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Foreigners Brave Latin America: What Is Life and the Business Environment Like? - Huxiu#

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Foreigners Brave Latin America: What Is Life and the Business Environment Like?#

This article introduces the experiences of three foreigners working and living in Latin America, showcasing their life and work status in the region while exploring the living and business environment in Latin America.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In Cuenca, Ecuador, Katherine enjoys a livable and safe life with her family, away from the hustle and stress.

• 🌍 Mexico has become Fiona's second home, where she has gained a deep understanding of its culture and impressions.

• 🇧🇷 Brazil, as an entry point into the Latin American market, was chosen by T, who discovered the vibrancy and opportunities in the Brazilian market.

When mentioning "Latin America," some may wonder: "What is Latin America?" Some exclaim: "Ah! That place is too far from me." Others comment: "It is full of magical realism." And some ask: "Is Uzbekistan in Latin America?"

Meanwhile, some have made a fortune in Latin America, enjoying a paradise-like life.

What is life and the business environment like in Latin America? EqualOcean asked three friends working and living in Latin America. They each have different stories but have all embarked on a new journey of work and life in the region.

Katherine and her family chose to settle in Cuenca, Ecuador, pursuing a simple and tranquil life, away from the busyness and stress of their home country. Fiona came to Mexico from Madrid by chance to serve as a Visiting Researcher. T was sent to São Paulo, Brazil, by his company due to his rich industry experience and outstanding overseas business capabilities. These stories vividly illustrate their life and work status in Latin America, filled with various challenges and opportunities.

1. Katherine: "For me, Cuenca is a paradise, an undiscovered treasure."

My family and I currently live in Cuenca, Ecuador, a city renowned for its livability and safety, with a pleasant climate and beautiful environment, making it an ideal retirement destination that attracts many people from Europe and America. My husband and I currently do not have fixed jobs; instead, we choose to live off interest, which is very high in Ecuador, even reaching ten percent. Moreover, the cost of living is relatively low, so we do not need to spend our savings; the interest is enough. This lifestyle allows us to enjoy more freedom and ease.

When I first arrived in Ecuador, I noticed many strange phenomena, one of which was that people here do not have the habit of using duvet covers. They are more accustomed to wrapping the comforter with two sheets of fabric, which I find very impractical because this fabric "duvet cover" can easily be kicked off, causing the comforter to slide to one side. When our family of four moved to a new place, I decided to go to the supermarket to buy some new bedding. However, I still couldn't find duvet covers in the supermarket; instead, I bought a four-piece set—two pillowcases and two sheets, which was a bit disappointing.

To solve this problem, my husband decided to make a duvet cover himself. He went to a local fabric store to buy some fabric and then to the supermarket to buy zippers and other necessary sewing tools. After some effort, we finally made a duvet cover similar to the ones we often use back home.

The picture shows Katherine's husband and two children, source: provided by the interviewee.

This experience made me realize the challenges and joys of living in a foreign country. In this unassuming place in Ecuador, there are many unique cultures and habits to adapt to. Although there are sometimes difficulties and challenges, it is these experiences that make my life richer and more colorful.

Ecuador's economic situation is relatively average, affected by the global pandemic, which has caused some damage to economies worldwide. However, I believe that for experienced entrepreneurs and investors, this does not mean that there are no business opportunities. Often, greater opportunities lie in lesser-known places. There are not many Chinese people in Ecuador, possibly because it is a relatively unknown country, but this relatively competitive environment provides unique business opportunities for interested investors and merchants.

For example, when I go grocery shopping, I find that tofu is rarely sold in local markets, and even when available, the price is much higher than back home. I think this may be due to the local lack of technology and equipment for making tofu, leading to limited supply. Additionally, Ecuadorians' eating habits differ from those in my home country; they tend to enjoy the moment and do not have the habit of saving money. Therefore, they are willing to spend disposable income on food and travel rather than saving. I believe that Chinese people coming here could consider opening Chinese restaurants or providing traditional Chinese cuisine. Moreover, the local people's love and curiosity for Chinese dishes present a great business opportunity. At the same time, considering the local consumption habits, restaurants could offer various high-quality food and beverages to attract customers for dining and socializing.

Furthermore, I noticed that the beauty industry in Ecuador is still underdeveloped, with few beauty businesses and a gap in technical standards compared to my home country. This provides opportunities for those who want to make a mark in the beauty industry. Therefore, I sometimes think that advanced beauty technology and management experience from my home country could be introduced to Ecuador, combined with local market demands and cultural habits, to provide high-quality beauty services. This could not only meet local consumers' needs but also establish a brand image and attract more customers.

