Introduction
Working remotely in South America is an incredible experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. I learned this firsthand during my time in places like Medellín, Lima, and Buenos Aires. The good news? With the right tools and strategies, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of this vibrant continent. Whether you’re in coworking spaces in Bogotá or taking calls from a café in Santiago, these essentials will keep you connected, productive, and stress-free
Reliable WiFi: Your Remote Work Lifeline
Let’s be real—your internet connection can make or break your remote work experience. Major cities like Bogotá, Santiago, Quito, Guayaquil, and Buenos Aires generally have solid WiFi, especially in coworking spaces and modern Airbnbs. But if you’re venturing to smaller towns or beach destinations like Montañita or Baños, expect slower speeds and occasional outages.
Pro Tips for Ensuring Strong WiFi:
- Ask your Airbnb host for an internet speed test before booking.
- Use apps like Speedtest.net to verify connection quality.
- When in doubt, coworking spaces are your best friend—they usually have reliable internet and backup power.
💡 Lesson Learned: My buddy Ryan once booked a dreamy spot in Cusco, only to find the WiFi couldn’t even handle a Zoom call. Always double-check before committing!
Coworking Spaces: More Than Just Desks
Coworking spaces are everywhere in South America’s major cities, and they’re not just places to work—they’re hubs for networking and meeting fellow remote workers.
Top Coworking Spaces by City – Here’s a few:
- Medellín: Selina & La Casa Redonda
- Buenos Aires: La Maquinita (bonus: unlimited coffee! ☕)
- Quito: Mr. Bagel Not a co-space, but I sure like it. (amazing coffee + fantastic breakfasts!)
Most offer affordable day passes, so you can test them out before committing. Many also host networking events, so you might meet your next client or collaborator over coffee.
Mobile Data: Stay Connected Anywhere
When WiFi fails (and trust me, it will), having a solid mobile data plan is essential. Each country has its own top providers, but Claro, Movistar, and Entel are the big names across the continent. Getting a local SIM card is cheap and easy, with prepaid plans available for as little as $10 USD for 10GB of data in Colombia.
How to Get a SIM Card Easily:
How to Get a SIM Card Easily:
✅ Go to an official Claro, Movistar, or Entel store (avoid street vendors).
✅ Take your passport (you’ll need it for registration).
✅ Download Google Translate offline—Spanish will come in handy!
💡 Pro Tip: In Brazil, you’ll need a CPF number (a tax ID) to buy a SIM. A helpful local or coworking space staff can often assist.
My Experience: I wasted almost an entire day trying to buy an eSIM online before realizing I had to visit a Claro store in La Jardin Mall, Quito. Once I got there, it was quick and easy, and for $31 USD, I scored 30GB of data plus 15GB for WhatsApp—not bad!
Managing Time Zones: Keep It Straight
South America’s time zones can be tricky, especially if you’re working with clients in North America or Europe.
- Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru share Eastern Time (ET) part of the year.
- Argentina and Chile are 1-2 hours ahead, depending on daylight savings.
- Brazil has multiple time zones—double-check before scheduling meetings!
How to Avoid Scheduling Mishaps:
- Use Google Calendar or Calendly to adjust for time zones.
- Block work hours in your calendar to prevent 3 a.m. meeting requests (yes, it happened to me!).
Backup Power & Essential Tools
Power outages happen, especially during heavy rainstorms or hydro-dependent cities like Quito.
Must-Have Backup Tools:
✅ Portable power bank to charge your laptop (lifesaver in outages!).
✅ Noise-canceling headphones (trust me, South American street noise is no joke).
✅ VPN for secure browsing—I personally use NordVPN (Click for a deal. It’s well worth it.). Click the link above to get a deal.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to keep up with local news back home, or even watch movies in your native language, a VPN is a necessity. I use my Amazon Firestick and couldn’t get many of my favorite shows or movies until I added Nord VPN, and it was simple. If you’re getting your local news and shows on a laptop, I’ve included a link to the best Firestick for that.
Work-Life Balance: Don’t Burn Out
It’s easy to get so caught up in remote work that you forget to enjoy the adventure. South America is full of incredible experiences—don’t let work take over your journey!
Ways to Balance Work & Travel:
- Stick to a routine: Morning coffee + a short walk = perfect start.
- Plan work-free days: Explore Machu Picchu, surf in Montañita, or wander the streets of Valparaíso.
- Be mindful of safety: Travel in groups at night, and always stay aware of your surroundings.
💡 Personal Experience: Just yesterday, I spent the morning exploring Quito’s Centro Histórico—Spanish architecture from the 1600s, amazing food, and stunning views. I grabbed Locro de Papa for lunch (highly recommend!), and a 20-minute Uber ride was under $3. On the way back, I took the metro for just $0.45—traveling here is insanely affordable!
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure
South America offers endless opportunities for remote work, but preparation is key. With reliable internet, the right tools, and a flexible mindset, you can navigate any challenges and fully enjoy the experience. So pack your laptop, grab a power bank, and get ready to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle!
✅ Have you worked remotely in South America? Share your best tips in the comments!
🚀 Ready to take your remote work setup to the next level? Check out my top travel gear recommendations!
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