Philippines or Latin America? Where To Hire Your Next Virtual Assistant

Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) is a smart move for businesses looking to streamline operations. Whether you need help with administrative tasks, customer support, or other specialized roles, a VA can free up your time and boost productivity while saving on costs compared to hiring in-house.

The Philippines and Latin America (LatAm) are two popular destinations for outsourcing virtual staff. While the Philippines has long been a trusted choice, LatAm is quickly becoming a fresh alternative.

But which location is right for you? Each has its strengths, and your choice can impact your workflow and results.

This article breaks down the key differences between hiring in these areas. Plus, we'll share some of the best virtual assistant companies in the Philippines and LatAm so you can start off on the right foot. 

Why the Philippines Has Traditionally Been a Top Choice for Virtual Assistant Services

The Philippines has long been one of the top countries for hiring virtual assistants. One of its biggest advantages is widespread English proficiency—a must-have asset for VAs hired by US-based companies and busy entrepreneurs. The Philippines is ranked as the second-best English-speaking country in Asia and is among the top 20 worldwide.

Many Filipinos have extensive experience working with international clients, making them adaptable to different work environments. Additionally, the lower cost of living in the Philippines allows businesses to work with skilled professionals at competitive rates.

LatAm Virtual Assistants: A Rising Competitor in the Global VA Market

The LatAm region has become an emerging hotspot for virtual assistant services. The region is gaining ground due to its unique advantages, one of which is its time zone compatibility with the US.

LatAm VAs can work during hours similar to those of US businesses, making real-time collaboration seamless. They can join live meetings, respond promptly to emails, and work in sync with their teams.

Despite Spanish being the dominant language in LatAm, data shows that Argentina boasts high English proficiency, with countries like Honduras, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Bolivia following closely behind.

Philippines vs. LatAm: Comparing Key Factors for Hiring Virtual Assistants

Both the Philippines and LatAm are strong contenders in the virtual assistant market, but they offer different advantages. Understanding the key factors that differentiate these two locations will help you determine which is better for your company. Let's take a closer look.

Pricing

Due to the lower costs of living in the Philippines and LatAm as compared to in the US, the rates for virtual assistants in these areas are lower than in other parts of the world. For example, an administrative assistant in the Philippines earns an average annual salary of $13,070.

According to our salary guide, the salary for the same role in the Latin American region is around $21,000. Both salaries are significantly lower than the US average of $51,500. These savings allow businesses to scale efficiently without overextending their resources. 

Time zone compatibility

The Philippines operates in a time zone 12–13 hours ahead of the US, making it ideal for round-the-clock operations. US-based businesses can assign tasks at the end of the day and receive completed work by morning.

In contrast, LatAm has a 0–3 hour time difference from the US. Teams can work on tasks and communicate in real time, which is especially important for high-priority projects. This level of flexibility makes LatAm a great option for businesses needing instant responsiveness.

Language skills

Effective communication is essential when working with a VA. English proficiency is deeply ingrained in Philippine culture because of US colonial influence in the early 1900s, which has made English one of its official languages.

In LatAm, Spanish and Portuguese are dominant, but English proficiency is rising in all business sectors. Most LatAm VAs can communicate with international teams without a hitch, with the added benefit of bilingual Spanish-English support if desired.

Cultural alignment

There are many cultural similarities between both locations and the US, but there are also many differences. 

The Philippines has strong cultural ties to the US, with a work culture that highly respects hierarchy. Because of this, virtual staff may hesitate to challenge authority or voice disagreements openly. Businesses working with Filipino VAs should clearly state expectations and provide detailed instructions to align with this cultural norm.

LatAm VAs share the strong work ethic of US-based businesses and can meet expectations seamlessly. However, communication styles in LatAm tend to differ from the US's more direct communication style, so businesses should be mindful of potential misunderstandings.

Areas of expertise

Filipino VAs excel at overnight monitoring, technical support, process-driven tasks, and detailed research. Their strong English proficiency makes them ideal for communication-heavy roles.