It is important to note that achieving success in the beauty industry is not simply about introducing technology and management experience. Market research is crucial; understanding local consumers' needs, aesthetic concepts, and consumption habits through communication with them is necessary to better position beauty services and meet market demands.

During my time living in Ecuador, I also noticed that locals love tourism and outdoor activities, so the tourism industry may also be a field full of business opportunities. Additionally, Ecuador's beautiful natural environment is suitable for the development of agriculture and aquaculture. For those interested in investing in agriculture or animal husbandry, understanding local agricultural policies and market demands will be critical.

The picture shows a street in Cuenca, Ecuador, source: provided by the interviewee.

Recently, I was impressed by the local security situation. Although the security in Cuenca, where I live, has always been good, there are significant regional differences across the country. Particularly in large cities like Quito and Guayaquil, the security situation is relatively poor. This has provided opportunities for some criminal organizations, and even a gang leader named Fito successfully escaped from prison and instigated a nationwide riot.

These events inevitably triggered public panic. To cope with this situation, we have also taken some security measures. Although Cuenca was not directly affected, for safety reasons, schools and children attended online classes for a while. Here, I also remind friends planning to go to Ecuador to stay vigilant, understand the local security situation, and take appropriate preventive measures.

After living here for a while, I also observed many interesting differences in local people's living habits, work habits, and customs compared to those in my home country. First, the local people's pace of life is slower, and they place more emphasis on enjoying life. Many shops are closed on weekends, and people prefer to go to parties or travel, which contrasts sharply with the busy lifestyle and work attitude of people from my home country.

Additionally, Ecuadorians' dietary culture differs from that of my home country. They do not eat spicy food and primarily consume meat, while people from my home country pay more attention to vegetables and staple foods. In terms of work habits, Ecuadorians' work efficiency is relatively low. They tend to enjoy the process of work rather than quickly completing tasks. This work attitude may be uncomfortable for those from my home country who are more impatient. Despite these differences, the local people in Ecuador are very friendly and warm towards people from my home country, and I have not encountered any anti-Chinese sentiment or negative attitudes. This friendly environment may benefit from Ecuador's cultural diversity and international exchanges.

The picture shows ancient buildings in downtown Cuenca, source: provided by the interviewee.

For those friends who want to come to Ecuador, I must emphasize the importance of booking flights and accommodations. When departing from my home country, be sure to ensure that the round-trip ticket is on the same itinerary, i.e., a connecting ticket. Purchasing them separately may lead to being denied boarding in my home country, which has cost me a lot of money on unused tickets. Additionally, booking hotels in advance is crucial; otherwise, there may be trouble upon entry. Since Ecuador is considered a sensitive area, it is advisable to buy round-trip tickets directly to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Of course, for those planning to work or invest in Ecuador, learning Spanish is undoubtedly very important. Mastering Spanish is essential for working locally. For those investing, it is okay not to know Spanish at first; translation software or hiring a translator can assist in communication. In fact, many foreigners in Ecuador do this. They rely on translation tools or hired translators to handle daily affairs and gradually adapt and integrate into the local environment over time.

So, is it possible to learn Spanish after arriving in Ecuador? I believe it entirely depends on one's willingness to learn and effort. Although it may seem a bit difficult at first, with determination and patience, gradually mastering Spanish through time and practice is not impossible. Many foreigners in Ecuador have successfully learned Spanish, and some have even become fluent bilingual speakers.

2. Fiona: "Compared to Madrid, I prefer to consider Mexico my second home."

For many Chinese people, Mexico is often closely associated with negative news. When people mention Mexico, the first words that often come to mind are drug trafficking, drug lords, and other unsettling terms. This impression stems from the media's excessive portrayal of criminal activities in Mexico, leading to a deep misunderstanding of the country. In reality, Mexico is a vibrant country rich in cultural heritage, with a wealth of history and tradition. However, due to a lack of understanding and exposure, the perception of Mexico in my home country is limited and even somewhat biased.

Although there are indeed security issues, they do not represent the entire country. In fact, Europe has also faced many security challenges in recent years, and cities like Madrid also have security problems. I believe that the understanding of Mexico needs to be more objective and comprehensive. One cannot form biases solely based on negative news. Before traveling or investing, it is necessary to conduct thorough research and preparation to understand the local customs and security situation. Only in this way can one truly appreciate Mexico's beauty and charm and establish a deeper connection with the country.

