Let’s face it! Things aren’t exactly headed in the right direction. Between civil unrest, economic instability, digital surveillance, and political overreach, it’s not crazy anymore to consider having a Plan B outside U.S. borders. You wouldn’t be the first to think: “If it all goes sideways, where do I go?” That’s where bug-out countries come in.
You’re not looking for luxury or tourist traps. You want safety, sustainability, freedom, and affordability. Below are five countries that have historically offered just that. They’re off the radar (for now), not overrun with expats, and still offer a fighting chance to build a self-reliant life if it comes down to it.
1. Paraguay – The Hidden Gem of South America
Paraguay is one of the most overlooked havens for preppers. It’s landlocked, low-profile, and not on anyone’s top 10 list—which is a good thing. You can buy land cheaply, especially in rural areas, and the government doesn’t harass small landowners or self-sufficient families. There’s a thriving community of people living off-grid, and the climate allows for year-round gardening.
Electricity and internet are available, but so are wild rivers, fertile soil, and space to disappear. Plus, Paraguay offers permanent residency relatively easily compared to other countries. Want to raise chickens, grow your own food, and never talk to a bureaucrat again? Paraguay may be your spot.
2. Panama – Infrastructure + Anonymity
Panama offers a rare balance: decent infrastructure and the ability to live quietly. With U.S. dollar-based currency and a friendly visa program (especially the “Friendly Nations” visa), it’s not hard to set up shop. You can go fully rural in the interior, where costs drop and government oversight is limited, or choose a low-key mountain town with strong prepper potential.
Off-grid living is doable, firearms are accessible (with some patience), and the legal system isn’t overly intrusive. Plus, if you need to bug out fast, Panama’s position as a global transit hub means flights, boats, and land exits are always options.
3. Dominica – Caribbean Jungle Retreat
This isn’t the Dominican Republic. Dominica is a rugged, volcanic island in the Lesser Antilles, often called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean.” It’s heavily forested, sparsely populated, and not a top tourist target—which is exactly why it belongs on this list. And you can easily obtain Caribbean citizenship by investment.
Related: 11 Items You Shouldn’t Have in your Bug-Out Bag
What makes Dominica ideal? You can disappear into the jungle here and live off the land. Rainwater is abundant, crops grow like crazy, and fishing is reliable. It’s also one of the few places where you can still build a simple home without battling 12 government agencies and 30 zoning laws. If you want isolation, water, and a climate that lets you grow year-round, Dominica is a solid bet. And the people? Proud, independent, and used to living with less.
4. Georgia (The Country) – Rugged Freedom
Not to be confused with the U.S. state, the country of Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia—and it might just be the best kept secret in the prepper world. Why? Low taxes, few regulations, mountains for miles, and a culture built around hospitality and self-reliance.
Foreigners can own land, grow their own food, and live quietly without raising red flags. You can buy a chunk of farmland for a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S., and many locals still live like it’s 1920—in a good way. Wood stoves, sheep herding, and barter markets are all normal here. If you’re after a simple, rugged life far from global chaos, Georgia deserves a hard look.
5. Portugal – Off-Grid Potential with EU Access
Portugal might seem too polished to make a list like this, but rural Portugal is a different beast. In the countryside, you can still find stone cottages on acres of land for surprisingly little money. Off-grid living is common, rainwater harvesting is legal, and the climate is ideal for growing most crops.
Why include Portugal? Because it’s one of the few European countries where you can blend in, get residency fairly easily (with a D7 or golden visa), and go off-grid without constant government pushback. Firearms laws are stricter than in the U.S., but if your plan is to escape the collapse, not fight it, Portugal gives you breathing room in a stable (but not overly aggressive) state.
Final Thoughts
Bugging out to another country isn’t about giving up—it’s about outlasting the collapse, and living to rebuild on your own terms. The countries above offer low-profile, sustainable, and practical options for long-term survival and independence.
If the worst happens, don’t be the one who waited too long to act. Do your research, start small—maybe with a scouting trip—and figure out your escape route before you need it.
Because if you’re planning to survive the storm… sometimes it means knowing when—and where—to walk away.
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