Working Remotely in Latin America is Easy With These Tips

Now more than ever before, people are looking at ways to live and work in beautiful locations. Due to the right in remote jobs, online businesses, and other opportunities, it’s easier than ever to live and work internationally. The first thing you should know when moving to Latin America is that it’s easier than you think. If you’re considering a move, don’t let all the bad news stories scare you off. Even though those issues are real and present dangers for travelers, there are ways to be smart and stay safe when you live internationally. There are also many opportunities in Latin America.

Here are some tips for getting started:

Latin America is Tech Integrated

To begin with, the tech infrastructure is extremely solid . You have probably heard that the internet is slower in Latin America, which can be true, but only to a certain extent. For example, in countries like Argentina and Mexico, you can get decent internet speeds at an affordable rate if you live in a major city. In other countries such as Colombia and Peru, it might be slower but still usable for most people. While not everywhere is fiber optic enabled, there are still options that can work for most business owners.

Technology Offers Collaborative Tools

The easiest way to collaborate with remote teams and colleagues is through collaboration tools. You can use Skype for video calls, Google Hangouts for group calls, Slack for messaging, and Zoom for video calls and screen sharing. You can even choose a collaborative design platform that makes it simple to work on design projects with your team in real-time and remotely. These tools allow you to communicate with people in a more personal way than email or phone calls can provide.

You’ll Need a Visa

Where you go will depend on the visa requirements of your country. Another thing to consider is that only some countries in Latin America will allow you to enter without first obtaining a visa. In some cases, you’ll need one for the entire country, and in others, just a few cities. You should know this before traveling because it could mean the difference between being able to travel around or being stuck somewhere.

Stay in One Spot Longer

Try to stay in one place for at least a month. In the event that you’re moving to Latin America or already there, it’s important to try to stay in one place for at least a month. Staying in one place long enough will give you an opportunity to get a feel for the culture and people of your new home as well as give yourself time to find work before settling down. You’ll be able to explore local sights, connect with the community, and more when you’re in one place longer than a week at a time.

Learn Some Spanish

It’s always a good idea to attempt to speak the native language of where you’re traveling. In this case, you’d be speaking Spanish. As an English speaker, you might be tempted to think that speaking Spanish isn’t necessary. To an extent, this is true—there are plenty of people who speak English fluently. But being in a new place also requires being mindful of their culture and respecting people in their home country. While your Spanish doesn’t need to be perfect, even broken Spanish will get you a lot further than only knowing English. Sure, areas with a lot of ex-pats will have more English speakers, but if you want to get around anywhere, you’ll do your best to learn Spanish.

Get Good Insurance

This may seem like a no-brainer, but getting the right kind of insurance is important before you go on your trip. For example, you want to make sure that any health problems that arise while traveling can be taken care of quickly and efficiently. That means getting travel health insurance, which will provide coverage for common issues like emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains in case something goes wrong during your trip. And don’t forget other types of insurance as well. Things like rental car damage/theft coverage are another must-have when renting cars abroad.

There May be Power Outages

Prepare for occasional power outages or failing technology. Have backup plans in place. Backup plans should include either alternative power sources or charging stations. You can use generators, solar panels, car batteries, and battery chargers as backup options if you don’t have access to real electrical outlets all day long. There are also some companies that offer their employees the ability to choose their own hours of work—so be sure to take advantage of this flexibility. Keep your electronics charged and ready at all times so you can still work even when the power is down. 

Follow Sounds and Colours: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Mixcloud / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

Subscribe to the Sounds and Colours Newsletter for regular updates, news and competitions bringing the best of Latin American culture direct to your Inbox.

Share: