Planning to move abroad for a more relaxed lifestyle? These safe South American countries are your top picks.
When most Americans picture South America, they imagine either pristine beaches with perfect weather or dodgy streets where they need to clutch their valuables. And while paradise exists throughout the Latin world, there’s no pandemonium in any of the safe South American countries.
South America in 2025 harbors some of the world’s safest havens for expats and retirees.
These are places where you can walk home at night without looking over your shoulder, where police help instead of asking for bribes, and where your retirement savings won’t vanish in a puff of hyperinflation.
So what South American countries are safe for travel? While certain Latin American countries make headlines for the wrong reasons, three nations stand out for their remarkable safety records. These countries rival many U.S. cities, both in terms of personal safety and the security of your investments.
Whether you’re planning to retire or simply escape the American pace of life, find out in which safe South American countries you can find the peace of mind that comes with genuine safety and a high quality of life.
Want peace of mind when moving abroad? ExpatDen has helped thousands of expats settle into their new country with specialist advice on travel insurance, healthcare, and more.
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The Safest South American Countries to Live and Retire
South America is an exotic continent beyond the usual travel destinations American holiday goers frequent. But you don’t want to know what South American countries are safe to visit – you’re looking for safe South American countries to live in.
Only some US expats venture beyond Mexico and Central America, often defaulting to Europe when looking further abroad. But South America’s safest countries offer a compelling alternative – one where your dollar stretches further and the living is easy.
Here’s our ranking of the top 3 safe South American countries for US expats and retirees:
Uruguay: South America’s Hidden Safety Haven
South America’s smallest Spanish-speaking country is also its safest for expats, retirees, and digital nomads. Think of it as the Switzerland of South America but with a gorgeous coastline instead of the Alps.
Uruguay is first in our ranking because of its safety levels, yes, but also its society’s strong social cohesion and commitment to democratic values. And then there’s the prosperity and laid-back lifestyle. Uruguay’s success story makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a safe South American country to move to.
Peace, Progress, and Prosperity
Uruguay is a country where both locals and expatriates can thrive without the constant security concerns common in neighboring nations. It scores high when it comes to safety and political stability. The coastal country stands out in the Global Peace Index as the second most peaceful nation in South America and the fifty-second globally.
That’s not to say Uruguayans feel safe. After a rise in violent crime in recent years, 58% of Uruguayans consider their country unsafe while 40% view it as safe or very safe, a Statista poll showed. But don’t let that perception gap fool you – Uruguay has a low crime rate. In fact, it has the lowest criminality score in South America and its highest resilience score, as ranked by the Global Organized Crime Index.
Uruguay’s consistent commitment to democratic values and social harmony was visible in the recent elections of November 2024. A new president was voted into power entirely peacefully and with very low levels of polarization, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom reports. This is exceptional – not just on a regional level, but globally.
Not only does its democracy work – but its bureaucratic system in general. Uruguay received a score of 73 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), where a scale where 0 indicates highly corrupt and 100 represents very clean. This underscores the country’s success in combating corruption and promoting ethical practices.
Expats and retirees can rest assured that their capital is safe in Uruguay. Its economy is ranked 27th freest in the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom.
Uruguay has a legal framework that supports business activities, allowing entrepreneurs to easily enter the market. Property rights are protected and government regulations encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Healthcare Excellence
One of Uruguay’s strongest safety nets is its healthcare system, which is ranked among Latin America’s and the Caribbean best. The system’s transparency in billing, affordable medication costs, and comprehensive coverage options make Uruguay attractive for expatriates seeking quality healthcare without the complexity and high costs often associated with U.S. healthcare.
Not only is medical treatment accessible compared to the United States – but Uruguay’s facilities are state-of-the-art, too. For example, Asociación Española has South America’s only advanced robotic microscope for neurosurgery.
Best Areas in Uruguay for Expats
Uruguay is a safe South American country to live in – but where should expats move to for both safety and a high quality of life? The CEO of ExpatDen, Karsten Aichholz, argues you’re safe across the country: “Other countries have their safe areas or districts, but Uruguay and Chile are kind of a ‘go where you want, you’ll be fine’ deal.”
Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, offers a lifestyle that mirrors Southern European standards, with neighborhoods catering to every taste. Pocitos attracts those seeking beachfront sophistication, while Ciudad Vieja charms with its historic cobblestone streets.
Coastal cities like Punta del Este provide the kind of resort-style living that retirees might look for. Smaller towns like Colonia del Sacramento appeal to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Chile: American Standards Meet Latin Soul
South America’s long, lean country stretches over 2,650 miles north to south. (That’s the distance from the northern tip of Scandinavia to Africa!) The diversity in landscapes is astonishing, from the Atacama salt flats in the north through Torres del Paine National Park in the Andes and glaciers and fjords in the south.
Apart from stunning natural beauty, Chile stands out as one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations, bringing expats a high standard of living at relatively low costs.
Safety and Security Through Change
Chile consistently ranks among the region’s most peaceful nations, ranking third in South America and sixty-fourth worldwide. “Chile is in fact so safe and similar to the United States, that it’s often used as a test market for the likes of Coca-Cola to launch new products before introducing them in the U.S.,” Karsten Aichholz comments.
But even though Chile is remarkably safe for US expats, it should be mentioned that recent years have brought new challenges to the country. Chile has seen a big uptick in (organized) crime, with the homicide rate rising from 2.6 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 to 4.6 in 2022 before slightly dropping again in 2023, as per statistics from Statista.
That’s because, in early 2023, Chile’s government launched “Calles sin Violencia”, implementing increased police presence, effective prosecution, and weapons control. These measures aim to reduce crime rates, maintain Chile‘s safety standards, and preserve its reputation as a secure country.
