank to do this payment with a form the Immigration officer will provide to you when you submit your documents. (The payment will be done by you).


Dues to Immigration for each procedure


Permanent resident card: $4,828.00 pesos. (I paid this back in 2018 but it could have changed today the amount).

_________________

If you speak Spanish then I don't think you'd need to pay anyone other than maybe just Adriana for an initial consultation to get the forms. Let me see in my files if I still find the form. If so, I'll post it here so it will help you and possibly others.


I speak Spanish so I did it myself. As mentioned, you have to start the process in the USA. But once you get to Mexico, you can't leave Mexico again until you get the Permanent Residency card. (Or at least I was told if you do leave it can complicate things). It only took me 2 weeks to get the PR card once I applied. I applied in the Guadalajara office which was very easy. The toughest thing was finding a place that had those funky small photos.

You don't have to spend any amount of time there in Mexico to keep the card. It's impossible for them to keep track when you cross the land borders when you leave. Only when you enter again. For example, AFTER you get your PR card you can just go to Tijuana and cross back into the USA without doing anything with your Mexican Permanent Residency card. Entry to USA is NOT linked to your Mexican PR card. I just enter with my Global Entry card.

I don't live in Mexico full time. I just always like to get Permanent Residency once I start buying real estate in a country. I like to have the same rights and privileges vs. locals. And in many countries you can't open a bank account without getting permanent residency.

It was all very easy in Mexico and as mentioned, I did it myself. I did it several years ago and was the best decision I ever made. I think anyone that can easily qualify for this for Mexico should do it ASAP. They could change the laws so I'd do it now while it's relatively easy.

It just comes down to having enough money in the bank. Just make sure the name on your bank statement matches exactly the name in your passport. They were sticklers about that. I actually had to go back to the Mexican Consulate office because the first time my middle name wasn't on my bank statement. So make sure before your appointment in the USA at the Mexican Consulate, your name matches exactly from Passport to Bank Statement.


Mexico just wants to make sure you won't be a drain on society so they want to make sure you have enough money to retire down there. I hope that helps.


PS. I found the forms that I needed to fill out and bring with me. It was these attachments. Just make sure you bring 3 copies of "infantile" sized photos. There is a place right near the government office in Guadalajara that did these photos. It was VERY frustrating as I had these photos done in USA but the size was a little off. They have to be exactly that size. There was only 1 place I found near there that would do it.


The lady was REALLY nice at the Mexican office as she told me to come back but she said I could skip the line (I waited 2 hours to get to the front of the line). So I went to do photos again and then skipped up to the line. Go early in the morning right when they open.


Also one thing I forgot to mention that was also a bit frustrating. Once you get to the front of the line and turn in all the documents they will give you a little ticket. You do NOT pay for the resident card there. It was a pain but you have to go to the bank (there was one 2 blocks away). And you have to pay for that fee and then once you do, you have to come back to that office to show them you paid.


So all in I think I was there 3 hours because I turned everything in. Then got to the front of the line. Then they said the photo wasn't the exact size they needed. Then she told me where I could go for that. I had to get photos, go back go finish. Then I had to go to the bank and come back. I didn't have to wait again in line once I paid. You go straight to the front of the line. But it still takes time.

So just plan on going for a few hours. There is a room and it was absolutely packed with Americans going through the same process. Most of them didn't speak Spanish so they had a guide there that was with them that was handling everything. I think Adriana from the website above offers that service as well. I'm not sure. But it was easy enough to do it myself minus the issues with the photos.

You can research online and see where are the best cities to do this. I did it in Guadalajara but there might be better cities. But for me it couldn't have gone easier. And they give you this URL link where you can check the status. And they ask for your email address and they keep you updated of the status. I kid you not! Within 2 weeks after applying I already got an email notice saying my Permanent Residency card was waiting to be picked up.

It was more high tech and efficient than even the USA where it took 3.5 months to get my daughter's passport renewed. Very organized system there in Mexico. I went back to the same address to pick it up. No problems at all. I was in and out in 25 minutes this time with PR card in hand.

I've recommended to friends to get their permanent residency card in Mexico. A few did but they hired people to help them. I qualify next year to get my Mexican passport if I want. I have to take some test but I haven't hassled with it just like I haven't hassled to get my Argentina passport even though I would easily qualify. Maybe in the future.


