Salvador, Brazil

Capital City

Forget the tourist brochures - Salvador's population of 2.4 million makes it a sprawling, chaotic hub that can be a headache to navigate. With a metro system still under construction and rampant gun violence that's nearly quadrupled in a decade, getting around safely is a persistent challenge. And while the African-influenced cuisine and colorful colonial architecture are undeniably alluring, the relentless bureaucracy and heavy tax burden are enough to wear down even the most resilient expat. Salvador is best suited for those with a high tolerance for urban chaos and a penchant for immersing themselves in the city's vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.