The picture shows a city street scene in Mexico, source: provided by the interviewee.

When I first came to Mexico, I stayed at a friend's house the entire time and did not stay in a hotel, so I did not come into contact with any Chinese people. It was not until my second visit to Mexico, through an introduction from a friend working here, that I began to meet some Chinese people.

Compared to Europe, the number of Chinese immigrants in Mexico is not that large; they mainly come here for work. Nevertheless, due to the increasing number of Chinese enterprises in Mexico, the impression of Chinese people among locals is very positive. They view Chinese people as providers of job opportunities, which elevates the status and image of Chinese people in Mexico compared to Europe. Spain was Mexico's colonizer, which creates a cultural connection between Mexico and Spain. However, at the same time, Mexicans also hold a "worship of foreign culture" attitude towards the United States because they are so close to it. Although Americans often have a "discriminatory" attitude towards Mexicans, they still aspire to go to the United States to realize their dreams.

Moreover, I found that Mexicans have a better overall impression of China than Europeans. On one hand, this is because China is far from Mexico, so not much negative news has reached there. On the other hand, Korean pop music has made a significant impact in the Latin American market, leading locals to develop a strong interest and fondness for the cultures of China, Japan, and Korea. Although China's investment and immigration in Mexico are increasing, China's cultural output is relatively weak, which limits Mexicans' understanding of China. Therefore, China needs to strengthen its cultural output to better communicate and cooperate with Mexico.

However, Mexico has done an excellent job of attracting Chinese enterprises. More and more Chinese companies are investing and setting up factories in Mexico, creating numerous job opportunities for locals. Some of my colleagues and friends work in these Chinese enterprises, mainly in the fields of automotive manufacturing, new energy, and mobile payments. These companies not only bring funds and technology to Mexico but also provide stable income sources for locals.

Mexicans have a positive work attitude, but their work efficiency and output are generally low, which is not just a personal issue in Mexico but a common phenomenon across Latin America. In contrast, Chinese people tend to have higher work efficiency. Additionally, there is a peculiar cultural phenomenon in Mexico related to the overall economy. Due to Spain's price controls in Mexico, prices are high, but wage levels have not increased correspondingly. This has led to an interesting phenomenon where people can advance their salaries.

The picture shows a street in Mexico at night, source: provided by the interviewee.

During my time teaching at a local university, I could see a clearer gaze in Mexican students compared to Spanish and Chinese university students. This may be because, in Mexico, despite the significant wealth gap, those from better backgrounds still have access to more opportunities and resources. However, for students from poorer backgrounds, the high cost of university tuition is almost an insurmountable barrier.

Moreover, Mexicans do not hold high expectations for their country's development prospects; many still prefer to go abroad to seek better opportunities, such as in the UK or Spain. This phenomenon of outflow reflects the economic and social challenges faced by Mexico. Despite Mexico's positive work attitude and rich cultural traditions, poverty and a lack of job opportunities remain the main factors restricting its development.

Mexicans' pursuit of beauty is almost obsessive, especially among women, who are willing to spend a lot of time and money on their appearance. For example, when we went out to eat, a Chilean girl even went into the store to do her makeup, hair, and nails, which made me realize their pursuit of beauty. There is a lot of money to be made in this area. Therefore, I have always believed that providing beauty products and related services will be an attractive business field. Additionally, high-end products targeting the wealthy also have a broad market space. For example, high-end earrings and other fashion accessories have significant potential in the Mexican market.

Perfume is also an interesting phenomenon reflecting the economic conditions of Mexicans. Those with poorer economic conditions usually choose lower-quality, more stimulating perfumes, while the wealthy tend to opt for higher-end, milder fragrances. Regarding the market performance of Chinese brands in Mexico, although their recognition and influence are limited, there are still specific consumer groups that show strong interest in Chinese beauty products.

In the clothing industry, the prices of clothing in Mexico are generally high, mainly due to the reliance on imports. This import dependency leads to a relatively conservative and traditional dressing style among locals, lacking a sense of fashion. When I went shopping, I saw Spanish brands like Mango and Zara. I remember clearly seeing a Mango coat in Spain that was of poor quality and would be very cheap during the discount season, around 20 euros. In Mexico, the same coat, when converted to euros, costs about 70 euros. This may explain why locals do not buy and wear these brands; they are simply too expensive. Nevertheless, Mexicans place great importance on the sense of ceremony; they will deliberately buy new clothes for important occasions, even if these clothes may not meet international fashion standards.

