Expats vs Immigrants: Ruminating on Travel Ethics & Privileges

Both expats and immigrants contribute to the social fabric and economic vitality of their host countries in diverse ways – but one tends to be seen a lot more favourably than the other.

A farmer on a bicycle herds cattle through the city streets in Granada, Nicaragua (May 2024)

Granada, Nicaragua, is a gem of a city with its vibrant colonial architecture and friendly locals. However, as with much of Latin America and other developing regions, there’s a stark economic disparity.

For very little to me—40 cordobas, or about $1.10 USD/$1.50 CDN—I can hail a taxi across the city, savour an ice-cold beer, or buy two pounds of butternut squash or rice. My neighbour’s freshly baked bread actually costs just 30 cordobas a loaf.