Do You Really Need a US-Based Virtual Assistant?

As a business owner in the US, your first instinct might be to hire a US-based virtual assistant (VA). 

Hiring close by makes a lot of sense—until you find out the costs. US-based VAs charge significantly more than their nearshore or offshore counterparts because of the higher living costs. 

If you’re looking to cut down on expenses while taking advantage of other perks, it might be time to reconsider your options.

In this article, we'll break down what you really need from a VA and why hiring a LatAm virtual assistant might be the smarter move. 

What Do Businesses Look for in a Virtual Assistant?

Instead of bringing on an in-house employee, businesses can outsource time-consuming administrative tasks to a VA. It's a practical way to lighten workloads while saving on overhead costs like salaries and benefits.

But what exactly makes a VA great? Businesses typically look for these key qualities:

• Communication skills: Virtual assistants must be clear and professional in their written and verbal communication, whether they’re responding to emails, handling customer inquiries, or coordinating with teams.
• Reliability: A great VA delivers quality work, meets deadlines, and follows through on commitments. Since the VA operates remotely, businesses need someone they can trust to get things done without constant supervision.
• Efficiency: Virtual assistants juggle multiple tasks, from scheduling meetings to managing data entry. Businesses look for VAs who can prioritize tasks, stay organized, and complete work quickly without compromising quality.
• Adaptability: Business needs evolve, and a skilled VA should be adaptable enough to handle these changes. They may need to learn updated software, adjust to shifting priorities, or handle unexpected challenges.
• Attention to detail: A good virtual assistant is meticulous and strives for accuracy in all tasks performed, including data entry. (Poor data quality costs businesses at least $12.9 million a year.) A virtual assistant with a keen eye for detail will keep things accurate and professional.
• Company culture fit: Even as a remote worker, a VA should align with a company's values and work style. A good cultural fit improves collaboration and communication.

The ideal virtual assistant is well-rounded, capable of handling the technical aspects and working seamlessly with your team. 

Rethinking the Need for a US-Based Virtual Assistant

Many US businesses assume a US-based virtual assistant is the best choice. However, US-based VAs come with their own set of challenges, including time zone differences. Hiring someone on the West Coast when your business is on the East Coast still means a three-hour gap.

Additionally, the demand for skilled US-based VAs and the cost of living in the country drive up their rates, making it difficult to find top talent within your budget. And as you're only hiring within the country, you have a limited talent pool, which might be insufficient for businesses looking for dedicated assistants with more specific expertise.

But with the growing trend of outsourcing to virtual assistants, companies are starting to see that there's a competitive market out there.

LatAm Virtual Assistants: A Game-Changing Alternative

Many major US companies are now considering nearshore hiring—specifically LatAm talent. LatAm VAs provide exceptional value, offering the same skill set and dedication at significantly lower rates than their US counterparts.

Key advantages of hiring LatAm virtual assistants include:

• Cost-efficiency: LatAm virtual assistants offer significant cost savings due to the region's lower cost of living. With LatAm VA salaries often 30–65% lower than in the US, companies can reduce expenses while maintaining high-quality work.
• Time zone alignment: LatAm VAs work within US time zones, allowing for real-time communication. This makes schedule management, project coordination, and email management, including responding to customers, easy.
• Larger talent pool: Businesses gain access to a vast and diverse talent pool with the region's larger workforce. For those looking for specialized skills or multilingual support that might be harder to find within the US alone, this is especially beneficial.
• "Can-do" attitude and strong work ethic: LatAm professionals are known for their dedication and perseverance. They often go the extra mile to deliver quality work and contribute meaningfully to their teams.
• Bilingual skills: Many LatAm VAs are fluent in both English and Spanish. This can be a major advantage for businesses looking to expand their reach into Spanish-speaking markets.

LatAm virtual assistant services offer a compelling alternative for businesses looking to optimize their workforce.

Comparing US-Based and LatAm Virtual Assistants: Key Differences

Below is a straightforward comparison of each option to help you determine which is the better fit for your business.

Your final decision ultimately depends on your priorities. US-based virtual assistants are ideal for businesses that require native English proficiency with no language barriers, deep familiarity with US-specific regulations, or industry expertise tied to the local market.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on skill level, real-time collaboration with minimal time zone differences, and a growing talent pool with a strong work ethic, LatAm VAs are an excellent option.

Addressing Common Concerns When Hiring LatAm VAs

Businesses may have concerns when considering hiring a LatAm virtual assistant. Below are some common concerns and how to address them. 

Language barrier

While Spanish is the primary language in most LatAm countries, many professionals are proficient in English. Countries like Argentina, Costa Rica, and Uruguay score well in global English proficiency rankings. Businesses can also conduct language assessments during hiring to ensure a strong fit.

