Are you a Black American ready to move abroad?
With all the changes and shifts that occurred during the pandemic, one trend that will likely stay is flexibility. Both companies and people who are self-employed, will likely adopt a hybrid work model where essentially they can work from anywhere in the world.
Given that with the racial tension and turmoil that still taunts the Black community, many travelers of color are ready to experience life outside the U.S. as they prioritize safety and overall well-being.
Moving to a place that is potentially less diverse than a place like the US can be scary, but there is a community of Black expats, no matter how big or small, waiting for you to be a part of. Seek the advice of experienced Black expats like Chante Cross of the blog “The Black Expat.” Some of her tips for finding your community of Black Americans abroad include participating in expat meetups, meeting others at sporting events, simply going out on the town to meet new people and changing up your mindset.
Other tips to find Black expats in a new country include joining expat groups and clubs, attending cultural events, volunteering, using social media and more.
Considering a move? Here are the top 11 destinations for Black travelers looking to relocate abroad
MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA
Medellín has grown tremendously in popularity over the last few years. It’s an exciting city that offers a lot to do. There’s an active nightlife scene, a thriving Black expat community and it’s also an affordable option for expats.
Medellín generally offers a lower cost of living compared to many Western cities. Rent, transportation, and food expenses are often more affordable. The cost of living in Medellin is usually between 800-1000 USD.
Medellín has made remarkable progress in terms of safety, particularly since the 1990s when it was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to drug-related violence. Government initiatives, urban planning projects, and community involvement have contributed to significant improvements in safety.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Lisbon is often described as a vibrant city with scenery that’s unlike any other place you will find. The views of the colorful houses combined with its iconic seven hills— as the yellow and red trams roll through neighborhoods— are simply iconic and make the perfect postcard.
This city is generally considered more affordable compared to many other Western European capitals, such as London or Paris. Housing costs have been increasing in recent years, particularly in central areas, but overall, expenses for groceries, dining out, transportation and entertainment can still be relatively reasonable compared to other major European cities.
Lisbon is regarded as a very safe city, especially for a capital city of its size. Violent crime rates are low. Travel advisories recommend normal safety precautions you’d take in any major city. Racial inequalities persist in Lisbon as in other places, but it is less considered less common than in other European cities and overt racism is not hugely common in Lisbon.
Overall, Lisbon is rich in diversity and culture, and a place where Black expats thrive.
BELIZE CITY, BELIZE
Moving to Belize will be one of the best decisions you’ve made.
From its beaches to rain forests, Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty, so you will never get bored, and the cost of living is still considered low. The cost of living is estimated to be 30-40% lower than major cities in the U.S.
There are some dangerous neighborhoods that visitors should absolutely avoid in Belize City, like parts of Southside. However, expat communities like Fort Tropic and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye tend to be quite safe.
What Black travelers will especially love about Belize is their significant Black history and culture, so you will feel welcomed. According to research from Hampton University, Belize has the highest percentage population of African descent of any Central American nation. For a taste of Afro-Belizean food, try “bile up.” It’s a Belizean creole dish with boiled eggs, fish or pigtails with plantain, yams and tomato sauce.
DAKAR, SENEGAL
Senegal is a great destination for Black travelers looking to move to a place where they can reconnect with their ancestors. What’s so exciting about Senegal is that there’s a rich history to learn about the past, but so much happening in the future that will put you in the right place at the right time.
Dakar is also regarded as one of the safer major cities in West Africa for expatriates and visitors. This makes it a great city for Black Americans to move to along with its estimated cost of living being lower than many American cities at around $1,000-1,500 per month for an individual.
Senegal will also soon be home to a futuristic city that many call a “real-life Wakanda” after musical artist and mogul Akon announced plans to build a city that will serve as a “safe haven” for descendants of the diaspora looking to flee racial injustice.
LIMÓN, COSTA RICA
Limón is probably the last place you considered in Costa Rica, but there’s a lot of potential as an up-and-coming expat destination. The cost of living in Limon is generally quite affordable, even by Costa Rican standards. If your goal is to get away to a place that remains untouched, consider Limón.
