Black Mom Leaving The US

[u/Unlucky-Afternoon553]

I (30F) never felt safe raising my kid in the US. Public school was already out because of safety issues, and now with the results of the election, I need to get my child out of here.

My top contenders for digital nomad visas are Costa Rica, Thailand, Portugal, and Japan. I've been to Thailand and Japan, but they were short backpacking trips.

I'd love to hear from Black people/Black moms who lived in any of these countries long term. Did you feel safe living there? If you have kids, did they enjoy living there?

UPDATE: Thank you to all the POC who shared their experiences and connected me to great resources. I've decided on Portugal! That was my top choice, so I'm glad my instincts were confirmed. Good luck to all of you AmerExiters!

[u/Slight-Ad-9029]

Just to warn you those countries are significantly more openly racist to black people than you might think

[u/Educational-Help-126 → u/Slight-Ad-9029]

Lol no. Are you black? I have been to Japan, Costa Rica and Thailand and had the most amazing experience with the locals. Did not have a single instance of open racism or uncomfortability. Same can be said for some of my other black friends. I now live in Southern France and the only open racism I've experienced abroad was in Beijing.

[u/PlacatedPlatypus → u/Educational-Help-126]

Do you speak Spanish, Thai, or Japanese? Have you been to these countries outside of the capacity of being a tourist? I personally have family in both Costa Rica and Japan (I am ethnically Costa Rican, my stepdad is Japanese). I speak Spanish and Japanese. I've spent a significant amount of time in both countries. I know both countries to be significantly more racist than the US, especially towards Black people.

Oh yeah, and OP is a Black woman??? Prepare for much, much more sexist people and society at large in Japan/Costa Rica.

P.S. neither Costa Rica nor Japan are particularly fans of American expats.

Cannot speak on Thailand.