Regarding living conditions, I want to say that I currently live in a city two hours away from Mexico City, but it makes me feel like I am in a divided world. The place I live is actually very close to the school, just a 15-minute drive, and is considered the newest area of the city, plus I live in a villa. However, unexpectedly, in such an area, in a villa, I have to strike matches to cook, twist the faucet for water, and there is no washing machine for laundry. In contrast to the Apple devices provided by the school, I really feel a stark contrast.

For friends considering developing in Mexico, I have the following suggestions and tips:

1. Do not hold biases: This is very important. The negative impressions of Mexico in my home country and other countries often stem from media reports or personal experiences, but the actual situation may be entirely different. Just like my mother thinks Mexico is dangerous and strongly opposes my going, in reality, I have not encountered many problems living in Mexico. Therefore, do not let biases influence you; take the time to understand this country personally.

2. Do not be afraid: Although there are some issues in Mexico, taking some basic safety measures can significantly reduce risks. Try to stay in familiar places and avoid going out at night to improve safety.

3. Accept backwardness: The backwardness of Mexico is an objective reality, but it does not mean survival is impossible. Although it may be inconvenient in some aspects, there may also be business opportunities in others. For example, Mexico's electronic products lag behind those of China and the United States, which means there is significant market space.

4. Integrate into local culture: This may take some time, but building connections with locals and understanding their culture is very valuable. This can not only improve your quality of life but may also bring business opportunities. For example, Mexicans are usually very hospitable, and you may be invited to their homes, which is a great opportunity to learn about local culture and lifestyle.

5. Maintain an open mind: Do not close yourself off too much; try to understand and accept new cultures and lifestyles. This can not only broaden your horizons but may also bring new opportunities and friendships.

6. Choose the right area: Mexico is a large country, and different regions have different characteristics and cultures. Choosing a place that suits you is very important. For example, if you want to conduct business activities, some areas may be more suitable than others. If you plan to settle down, you may need to consider facilities related to education and healthcare.

7. Do not blindly follow: While being with other Chinese people may feel safer and more comfortable, it may also limit your horizons and opportunities. Try to face new environments and challenges on your own; you will find that you learn and grow more.

8. Make full use of geographical advantages: Cities like Monterrey have great development potential due to their advantageous geographical location. However, be aware that other regions may have their unique advantages and opportunities.

9. T: "Brazil, a Duality of Danger and Opportunity"

Our company mainly engages in e-commerce in Brazil, based on our optimism about the entire Latin American market. Through in-depth research on market models, we chose Brazil as our entry point into the Latin American market because Brazil's e-commerce ecosystem was relatively active at that time. After a period of operation, we achieved certain results in the Brazilian market.

Overall, Brazil is not as dangerous as people imagine; taking some basic precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of problems. First, avoid displaying wealth in public to minimize unnecessary attention. Second, do not go to places considered particularly dangerous, especially at night. Many Chinese companies usually adopt point-to-point transportation methods to avoid sending employees to remote or dangerous areas.

Although there are some risks in Brazil, these risks are not necessarily higher than in other developing countries. Many activities in Brazil are legal, which can also bring some risks. Therefore, among employees sent to Latin America by major companies, there are more male employees, and female employees sent here need to be more cautious.

Additionally, Brazil has a significant wealth gap, so you will see many homeless people and addicts on the streets. Although this group may not be the biggest danger, it is still necessary to remain vigilant. In some areas, many homeless people gather, so safety should be a priority.

The picture shows a homeless person on the street in Brazil, source: provided by the interviewee.

In our impression, we often think of Brazil as a passionate country where people are full of vitality and enthusiasm in work and life. My personal observations confirm this, for example, Brazilians greet you warmly in bars and restaurants and even dance samba with you. Additionally, I felt their pursuit of life in Brazil; they advocate hedonism, just like people in other Latin American countries, they enjoy overspending and like to pay in installments.

In terms of work, Brazilians generally do not work overtime; if they do, the company must pay double wages. Moreover, local labor protection laws are very strict; most companies' management systems follow a 3+2+2 model, meaning three days of work in the office, two days of work from home, and two days off, which is a very South American work style. For companies newly entering Brazil, they often face misunderstandings about local culture and management systems, leading to some unpleasant situations, such as disrespecting local employees and forcing them to work overtime...

