Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Thinking about exploring life abroad? Here’s a breakdown of my experiences with visas and costs in some popular countries. 🌍 Remember, this is just my journey, but hopefully it sparks some ideas for your own! Always be mindful, respect the cultures, and support local businesses. 💛
1. Thailand 🇹🇭I spent a month here recently, and there’s a thriving Black expat community. The cost of living is incredibly affordable, with expenses often staying under $1,000 a month. The Thai people are among the friendliest I’ve met, making it a wonderful place to settle in for a while.
Visa Options: For short stays, there’s a 30-day visa exemption for many nationalities (extendable for 30 days). Alternatively, the 60-day Tourist Visa can be extended to 90 days. You can also do a visa run for longer stays or look into other visas like the education or Smart Visa.
I stayed at @alt_coliving . this is definitely one of the fancier co-living spaces and I think I paid about $900 for a month. But there’s definitely more affordable options.
2. Portugal 🇵🇹I was often flattered when people spoke Portuguese to me! Portugal has a vibrant African and Black expat community, especially in Lisbon, one of the easiest cities to meet people. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable spots in Western Europe.
Visa Options: For Americans, you can stay for 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. For long-term stays, consider the Portugal D7 visa or the new digital nomad visa, which allows remote work for up to a year.
3. Canada 🇨🇦Just next door to the U.S., Canada has similar benefits and allows stays up to 6 months without a visa. The favorable exchange rate (1 CAD = 0.72 USD) means your money stretches further. And if you stay outside French-speaking areas, language isn’t an issue.
Visa Options: U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for visits up to six months. Longer stays or working visas require applications, and there’s a range of options depending on work or residency needs.
Each place has its own unique feel and community—hope this helps inspire your journey!
Free solo travel guide in jhanneu.myflodesk.com/travelguide 🌏✈️
Thinking about exploring life abroad? Here’s a breakdown of my experiences with visas and costs in some popular countries. 🌍 Remember, this is just my journey, but hopefully it sparks some ideas for your own! Always be mindful, respect the cultures, and support local businesses. 💛
1. Thailand 🇹🇭I spent a month here recently, and there’s a thriving Black expat community. The cost of living is incredibly affordable, with expenses often staying under $1,000 a month. The Thai people are among the friendliest I’ve met, making it a wonderful place to settle in for a while.
Visa Options: For short stays, there’s a 30-day visa exemption for many nationalities (extendable for 30 days). Alternatively, the 60-day Tourist Visa can be extended to 90 days. You can also do a visa run for longer stays or look into other visas like the education or Smart Visa.
I stayed at @alt_coliving . this is definitely one of the fancier co-living spaces and I think I paid about $900 for a month. But there’s definitely more affordable options.
2. Portugal 🇵🇹I was often flattered when people spoke Portuguese to me! Portugal has a vibrant African and Black expat community, especially in Lisbon, one of the easiest cities to meet people. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable spots in Western Europe.
Visa Options: For Americans, you can stay for 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. For long-term stays, consider the Portugal D7 visa or the new digital nomad visa, which allows remote work for up to a year.
3. Canada 🇨🇦Just next door to the U.S., Canada has similar benefits and allows stays up to 6 months without a visa. The favorable exchange rate (1 CAD = 0.72 USD) means your money stretches further. And if you stay outside French-speaking areas, language isn’t an issue.
Visa Options: U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for visits up to six months. Longer stays or working visas require applications, and there’s a range of options depending on work or residency needs.
Each place has its own unique feel and community—hope this helps inspire your journey!
Free solo travel guide in jhanneu.myflodesk.com/travelguide 🌏✈️