A third of the population identifies as Afro-Costa Rican. There you can discover the Afro-Caribbean culture, food and music.
It’s far less touristy but a good place to live if you want the coastal and Caribbean vibe without the crowds— for now.
When you’re there, keep in mind that Black History Month is celebrated in August. August was chosen to commemorate the First International Convention of the Negro Peoples of the World, which concluded with a ceremony in Madison Square Garden on August 31, 1920.
ACCRA, GHANA
Accra, Ghana is an enticing city to move to when you consider living factors. Accra has a relatively low cost of living compared to major cities in North America or Europe, but can still be expensive for local Ghanaian standards. A single person can expect to pay $800-$1,500 per month.
Accra is also known for its welcoming vibe, especially when locals find out you’re from somewhere else and decided to “come home.” In fact, you will feel safe and welcome from the moment you arrive. As life becomes more threatening to Black people in America, many have chosen and are talking about moving to Ghana to put racism behind them.
There are more than 3,000 African Americans living in Accra, according to Al Jazeera. While it’s true, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, many Black Americans will tell you they feel safe and free in Ghana. It’s a reason why Stevie Wonder, Dave Chappelle and so many other celebrities are looking to relocate or buy a second home in Ghana.
According to Passport Heavy, “ [Ghana] was one of the first African countries to pave the way for diaspora integration. Under its ‘Right of Abode’ policy, it grants the right to stay indefinitely for individuals of African descent, especially targeting African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans.”
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
No one wants to leave America and be uncomfortable somewhere else. That’s why we present to you Panama City, Panama. The city is regarded as a relatively safe city, especially in the more affluent neighborhoods and areas popular with expats.
Panama is known for its lively carnival culture, beaches and nightlife scene that includes a mix of friendly locals, expats and tourists from around the world. But the most important thing, as a Black traveler, is you will feel welcome. Panama is a diverse, multi-racial society with populations of mestizos, Afro-Panamanians, Native Americans and expat communities. It is regarded as more racially integrated compared to some other Latin American nations.
Panama City is also a great place to live comfortably for less than $1,100 per month.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
Speaking of safety, Thailand is a place where you don’t have to worry about your safety as a Black traveler. You will have access to some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches, breathtaking scenery, mouth-watering cuisine and more. You can be in the moment, and not fear for your life just by existing.
Bangkok also has a relatively low cost of living compared to major cities in the West. It is possible to live comfortably at about $1,100 to $1,500 a month.
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Spain has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. When you combine that with the fact that there’s a successful and thriving expat community, Barcelona is a great place for those of you considering relocating.
As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is the perfect place that offers something for everyone, including Black singles or families.
We want to be transparent about Spain as it’s controversial, and depending on where you are in the region, it gets mixed reviews. Some people say the further south you get, the more anti-Black it gets, yet, other expats have enjoyed and embraced their stay. Just be mindful.
MONTREAL, CANADA
Montreal is a great option for people looking for a culturally rich experience but not interested in going too far. And the best part? Canada is ranked high for being one of the most multicultural countries in the world.
The city also has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver. A single person can live comfortably in Montreal on a budget of around $2,000-$2,500 CAD per month.
Montreal is a [underrated] foodie city that has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada, according to Geos Montreal.
With its strong African and Caribbean culture, there’s no doubt that you will find diversity in the culinary scene, and you will be welcomed by locals.
TULUM, MEXICO
In just a few months of its creation, the Black in Tulum Facebook group surged in followers. There are more than 14,000 followers because Tulum is quickly becoming the “Atlanta” of Mexico for Black expats.
There’s a thriving community of Black expats in Tulum and most importantly, it’s where people are going because they feel safe.
Do be mindful that Tulum has a relatively high cost of living compared to other parts of Mexico, due to its popularity as a tourist destination. On the lower end, a fairly modest lifestyle for a single person in Tulum can cost around $1,250 – $1,500 per month by economies like cooking at home and limiting luxury spending. A more comfortable, social lifestyle is likely $1,800 – $2,150+.