I hope this information helps you and anyone else considering getting Permanent resident card in Mexico. Mexico is an amazing country and one that I look forward to spending more time in. I purchased a few properties there and they have been amazing investments. Real estate has shot up there over the past several years.

Age has NO bearing at all on the retirement visa. As long as you meet (a) enough money in the bank; OR (b) you can show you make $X each month to meet the criteria. Nothing else matters. I got this in my 40's and they don't care how old/young you are. Mexico wisely makes it easy as they figure if you're retiring there you will be spending money there and will be good for their economy.

Yes, if you speak decent Spanish you could probably navigate as long as you know where to go and what to do (which I already explained in detail - that was the tough thing for me). All of these forms is what I had to fill out. If you have a friend that can go to the office in Mexico you can EASILY navigate it without paying a lawyer. All the folks at the Guadalajara office were really patient and great. Even after I was so frustrated with the photo issue, they were kind and let me cut back in line once I found the smaller photos. I highly recommend that office.

Remember, once you apply you can travel anywhere else in Mexico and just come back to Guadalajara once it's done. I'd guess it takes about 14-20 days. You have to come and pick it up in person.


Let us know how it turns out. Mexico is an amazing country to be a permanent resident in. Also, once you have your RFC (Permanent resident card) you can also invest in their CEDES (government treasuries program - https://cetesdirecto.com/sites/portal/inicio). I bought a ton of pesos when it was 23 pesos to $1 US. Then bought some CEDES. Now I just keep rolling over the 28 day CEDES (1 month). They are paying almost 11.5% interest now . So if you're really planning on retiring in Mexico you might want to consider putting some into their treasury program. I like to stay diversified. And it's a guaranteed peso income every month without doing anything. Obviously you have currency risks but I assume you will keep bulk of your savings in US$ or Canadian $.


It ended up being a GREAT call because the peso went from 23 pesos to $1 uS down to under 17 pesos the other day so I've made money on both sides.

Wow! Thank you so much @earlyretirement! Great write up. I have been spending time in Mexico a few months a year. I didn't realize it was that easy to quality for permanent residency. I will look into it. To be clear, once you start the process you can't leave Mexico?

 

[illegal alien]

Rio de Janeiro looks like a great option for just quality of life and I love the beach. So, comparing the long-term rental scene in Rio de Janeiro with Buenos Aires, is it pricier? Are there crazy requirements like guarantías? And can us foreigners even snag a spot? Because, let's be real, snagging a rental in Buenos Aires these days is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Now, if you've got that shiny Argentine permanent residency card, can you chill in Rio for a whole year without jumping through a whole bunch of hoops? Or does it feel like starting from square one with a whole new trámite?

Fun fact: about seven years ago, Rio was flexing its price tag, being around 50% more expensive than Buenos Aires, give or take. If Rio hasn't hit the makeover scene since then, does that mean Buenos Aires has dethroned it as the budget-friendly city? Am I way off the mark here? Let me know!

 

[FuturoBA]

Rio de Janeiro looks like a great option for just quality of life and I love the beach. So, comparing the long-term rental scene in Rio de Janeiro with Buenos Aires, is it pricier? Are there crazy requirements like guarantías? And can us foreigners even snag a spot? Because, let's be real, snagging a rental in Buenos Aires these days is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Now, if you've got that shiny Argentine permanent residency card, can you chill in Rio for a whole year without jumping through a whole bunch of hoops? Or does it feel like starting from square one with a whole new trámite?

Fun fact: about seven years ago, Rio was flexing its price tag, being around 50% more expensive than Buenos Aires, give or take. If Rio hasn't hit the makeover scene since then, does that mean Buenos Aires has dethroned it as the budget-friendly city? Am I way off the mark here? Let me know!

Some of the above posters report Rio is more expensive and here it looks like it's about 35% more https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-livi...Rio+de+Janeiro&tracking=getDispatchComparison

So those thinking of leaving is it leaving BA or leaving Argentina completely. And leaving BA are they referring to Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano areas? Those are the hot spots for a reason, but what are the thoughts here on Cordoba, Mendoza, Salta or any other possible places that's not BA in Argentina??

 

[earlyretirement]

Some of the above posters report Rio is more expensive and here it looks like it's about 35% more https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-livi...Rio+de+Janeiro&tracking=getDispatchComparison

So those thinking of leaving is it leaving BA or leaving Argentina completely. And leaving BA are they referring to Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano areas? Those are the hot spots for a reason, but what are the thoughts here on Cordoba, Mendoza, Salta or any other possible places that's not BA in Argentina??

