Living as a “borderless boss” is a privilege, but it comes with a heavy footprint. As more of us head to South America for the “digital nomad” lifestyle, we’re seeing the “Airbnb-ization” of cities like Medellín and Buenos Aires. Rent in popular neighborhoods like Laureles (Medellín) or Roma Norte (Mexico City) has jumped as much as 80% in recent years, often pricing out the very people who make these cultures so vibrant.
If you want to be a neighbor, not just a “temporary colonizer,” here is how to navigate South America ethically—from both sides of the lease.
For the Renters: Be a Resident, Not a Guest
The goal is to integrate into the local economy rather than creating a “gringo bubble” that exists parallel to it.
Avoid the “Nomad Hubs”: Staying in El Poblado or Palermo is the default, but it’s also where gentrification is most aggressive. Consider neighborhoods that have the infrastructure (good Wi-Fi, safety) but aren’t yet “Disney-fied” for foreigners.
Negotiate in the Local Currency: When you pay in USD or Euros, you inflate the market. If possible, negotiate and pay your rent in the local currency ($COP, $ARS, etc.). This keeps the transaction grounded in the local economic reality.
Look Beyond Airbnb: Airbnb takes a massive cut and encourages landlords to kick out long-term local tenants for short-term profit. Use local sites like Finca Raíz (Colombia) or Zonaprop (Argentina), and try to sign 3–6 month leases that look more like residency than a vacation.
The “Tienda” Rule: Spend your money at the corner tienda (small shop) and local markets rather than international chains or “nomad-themed” cafes. Your “strong currency” does the most good when it goes directly into the hands of a family business.
For the Landlords: Profit with a Pulse
If you’ve invested in property in South America, you have the most power to curb displacement.
The 30% Benchmark: A common rule for ethical housing is that rent should not exceed 30% of the average local household income for that specific neighborhood. If your rent is double that, you aren’t housing the community; you’re replacing it.
Prioritize Long-Term Local Tenants: It’s tempting to chase the high nightly rate of a nomad, but stable, local tenants provide community security. Consider a “hybrid” model where one unit is for short-term and others are reserved for locals at a fair market rate.
Maintain the “Soul”: Avoid “Grey-box” renovations—stripping a historic building of its local character to make it look like a generic IKEA showroom. Preserving the architectural heritage of the neighborhood keeps the area’s identity intact.
Transparency in Pricing: Don’t have a “Gringo Price” and a “Local Price.” Set a fair, transparent rate based on the local market value, not what a New Yorker is “willing to pay.”
The Bottom Line…
Gentrification isn’t just about rising prices; it’s about social displacement. When we move to a new country, we are entering someone else’s home. Being a “Borderless Boss” should mean you have the freedom to work from anywhere, not the right to price people out of everywhere.
“If you come, come to contribute—not just to consume.”
