Best Countries for Americans by Connectivity (2026)

Frequently asked questions

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  What does "Connectivity" measure in the 2026 Expat Almanac?

  Connectivity blends two things: how easy it is to get back to the US on a direct or one-stop flight (route count, frequency, price stability), and whether the country's broadband makes remote work and video calls to the US practical. The two together determine how connected an American life abroad feels day to day.

• Which countries have the best flight connectivity to the US?

  The UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain lead Europe for US nonstops. Portugal has climbed meaningfully over the past decade thanks to TAP. Japan, South Korea, the UAE, Australia, and Singapore lead Asia-Pacific. Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and every Caribbean CBI country have strong US flight networks by nature of proximity.

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  How important is direct-flight connectivity in an expat decision?

  It depends on family shape and travel habits. If you have grandchildren or elderly parents in the US, direct-flight access changes real behavior; you go home more, you get back for emergencies faster. If your US ties are minimal, connectivity matters less. Retirees who trade Colorado for Uruguay accept a two-connection travel day as the price of admission. Working professionals often can't.

• Which Caribbean CBI countries have the best US connectivity?

  Antigua & Barbuda has daily American Airlines nonstops to Miami and JFK. St Kitts & Nevis has direct US routes via American and JetBlue. Grenada has direct JetBlue and American service to New York and Miami. Dominica has limited direct US connectivity and requires a connection through Barbados or Miami. St Lucia has daily service from major US East Coast hubs.

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  Do you need a hub city to have good connectivity?

  Yes and no. Countries with a genuine hub airport (LHR, CDG, FRA, AMS, DXB, SIN, ICN) offer the best flight options by definition. Portugal, Ireland, and Iceland each punch above their weight thanks to national carriers who use them as gateways. Broadband connectivity is separate; that follows the country's overall infrastructure investment, not its aviation sector.

• Which Latin American countries have the best connectivity to the US?

  Mexico by proximity: dozens of daily US nonstops from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancun, and Los Cabos. Panama City is the regional hub for the Americas thanks to Copa Airlines. Costa Rica and Colombia have strong direct US networks. Argentina and Chile have long-haul nonstops from Miami and Houston but are effectively a full travel day from either coast of the US.