Rio is DEFINITELY much more expensive than Buenos Aires. No doubt about it. I really enjoy Rio but I wouldn't live there permanently. Buenos Aires is a very safe city. In Rio you have to really watch yourself at night. Most of my friends there haven't experienced crime but I was talking to my private driver when he was bringing us from Barra de Tijuca back to the airport and he told me a few years ago thieves were stopping people on the highway and robbing them.

He said that he had a cellphone and some cash but the thieves were only robbing people in nice cars which I found interesting. He told them he was a taxi driver and they told him that they weren't going to rob him. But he said nice people in nice cars were getting robbed at gunpoint.

He said that was his only robbery attempt and he didn't get robbed. I've been going there for 20 years and while I've seen crime I haven't experienced it myself except that one time when the kids were grabbing for my watch very late at night.

If you notice in Buenos Aires it is full of Brazilians because it's so cheap in Buenos Aires compared to Brazil. Going to a nice place to eat will cost you quite a bit of money in Rio. I went to a churrascaria in Rio with my family of 5 and it was about the same price as here in San Diego. Granted it was a LOT of food but still was very expensive.

There are a LOT of beautiful areas outside of Buenos Aires but I'm a big city guy. I absolutely love Buenos Aires. I'd be too bored in smaller towns. But I'm sure that some people could adjust to them. Just keep in mind some cities like Bariloche can be even more expensive than Buenos Aires.

Rio is great for a visit for me but I doubt I could live there full time. The constant need to look over your shoulder would get annoying. But every time I go I love it. I seriously doubt if anyone can't afford Buenos Aires they will be going to Rio.

 

[Avocado]

I am in Buenos Aires forever. Most expats complain too much. Think about the poor locals.

These are undoubtedly unsettling times on the horizon. While many of us may have certain advantages that the average Argentine might not, there's a shared vulnerability. Some have families to fret over, some rely on earnings in pesos, others cherish the lifestyle they've built here. A few might be eyeing potential new opportunities, but the uncertainty looms large. The looming fears of civil unrest and a surge in crime add another layer of anxiety.

Now, as we engage in political discussions, it's not just a casual exchange of ideas. There's a real, palpable threat we're all conscious of. While I might stand my ground on certain points, I'm open to being swayed on others by those in the "opposition." There's a pool of smart and experienced individuals here, and just because we might never see eye to eye on some matters doesn't mean I won't respect their opinions or find wisdom in their words, even if I don't wholeheartedly agree.

Engaging in diverse discussions is crucial; it's like peering into a crystal ball for what the coming months might hold. Sharing varied experiences and viewpoints is never time wasted. Even if I don't align with your perspective (yet), I undoubtedly walk away knowing a bit more because you've presented a different angle.

 

[StatusNomadicus]

@Larry your posts are amongst the most exaggerated and the biggest doom and gloom poster on this forum. You keep mentioning how Argentina is very expensive now contrary to other members that have lived here for years. Even @Che Vos comments how your posts are wrong and it's not that expensive compared to before.

@retiredbanker best thing i ever did was Mute the idiotic ramblings of Avocado, CheVos, and Larry. your forum experience will be so much better (and based on facts rather than commie whining). also, not sure if anyone is annoyed by this, but these weird postings by "Javier Milei" and "Karina Milei" are fucking weird. i've always found it so creepy when people impersonate others online (unless it's an OBVIOUS parody account, but it better be funny!), and i'm also muting these fake celebrities/politicians because they don't add any value for me

there are many of us real people here who reject the Peronist poison, so keep fighting the good fight by using their worst enemy on them: facts

 

[StatusNomadicus]

https://x.com/BuySellBA/status/1700915447150072212?s=20

@earlyretirement @BuySellBA you should add this (and other critical posts) to the Highlights section of the twitter! it's really helpful for searching

 

[StatusNomadicus]

bounce back to Argentina when things start looking up again

what are you talking about? what metrics are "things looking down" right now??