Upon arriving in Brazil, you will find that there are many more Japanese descendants and Japanese people than you might expect, as Japanese immigrants came to Brazil as early as 1908. Therefore, there are many Japanese enterprises in Brazil, and you will see many Japanese restaurants on the streets. As for their impression of us Chinese people, I find it relatively friendly; they do not have much discrimination and treat everyone as a truly independent individual. You can have different orientations, beliefs, and life attitudes; they will not question you or reject foreigners and foreign cultures. Brazil can also be considered an immigrant country, and having been colonized in the past, they are enthusiastic and tolerant of all things and foods.

The picture shows the streets of Salvador, Brazil, source: provided by the interviewee.

In recent years, Chinese enterprises have indeed been developing well in Brazil, and a steady stream of Chinese people are going there. Brazilians' inherent prejudices against Chinese people are similar to those in other countries: Chinese people are wealthy and smart.

From my observations, the businesses that Chinese people mainly engage in Brazil fall into three categories: the first category includes traditional large companies, such as Huawei and ZTE in the telecommunications industry. These companies have strong technology and brand influence, occupying a certain market share in Brazil. The second category includes newer companies, such as BYD in new energy vehicles and DJI in innovative enterprises. These companies have also achieved impressive results in the Brazilian market with their advanced technology and unique business models.

The third category is trade. Trade is one of the main forms of business for Chinese people in Brazil. On one hand, appliance companies like Midea conduct trade activities in the Latin American market, selling products to local consumers; on the other hand, merchants from China, such as those from Guangdong, Fujian, and Zhejiang, open offline trade stores in Brazil to wholesale Chinese-made goods to local wholesalers or retailers, thereby entering the Brazilian market.

Chinese enterprises in Brazil primarily make money in the following areas: first, the new energy sector. Due to the Brazilian government's strong support for renewable energy and the growing market demand, Chinese enterprises have significant development space in new energy projects. Brazil's new energy market provides business opportunities for Chinese technology-leading enterprises.

Second, electronic products and smart home brands. With the increasing demand for technology products among Brazilian consumers, Chinese electronic products and smart home brands have achieved remarkable results in the market. These brands have won consumers' favor with high quality and innovative products.

Additionally, the clothing industry is also an opportunity for Chinese enterprises in Brazil. Due to the relatively underdeveloped textile and handicraft industries in Brazil, compared to the basic clothing produced in China, Chinese clothing brands can provide diverse options to meet local market demands and occupy a certain market share.

Furthermore, although the e-commerce sector in Brazil is developing, the long logistics delivery cycle remains a challenge. Therefore, many Chinese entrepreneurs choose to open offline stores to provide more direct and convenient services. The offline store model meets consumer needs while also bringing stable customer flow and sales channels. At the same time, engaging in trade in Brazil requires strong product supply and financial chain capabilities. Chinese enterprises need stable production and supply chain management capabilities to achieve success. Only with sufficient strength and competitiveness can they stand out in the Brazilian market.

Moreover, Brazil's pet market is also a field worth paying attention to. Brazilians are very fond of pets and have a strong willingness to spend on pet-related products. Chinese enterprises can provide a variety of pet-related products and services to meet local market demands. In this prosperous market, Chinese enterprises have the opportunity to gain market share with innovative products and services.

The picture shows local people dancing on the streets of Brazil, source: provided by the interviewee.

Finally, I want to say that after nearly a year in Brazil, the duality of this "dangerous" city and its charm gradually reveals itself:

The duality of "slums" and "wealthy areas," the people passionately dancing samba may have been involved in a robbery earlier that afternoon;

Young people love to party, but after having children and growing old, nightclubs turn into slow dance bars, with grandmothers crying over a song while leaning on their canes;

Passionate kisses on the lawn, same-sex couples holding hands in museums, all blessed;

"Playing" may be part of Brazil's life philosophy; people may be listless at work, but after work, clubs are packed, and parties are still parties;

Tattoos, strong thighs, and bronzed skin, paired with underwear covering the untanned white marks, are considered fashionable;

In Starbucks, a barista who doesn't speak English remembers my name; a hotel staff member downstairs knows I like green juice; and a bartender in a bar knows I like daiquiris.

The "inclusiveness" and "warmth" of this South American city, the "laid-back" lifestyle, and the "danger" cannot overshadow its diversity.