In 2020, 1.4 million Europeans and North Americans lived in Latin America, which shows that there’s interest in lower Americas. While most people from Canada and the US make a shorter move down to Mexico, there are certainly others who are more adventurous and look past Central America to the equator.
Making a move there can be fun and exciting, but is South America safe? The truth is, the continent doesn’t have a fantastic reputation for safety, but there are still some gems to consider.
Read on to find out what the safest country in South America is, along with some top contenders.
The Safest Country in South America: Argentina
According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Argentina is the safest and most peaceful country in all of South America. It has an overall rank of 47 in the world, so that’s not bad at all.
As with practically any country, there are certain areas that have higher crime rates, such as Buenos Aires. However, many other parts of Argentina are considered safe, especially in the provinces. Political instability can be an issue, but violent crime is relatively low, so this is something to keep in mind if you’re eyeing Argentina as a potential new home.
Currently, the currency has been volatile here, with it fluctuating against stronger currencies like the US dollar. For someone earning in US dollars, this could actually be a major advantage. Due to the ongoing inflation and depreciation of the Argentine peso, those earning a stable foreign currency might find their purchasing power substantially higher, making everyday expenses, housing, and even larger investments more affordable compared to local wages.
Otherwise, the country has a rich culture, great food, and a vibrant lifestyle. Plus, the healthcare system is strong, and Argentina offers diverse landscapes for the adventurous.
If you’re interested in citizenship, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can apply for it after two years of permanent residency. This is one of the fastest paths in the world to get citizenship through naturalization. There are still the usual requirements (you must speak Spanish, take a citizenship test, etc.), so be prepared for that.
Uruguay
Uruguay is a close second on the list of safest countries in South America (it’s ranked 52nd in the world). Many consider it the most stable South American country since it has a stable political environment. Also, it’s consistently ranked as one of the safest countries on the continent, so that should give you peace of mind.
Uruguay offers good healthcare, a stable economy, and progressive social policies. The country has a high level of respect for human rights too.
If you’re wondering which city to put on your list, then pencil in the capital, Montevideo. You’ll often see it ranked as one of the best cities to live in Latin America.
Chile
Chile is third on the 2024 Global Peace Index list for South America and is ranked 64th in the world. In comparison to the rest of the continent, Chile has relatively low crime rates, although homicide rates are slowly increasing and the country had an unusually “high” number of murders in 2024.
The upside is that Chile is one of the most developed countries in South America and the nation has a well-function police force and government institutions. It offers good infrastructure, healthcare, and education. For a modern city with a high standard of living, consider its capital, Santiago.
Do note that Chile’s had major upheavals in the last few years and there have been big changes in the political system. This may make things a little unsafer than usual.
Bolivia
Fourth on the list is Bolivia, which comes in 68th in the world. Safety is relative though; you’ll feel more secure in rural and tourist areas, while some urban areas (like La Paz and Santa Cruz) have higher crime rates, especially for petty crime.
What makes Bolivia attractive for expats is its lower cost of living. There’s also a rich indigenous culture if you want to soak up Latin American life. In addition, Bolivia’s known for its stunning landscapes, such as the Andes and Amazon.
Paraguay
Next on the list of South American countries ranked by safety is Paraguay, which has an overall rank of 73. It’s considered a relatively safe country, especially in rural areas. There’s lots of farming here, so if you like the countryside, then this is the place for you.
Crime rates are lower than in many neighboring countries. However, do note that there can be some urban crime in the capital of Asunción.
Paraguay is another nation that has a low cost of living, and its economy is stable too. It’s less developed than countries like Chile or Uruguay, but it’s ideal for those wanting a quieter and simpler lifestyle.
Plus, it’s a very good option for residency if that’s what you’re interested in. Paraguay is a residency-based territorial tax system, so you only pay tax on the income you earn there. Also, if you have permanent residency for three years, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization.
Peru
Peru is sixth on the 2024 Global Peace Index list for South America and has an overall rank of 99. As with most other nations, Peru has its fair share of crime (including petty theft). However, it’s pretty low in areas like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
What’s interesting is that Peru has a growing economy, so if you move soon, you can be at the forefront of prosperity. There’s also good healthcare and amazing cultural experiences, so there are many enriching opportunities here.
Guyana
The seventh nation ranks 111th in the world and isn’t as well known as the other South American countries. Guyana is generally peaceful, but it does have higher crime rates. Keep in mind that the capital of Georgetown has reports of crime, so stick to rural areas since they’re much safer.
Guyana has a slower pace of life and is rich in natural beauty, with rainforests and rivers. This is a huge plus if you want to get away from concrete jungles. However, the infrastructure is less developed and healthcare can be limited.
Ecuador
Ecuador ranks eighth in South America (130th in the world) and generally speaking, it’s not very safe, especially in the capital of Quito. Pickpocketing happens often in cities like Quito and Guayaquil.
However, huge numbers of expats are drawn to Ecuador, which means there are pockets of safe expat communities you can consider, such as Cuenca. Another benefit of living in Ecuador is that it’s affordable and there are beautiful landscapes, including the Andes and Amazon rainforest. In addition, you can enjoy a good healthcare system.
These Are the Safest South American Countries to Consider
Now you know that the safest country in South America is Argentina, followed closely by Uruguay. However, there are several other choices, each with its own pros and cons.
It’s up to you to pore through your options and determine which country suits your preferences and needs. From there, you can make smart decisions and ensure your move won’t break the bank.
Get in touch with us today to learn about protecting your assets after your move to South America. You can even join GWP Insiders, which teaches you exclusive internationalization strategies for entrepreneurs.