Cultural differences

While LatAm professionals bring unique cultural perspectives, their work culture aligns closely with the US. Many LatAm VAs are familiar with US business practices and communication styles, making collaboration smooth. Their adaptability and exposure to international clients enable them to seamlessly fit into diverse work environments.

Technical issues or lack of infrastructure

Many businesses worry about internet reliability and technical infrastructure when outsourcing. The best LatAm outsourcing companies often come from the region's major tech hubs, like Mexico City, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires, which typically have strong internet connectivity and modern working environments. Many virtual assistants also invest in backup internet solutions to avoid interruptions in their work. 

Legal considerations

Hiring internationally can seem complex, but many outsourcing agencies simplify the process by handling contracts, tax compliance, and local labor laws. Businesses can work with reputable outsourcing firms to streamline the hiring process. These agencies also provide ongoing support, from recruiting to managing employees long-term.

Where to Hire Competent LatAm VAs

The best companies to hire LatAm VAs should offer flexibility in their services, have a thorough vetting and hiring process, offer ongoing training and development programs, and encourage client feedback. These build a strong working partnership.

In no particular order, here are some of the top companies for hiring skilled LatAm virtual assistants. Our list includes a mix of firms that specialize in connecting businesses with LatAm VAs, as well as companies that source qualified LatAm talent as part of their broader recruiting services.

1. Near

Near connects businesses with top LatAm talent, including virtual assistants offering high-quality administrative and specialized support. We customize recruitment solutions to match your needs, from junior VAs to those with over seven years experience who can fill managerial positions, ensuring a smooth hiring experience and direct collaboration with skilled professionals.

Key features

• Focus: A 360 degree solution to find, hire, onboard, pay, and retain top LatAm talent
• Services: End-to-end recruitment and team scaling for long-term success
• Pricing: Monthly fee per hire with flexible engagement models, no upfront fees, and transparent pricing plans

Client review: "The time savings and quality of candidates have been outstanding. Communication was also seamless, making it easy to work with Near." - Tawnya Morse, Client Services Manager at Conversion Logix

2. Virtual Latinos

With Virtual Latinos, business owners and entrepreneurs can hire both full-time and part-time LatAm virtual assistants. Its pre-vetted professionals specialize in administrative support, sales, marketing, social media management, and more. Recognized for its excellence, Virtual Latinos secured a top 80 spot on the Inc. 5000 2023 list, which is a testament to its growth.

Key features

• Focus: "Done-for-you" personalized service to match businesses with top LatAm talent
• Pricing: Hourly rates based on role, starting at $10 per hour for entry-level VAs 
• Industries: Tech and software, marketing agencies, entrepreneurs, non-profits, retailers and wholesalers, medical and healthcare

Client review: "The assistant I work with through Virtual Latinos is invaluable! She saves me so much time and keeps me organized! Hiring through VL was easy and quick. Highly recommended!" - Josette K., Attorney at Law  (via company website)

3. Uassist.ME

Uassist.ME (UAM) has been operating since 2009, with offices in El Salvador and the US. Its award-winning, fully bilingual team specializes in business operations, marketing, finance, design, sales, and customer service. UAM serves over 10 industries, including legal, healthcare, IT, and real estate and helps businesses optimize and scale efficiently.

Key features

• Focus: Outsourced business services and virtual assistance
• Pricing: Fixed monthly pricing based on role and requirements, with a seven-day money-back guarantee
• Specialization breakdown: Expertise across back-office outsourcing (50%), customer service (30%), call centers (10%), and sales (10%) (via Clutch)

Client review: "We're confident that our organizational procedures are managed well when we delegate tasks to their team." - J. James, CEO and founder of Ignited Results (via Clutch)

4. 20four7VA

Since 2013, 20four7VA has been offering businesses access to skilled virtual assistants from around the world, including LatAm. Specializing in a wide range of services, it assists industries such as e-commerce, real estate, construction, and telehealth. Recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years, 20four7VA has supported over 3,000 clients across six continents.

Key features

• Focus: Remote staffing solutions with access to global talent, including LatAm professionals
• Pricing: Hourly billing model based on experience level, with pricing starting at $866/month for a full-time entry-level VA
• Industries: E-commerce, construction, podcasts, telehealth, real estate

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 491 reviews on Trustpilot

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a LatAm and US-based virtual assistant comes down to your business needs, budget, and priorities. US-based VAs provide native English fluency and are ideal for businesses requiring a high degree of US market knowledge.

However, if cost-efficiency and access to a larger talent pool are your main priorities, LatAm virtual assistants offer a competitive advantage.

At Near, we know that LatAm VAs bring high-level expertise. We specialize in connecting businesses with top talent from the region, offering a fast, personalized, and comprehensive hiring process.

Let us help you build a high-performing remote team. Book a free consultation call today and discover how nearshore hiring can supercharge your team with top performers while unlocking major cost savings.