Chile’s commitment to stability is also visible in its ongoing efforts to uphold democratic principles during periods of social change. The country has been working toward constitutional reform since 2019 but has since stalled, the Human Rights Watch reports.
Finally, businesses can consider themselves very safe in Chile’s steady and modestly growing economy. The Latin country stands out as one of Latin America’s most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors, with a clear regulatory framework, efficient business bureaucracy, and strong protection of property rights.
Growing Healthcare Network
Expats in Chile can count on excellent healthcare, even if they’ll occasionally have to rely on private healthcare rather than universal. Chile is actively expanding universal primary health coverage to reach 187 of the country’s 346 municipalities by 2027, the World Bank Group reports.
Because expats typically prefer private insurance for shorter wait times and access to top-tier facilities, it’s a smart idea to get expat health insurance when moving to this safe South American country.
Best Areas in Chile for Expats
Like in Uruguay, Chile’s major cities are entirely safe for expats and families traveling with infants. Rather than safety, it’s the country’s immense scale and diversity that make choosing a place to settle hard.
Santiago’s upscale neighborhoods of Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia form the expat triangle of safety and comfort. These districts offer a lifestyle comparable to European capitals, with modern amenities and strong security measures.
If you’re more for coastal living, Viña del Mar and Valparaíso are an attractive alternative with a small expat community and plenty of seaside charm. The Lakes Region, particularly Puerto Varas, attracts expats looking for a more laid-back lifestyle. This picturesque town is a peaceful alternative to urban living while maintaining high safety standards
Argentina: Vibrance, Safety, and Economic Transition
While Argentina might be third on our list, it could have easily been first. This beautifully rich country remains a compelling destination for expats seeking a European-flavored lifestyle in South America. Think Paris with tango, or Milan with mate tea. And then there’s Patagonia. So why is it third and not first? Argentina comes with some interesting economic plot twists.
Is Argentina safe? Despite its current economic challenges, Argentina remains one of South America’s safest countries for expats and retirees. In fact, expats with dollars might find their capital goes a long way in a country hungry for foreign currency. The question remains whether investing in Argentina’s economy is smart: at this stage, the economic recovery could go either way.
Argentina’s Safety Profile Improved
Argentina ranks as the world’s forty-seventh most peaceful country, according to the GPI. It even ranks first in South America. The U.S. State Department’s assessment is equally reassuring, designating Argentina as “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” as of February 2024. So is Argentina a safe country to travel? Most certainly.
The safest country in South America recorded a small improvement in peacefulness over the past year, the Institute of Economics & Peace concluded. The peaceful transfer of power following the election of new president Javier Milei in October 2023 led to improved political stability, despite pre-election results looking shaky.
Argentina also recorded a fall in its homicide rate and a lower terrorism impact, although perceptions of criminality deteriorated over the past year – like in the rest of the region.
Economic Renaissance?
Argentina is currently undergoing a fascinating economic transformation. Under President Milei’s administration, the country has achieved what seemed impossible: months of consecutive fiscal surplus – unheard of for a government plagued by decades of overspending and currency devaluation.
Inflation levels are dropping, too. While still high, they’re nothing like the 25,4% monthly inflation Argentina saw in December of last year, Reuters reports.
Monthly inflation levels in Argentina
However, this heroic attempt at economic stabilization comes with short-term challenges, like increased poverty rates and the risk of a run on the peso. Either could result in social unrest.
In for a gamble? Here’s the kicker: For expats with dollar-denominated income, this economic transition period might actually present unique opportunities.
Best Areas of Argentina for Expats
What are the safest places in Argentina? Pick any of the big cities, really. But Buenos Aires remains the premier choice for expats, offering a perfect blend of European architecture, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. The city’s private healthcare facilities are particularly noteworthy, staffed with well-trained, experienced specialists.
Cordoba is an attractive alternative for retirees, especially for those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle while maintaining access to quality healthcare and modern amenities. The city has also gained recognition for its research facilities and advanced medical technology.
How We Ranked the Safest Countries in South America
The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024 reveals some surprising truths about safety in South America. This index is not so much about pickpocketing and travel advisories for digital nomads. Instead, the GPI provides a comprehensive measure of a country’s safety levels, from geopolitical threats to violent crime and social unrest.
And guess what? Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile consistently rank among the most peaceful nations in the region.
Global Peace Index in South America in 2024, by country
The countries that score high on the GPI combine South America’s vibrance with first-world safety for its citizens. South American countries that score low might have attractive cities and vibrant cultures but come with significant challenges.
Think of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil – a breathtaking city with world-class amenities but that is plagued with petty crime and social disparity. Medellin in Colombia has become popular as a travel destination in recent years, yet crime is high and kidnappings are common.
From Bolivia to Peru and from Ecuador to Venezuela, all Latin countries have their unique charm – but the best places for US expats score high on the GPI. That means they share important features that make them particularly attractive to US expats: Political stability, lack of internal conflict and violent demonstrations, good relations with neighboring countries, and so on.
“Uruguay and Chile are at the top of the list for safety. Both experience significantly less crime and corruption and are in general among the most developed and reliable locations in South America,” Karsten Aichholz agrees. However, he’s less sure about Argentina: “While other destinations like Colombia and Argentina come with a lot more excitement, that excitement isn’t always the good kind.”
So why is Argentina only third if it scores so high on the Global Peace Index? The GPI alone does not paint a full picture for expats and retirees looking for safe South American countries to move to.
The index primarily measures negative peace through the absence of violence and conflict, which doesn’t fully capture the day-to-day safety concerns of expatriates. It does include wider economic factors, even though economic stability is crucial for the safety of expats’ savings and assets. Nor does it include the risk of natural disasters, for that matter.
For these reasons, we took GPI’s limited safety scope and added our own criteria to rank the top three safe South American Countries.
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