Pontal, Brazil

With a population of just 22,805, Pontal is a sleepy backwater in the heart of Brazil's São Paulo state. The city's isolation comes with a heavy bureaucratic burden, as residents must navigate a patchwork of telecom providers and internet options. And at an elevation of 515 meters, the climate can be chilly and damp, a far cry from the tropical paradise many foreigners envision.

Overall, Pontal offers little to entice the average expat. The city's remote location and administrative headaches make it better suited for hardy locals than globe-trotting adventurers. Those seeking an authentic, low-key slice of Brazilian life may find a home here, but most would be wise to look elsewhere.