Places in South America to start a business (crime rate, contractor)

[anthonyr]

Hi- I've always wanted to live in S. America- Can anyone give me any info on what city or countries would be a great place to start a medical practice? Somewhere close to the ocean would be ideal. I would bring my wife and young son, so it should be a safe place. I've heard Medellin in Columbia is really nice- thanks for any input- also I'm considering Mexico

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by anthonyr

Hi- I've always wanted to live in S. America- Can anyone give me any info on what city or countries would be a great place to start a medical practice? Somewhere close to the ocean would be ideal. I would bring my wife and young son, so it should be a safe place. I've heard Medellin in Columbia is really nice- thanks for any input- also I'm considering Mexico

Hmm...safe? That immediately takes Colombia out. I've heard in Medellin in particular, the crime rates are sky high. Plus, generally speaking, the crime rate in Colombia is MUCH worse than the worse U.S. cities - which are some of the worst on the planet already. Additionally, Medellin isn't on the ocean.

If you are looking for beaches and safe...you don't have many to choose from....but you might want to look into the southern part of Brazil - Florianpolis perhaps.

[anthonyr]

Thanks Tiger Beer- I'll look into that. Brazil is the other place I was thinking about- Never been there, but I've had some Brazillian friends. Thanks for the info!

[ChrisC]

Coastal Chile? Antofagasta has a great climate and is right on the Pacific coast.

[tablemtn]

The most stable business climate is located in Chile. However, Brazil has the largest economy and the largest, wealthiest cities on the continent. Note that you need a certain level of Spanish or Portuguese fluency to navigate the immigration and licensing bureaucracies.

[anthonyr]

Thanks Tablemtn and ChrisC!! Chile is a place I've considered, but haven't heard anything about!

[DBCC]

You must remember that you will be required to re-validate your medical credentials in any country that you travel to, as well as master the language. The medical board's of each country has criteria that differ and it would be interesting to find which would be most suitable/applicable or where there may be a requirement for your specialty.
I would investigate where your speciality may be needed vis the consular/embassies of each country that you are interested in. Some offer incentives 9Tax breaks/ benefits) for immigration for professionals in your field.
In Argentina, for example, you would find that many of the coastal towns/cities have unbearable winter weather so I would not recommend any of them.
Chile offers great northern (north of Santiago)coasts and a more formal entry requirement but you would be happy there, as they are marvelous people who are very go ahead.
Uruguay is a great possibility and the Uruguayans are certainly very hospitable, friendly, courteous, generous......and if one goes to coastal towns/cities such as Punta del Este, you will find yourself in a very similar environment to some of the most exclusive clients in the world, many of whom settle there due to tax benefits/way of life/security/cost-of-living etc.
Brazil is great if you are not considering security for your family, unless you move to north of Bahia where the "old, safe Brazil" still exists. Places like Bahia, Belem, Fortaleza are spectacular as well as safe and you will find yourself never leaving them due to the wonderful people you may find there.
Just my 2c, would like to know what you eventualy decide. Good luck.
Dee

[Amazonas]

Unfortunately, crime is a common denominator among Latin American countries. Of course, some countries are better off than others, and that's the case of Chile and Uruguay. Although the economic outlook from these countries seem dramatic, the opportunities to make money are there. You need to make sure that whichever country you choose doesn't have draconian currency repatration policies. This can potentially obstruct your intentions to take your investment out once you either close shop or extract revenues from that country. In terms of economic and political stability, weather, safety, and foreign investment, I say Chile has the best outlook among Latin American countries.

You did not mention what type of industry you're interested in, and this is equally important. For instance if your interested in beign a contractor for oilfields in Venezuela, then currency exchange issues might deter your intentions to do business in Venezuela. But if you go to Ecuador, then the potantials are unlimited. Thinkin' about investing in the wine, copper, or agricultural industry? Then Chile and Argentina are good destinations for your investment. In terms of retail, any country is good since Latin Americans, for the most part, are just as trendy and snobists as any other person from any industrialized country.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by DBCC

Brazil is great if you are not considering security for your family, unless you move to north of Bahia where the "old, safe Brazil" still exists. Places like Bahia, Belem, Fortaleza are spectacular as well as safe and you will find yourself never leaving them due to the wonderful people you may find there.

Hmm...I never heard of the north being safe, although I'm sure it is much safer than Rio, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte.

But Salvador is in Bahia, and it is NOT safe at all...I've also heard Belem to be highly questionable as well. Fortaleza is most famous for being a major prostitute city for Italians and Germans who have direct airfare there from their respective countries and treat it as such.

By and large, I've always heard SOUTHERN Brazil is where it was the most safe...mostly because more wealth and more Europeans emigrated there with money - particularly Florianopolis and southward.

[Dport7674]

Not to sound dramatic but if you are making decent money in S.America you have to watch out for family kidnappings. Argentina is a big up and coming place. I'd look at Buenos Aires, easier to blend in.