Virtual assistants (VAs) have become an essential part of scaling modern businesses, from startups to enterprise teams. They save time, increase efficiency, and help business owners focus on strategic growth.
But one question keeps popping up:
Where should I hire my virtual assistant from—South America or the Philippines?
While the Philippines has historically been a hub for virtual assistance, more and more companies are shifting their sights to South America—and for good reason.
Here’s a deep dive into why hiring virtual assistants from South America is often the smarter choice for U.S.-based businesses.
Q: Are South American virtual assistants more educated than those from the Philippines?
A: Yes. South America has a significantly higher rate of college-educated adults, which translates to more qualified virtual assistants.
Let’s talk numbers:
What does this mean for you as a business owner?
A more educated VA brings:
If you’re looking for more than just data entry—like marketing support, project coordination, customer success, or executive assistance—South America is a goldmine of highly educated talent.
Q: Does time zone matter when hiring a virtual assistant?
A: Absolutely. If you want real-time communication, fast turnarounds, and fewer delays, time zone alignment is critical.
Here’s the reality:
This means:
✅ You don’t have to wait overnight for tasks to be completed
✅ You can hop on Zoom or Slack at any point during your own workday
✅ Your VA can participate in team meetings and client calls without awkward scheduling
If collaboration, responsiveness, and speed are important to your operations, South American VAs give you a competitive edge.
Q: Why is cultural alignment important when hiring a virtual assistant?
A: Cultural alignment leads to smoother communication, better client interactions, and a stronger professional fit.
South American culture is heavily influenced by the United States through:
Compare that to the Philippines, where English is widely spoken, but the cultural reference points can be quite different—and that affects tone, formality, and how well your VA can “read the room” in U.S.-based interactions.
When your VA is speaking to clients, writing emails, or working alongside your team, a shared cultural context makes things more natural and personable.
That results in:
✅ Fewer misunderstandings
✅ A smoother customer experience
✅ A VA who “gets it” without needing as much explanation
While Filipino VAs are often praised for their English fluency, many South American VAs are bilingual or even multilingual, especially in Spanish and Portuguese.
This opens up exciting opportunities for:
Hiring from South America doesn’t just help your team today—it positions you for international growth tomorrow.
The global VA landscape is changing, and South America is quickly becoming the top choice for serious U.S. businesses that value quality, reliability, and real-time collaboration.
Let’s recap:
✅ Higher Education
South American VAs are more likely to hold college degrees—bringing more skills and strategic value to your team.
✅ Better Time Zones
Collaborate live, get things done faster, and stop scheduling meetings at 10 p.m.
✅ Stronger Cultural Fit
For customer-facing roles or client communication, cultural awareness makes a huge difference.
Q: Is South America better than the Philippines for hiring virtual assistants?
A: Yes. South American VAs tend to be more educated, share U.S. time zones, and are more culturally aligned—making them more efficient and effective for U.S.-based businesses.
Q: What countries in South America are best for hiring VAs?
A: Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico are top choices. They have large talent pools, high education levels, and strong English proficiency.
Q: Are South American VAs more expensive than Filipino VAs?
A: Not necessarily. While rates may be slightly higher on average, the productivity, skill level, and live collaboration often deliver better ROI.
Q: How do I find a great South American virtual assistant?
A: Start by partnering with a service that specializes in Latin American talent—like Remote Leverage. We pre-vet, train, and match you with world-class VAs tailored to your business needs.
If you’re serious about growing your business with real, reliable virtual support—it’s time to look south.
🔗 Visit RemoteLeverage.com and let us match you with your perfect virtual assistant from South America.