 

[StatusNomadicus]

My Novia who is from here is ready to leave the country. She has had enough of this. Life in the USA sounds like paradise to her.

who's going to tell her about the $5 USD packs of blueberries and $18 USD per person costs to eat out in a normal city?

what a strange mindset; the one thing that can improve the economy has happened (stopping spending)...why suddenly think it's gone too far, when the Peso lost value from 325 in March to over 1,000 in December? it can only be ideological, at this point, if people are leaving. it reminds me of all those celebrities that said "if Trump wins 2020 i al moving to Canada!!!!" and then they didn't ahahahah

 

[StatusNomadicus]

So, here I am, ready to make this epic swap, leaving behind the sunny shores of Florianopolis for the vibrant chaos of Buenos Aires

you won't get any bites i already offered the Peronists to buy their PH/apartment/house if they were fleeing the country because of Milei. they won't leave because they're the professional Piquetero class, just like the paid Soros protestors in the USA

 

[StatusNomadicus]

What's Paraguay really like?

found this cool blog https://www.nomadanewsletter.io/p/cheeseburgers-in-paraguay

 

[Che Vos]

@retiredbanker best thing i ever did was Mute the idiotic ramblings of Avocado, CheVos, and Larry. your forum experience will be so much better (and based on facts rather than commie whining). also, not sure if anyone is annoyed by this, but these weird postings by "Javier Milei" and "Karina Milei" are fucking weird. i've always found it so creepy when people impersonate others online (unless it's an OBVIOUS parody account, but it better be funny!), and i'm also muting these fake celebrities/politicians because they don't add any value for me

there are many of us real people here who reject the Peronist poison, so keep fighting the good fight by using their worst enemy on them: facts

Funny this guy mute me. He get annoyed for listen to truth. He want echo chamber of Milei supporters only. He don't want to listen people say he cheap for complaining about paying $1.50 for cubiertos for meal. Maybe he and @Rico Suave go go yell at more beggars. Thanks to God @StatusNomadicus don't have gun carrying with him. He very angry guy.

 

[Darksider415]

found this cool blog https://www.nomadanewsletter.io/p/cheeseburgers-in-paraguay

This lowkey matches with my experiences. My best friend here in BA is paraguayo, and I could see Asuncion being a backup plan, if my wife and I decide to leave BA. Brasil is more likely, because we have family, but I do lowkey want to get the Paraguayan residency as well.

 

[Rick]

I lived in Spain, and I'm there a lot for work. I don't really agree that Spanish people are having a tough time. Sure, it's not perfect, and the salaries might not be super high, but you can get by just fine. There's plenty of work for those willing to put in the effort. They might complain a bit, but it's usually in the company of friends, in a lively restaurant, with a full belly of delicious food and a glass of good wine in hand. They're not exactly the poster children for worldwide suffering.

I think Spain often doesn't get the credit it deserves in the international media. It's the 15th largest economy in the world, and I believe only Australia and Canada, with fewer people, are ahead. They have a great public transportation network and lots of opportunities. They must be doing something right!

 

[Betsy Ross]

I lived in Spain, and I'm there a lot for work. I don't really agree that Spanish people are having a tough time. Sure, it's not perfect, and the salaries might not be super high, but you can get by just fine. There's plenty of work for those willing to put in the effort. They might complain a bit, but it's usually in the company of friends, in a lively restaurant, with a full belly of delicious food and a glass of good wine in hand. They're not exactly the poster children for worldwide suffering.

I think Spain often doesn't get the credit it deserves in the international media. It's the 15th largest economy in the world, and I believe only Australia and Canada, with fewer people, are ahead. They have a great public transportation network and lots of opportunities. They must be doing something right!

I also lived in Spain before many years ago.

My residency in Spain offered a nuanced perspective contingent upon the social circles one frequents. The employment landscape is divergent, presenting opportunities for those willing to engage in seasonal or short-term endeavors, often involving competitive undertakings with immigrants. On the other hand, those possessing specialized skills, securing a sustainable career, and affording property—either through financial means or inheritance—enjoy a relatively favorable quality of life.

However, it's essential to acknowledge the prevalent trend among younger Spaniards, even those with professional qualifications, opting to seek employment abroad due to a perceived lack of opportunities domestically. This emigration is driven by a desire for professional fulfillment within the confines of their homeland. Concurrently, smaller inland towns grapple with depopulation as individuals flock to metropolitan centers, exacerbating the scarcity of viable employment and housing options.

Nevertheless, despite these challenges, the Spanish spirit endures. Individuals, armed with limited financial resources, continue to seek solace in the company of friends and family during pleasant evenings—a cultural manifestation reminiscent of the enduring conviviality observed in Argentina.