Anti-American Sentiment in Mexico and Latin America
Real or Overblown?
I’ll be honest: I don’t think the backlash against Americans in Latin America is as bad as some claim. But let’s talk about it anyway.
Every few months, Twitter and TikTok explode with posts claiming that locals in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil “hate” Americans, that digital nomads are ruining entire neighborhoods, or that U.S. expats are no longer welcome. These posts go viral, and if you don’t actually live in Latin America, it’s easy to assume that resentment is widespread.
But if you do live here, you’ll see a much more nuanced reality. Some locals are frustrated, sure. But for every viral rant, there are thousands of locals who either don’t care or see the economic benefits of having foreigners in their country. Many are happy to do business with expats, make friends, and even appreciate the cultural exchange.
At the same time, this isn’t 2005 anymore. Americans used to be an uncommon sight in most Latin American cities, but today, digital nomads and retirees are moving here in record numbers. That’s led to new economic tensions, cultural clashes, and political debates about the long-term effects of so many foreigners relocating.
So, what’s really going on? What’s my take? Here’s what I want to talk about.
Where anti-American sentiment is actually growing and why.
Which cities and countries in Latin America are experiencing real tensions vs. just online noise.
The biggest mistakes expats make that fuel resentment.
How you can avoid backlash and be genuinely welcomed in Latin America.
If you’re an expat, tourist—or planning to move here—this is one conversation you can’t ignore.
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Why Latin America Has a Love-Hate Relationship with the U.S.
To understand today’s attitudes toward Americans, you need some historical context.
For over a century, the U.S. has been involved in Latin America—politically, economically, and militarily. Some of this influence has been positive, but a lot of it has been controversial:
U.S. military interventions (Cuba, Panama, Nicaragua, Chile, etc.) created resentment toward American interference.
Economic policies like NAFTA reshaped Mexican industries, benefiting the U.S. while leaving some Mexican workers behind.
Cold War-era CIA operations overthrew multiple Latin American governments.
Many Latin Americans don’t hold personal grudges, but they do have a awareness of U.S. influence in their countries. This can make some people skeptical of expats who arrive with little knowledge of local history or politics.
1990s-2000s: Expats were mostly retirees, backpackers, and off-the-grid types looking for adventure.
2010s: Digital nomads began arriving, but the numbers were still small.
2020s-Present: A surge of remote workers and economic migrants from the U.S. is changing the cultural and economic balance in cities across Latin America. Accelerated by the Pandemic.
This new wave of expats—often younger, tech-savvy, and earning in USD—has drawn far more attention than previous generations.
Where Is Anti-American Sentiment Actually Growing?
Social Media vs. Reality
Social media amplifies complaints, but that doesn’t mean the average Latin American dislikes Americans.
What’s actually happening?
Most Latin Americans don’t hate Americans. They’re either indifferent or see economic benefits.
A small but vocal minority (usually younger, middle-class locals in major cities) is more critical, often focusing on rent prices, wages, and cultural clashes.
A local frustrated about gentrification in Mexico City might still be friendly toward foreigners in daily life, but get online and join in the group think.
Countries and Cities That Welcome vs. Resent Expats
Some of these places overlap, but I’m going to explain why.
Most welcoming countries for expats and tourist:
Mexico – There are large expat communities in many cities, and locals are generally friendly.
Colombia – Despite some complaints about gentrification in Medellín, Colombians are still largely welcoming.
Argentina – Buenos Aires has always had a foreign presence, and expats are often embraced.
Places experiencing more tension:
Brazil – Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have growing frustrations about rising rent prices due to foreign interest in certain neighborhoods.
Mexico – Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Tulum are hotspots for complaints about digital nomads pushing out locals. Even though things are still friendly for the most part, Those city have had massive influxes of tourist and expats and a vocal group is going against it.
Colombia - Medellin mostly. Simply because the Passport bro and sex tourist industries have kicked off big in those areas, you have way more people coming to play and not to live.
Peru & Ecuador – Smaller economies where economic inequality can make large foreign communities more noticeable and controversial. Right now, these places are more off the map, but they see what's happening in another part of Latin America, and I can foresee some issues popping up.
*In general, you are OK in these areas, assuming you have a bit of culture understanding, follow some rules, and don’t cause trouble
What Latin Americans Are Actually Complaining About?
Rent Prices & Gentrification
Expats paying in USD outprice locals in popular areas. * In my opinion, this is not really an issue with Americans. These issues need to be addressed with local landlords who price gouge.
Landlords prefer foreign tenants over locals. * In some areas, landlords feel Mexican nationals are less respectful of property than foreigners. It also extend to the service industry. I’ve seen and heard many cases of restaurants and businesses catering more to foreigners, assuming they cause fewer problems and tip more.
Cultural Disrespect & Lack of Integration
Expats living in English-speaking bubbles instead of integrating. * Some locals feel like ex-pats are disrespecting them for not integrating. This is a valid concern. If foreigners come to your country, you would expect them to learn the language. Even if it doesn't bother people, locals feel more comfort with non-native Spanish speakers.
Complaints about Americans acting entitled or demanding U.S.-style service. * Frankly, I’ve heard these concerns and think that Latin America often has very bad service instead of being upset that people request better service, just create better service.
Are Americans & Europeans Are Perceived Differently
European expats often don’t receive the same level of criticism as Americans. Why?
Many Europeans are multilingual and adapt more quickly to local languages.
Historical context: Latin America has more resentment toward U.S. policies than European colonial legacies.
Europeans tend to travel in smaller numbers compared to the influx of Americans in recent years.
How Expats Can Navigate These Changes
1. Actually Integrate, Don’t Just “Live Here”
Learning even basic Spanish or Portuguese improves interactions.
Make local friends—don’t just stick to expat groups.
2. Be Aware of Gentrification & Where You Live
I am not saying apologize; that would be ridiculous. Just be aware of your surroundings and try not to commit faux pauses.
Some examples are - Don’t brag about how cheap everything is. Yes, things are cheap, but often not for locals. Just enjoy the prices, but don’t rub it in people’s faces.
3. Keep Political Views & U.S. Exceptionalism to Yourself
Understand that many locals have strong national pride. Even if you have significant problems and concerns, leave those conversations to friends. * Part of Latin American culture is to be friendly and nonconfrontational to save face and not cause trouble. You might think a person is on your side because they are friendly, but they might have some animosity. Unfortunately, some people are easily triggered, and without understanding or caring to understand your viewpoints or concerns, they might take what you say negatively and create an excuse in their head to be upset.
In the end…Is there some anti-American sentiment in Latin America? Yes.
Is it as bad as social media claims? No.
Most Latin Americans are indifferent or welcoming, but certain expat behaviors fuel resentment. By learning the language, integrating into local culture, and being mindful of economic effects, expats can easily avoid becoming part of the problem.
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I really appreciate this post! Merida in Mexico was a wonderful place for expats and locals alike!
overblown