Meanwhile, LatAm virtual assistants are well-suited for real-time customer support, creative and marketing tasks, sales follow-ups, translation services, market research, and data entry. Their bilingual skills and cultural understanding allow them to effectively serve international clients.

Technology and infrastructure

The Philippines has a well-developed IT infrastructure, with high-speed internet, a reliable power supply, and modern facilities in major hubs like Manila and Cebu. These resources make it an ideal outsourcing destination for VAs handling customer service, software support, and data management.

LatAm has also invested heavily in its tech industry. Countries like Brazil and Mexico are producing a growing number of STEM graduates, fueling the region's software industry. Many VAs in LatAm work with software development teams, handling tasks such as project management and technical documentation. 

Which Location Is Right for You?

Choosing between the Philippines and LatAm depends on how your business operates and what you prioritize. If significant cost savings and 24/7 operations are essential, the Philippines is an excellent choice. Its time zone difference allows work to continue overnight, enabling tasks to be completed while you sleep.

On the other hand, if a balance of cost savings, real-time collaboration, bilingual support, and access to a larger pool of diverse professionals is more valuable, LatAm may be the better fit. There are minimal to no time zone differences, making it easy for LatAm VAs to work alongside your team during business hours. 

Top VA Companies in the Philippines and LatAm to Consider

Picking a reputable provider means you can connect with highly skilled professionals matched to your business needs.

In no particular order, here are some of the top companies for helping businesses find virtual assistants in the Philippines and/or LatAm. Our selection includes companies that specialize in sourcing VA professionals, as well as recruitment firms with extensive experience in finding expert VAs as part of their broader recruitment and hiring services.

1. Near

Near connects businesses with the best talent across the LatAm region, including high-quality VAs for administrative and specialized support. Our personal and comprehensive approach to hiring allows businesses to work directly with the seasoned professionals they need, enhancing team dynamics and operational efficiency.

Key features

• Focus: Specializes in hiring LatAm-based talent for diverse business needs
• Services: End-to-end recruitment and team scaling solutions
• Pricing: Monthly fee per hire depending on experience, with transparent pricing and no upfront fees

Client review: "We hired 20 team members who share our core values: great attitude and desire to learn, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Near's team was very responsive, and their easy-going communication fostered a seamless hiring process." - Seema Chacko, CFO at CyberFortress

2. VirtualStaff.ph

Philippines-based VirtualStaff.ph is an online hiring platform that helps businesses hire skilled Filipino virtual assistants. With over one million members, the company is known for simplifying the remote hiring process and is trusted by over 10,000 companies globally, including big names like Shopify, Etsy, and Sage.

Key features

• Focus: Hiring platform connecting businesses with top Filipino talent
• Engagement models: Hire full-time or part-time professionals or hire a full-service team
• Pricing: Monthly and annual billing for its DIY hiring and team management platform or customized rates for a full-service team hiring based on needs and project scope

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 566 reviews on Trustpilot

3. Somewhere

Operating for over four years, Somewhere specializes in connecting businesses with professionals from LatAm, the Philippines, and South Africa. As a headhunting agency, it finds, screens, and vets top remote talent on behalf of clients, giving companies access to a large pool of VAs without the traditional recruitment hassle. 

Key features

• Team composition: 170+ team members across the Philippines, LatAm, and South Africa
• Pricing: One-time flat fee based on role and experience, with no hidden fees or ongoing charges, and a six-month "Perfect Hire Guarantee"
• Industries: Agency businesses, e-commerce, tech startups, real estate, media, professional services, and service businesses

Client review: "We were most impressed by the high quality of the candidates presented to us. We've been able to get wonderful talent to support our team." - Kaitlyn Witman, Co-founder of Rainfactory (via company website)

4. Virtual Latinos

Virtual Latinos connects businesses with handpicked remote LatAm specialists. Specializing in part-time and full-time virtual assistants, its team handles a range of services, including administrative tasks such as email management, sales, marketing, and social media management. Virtual Latinos secured a top 80 spot on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list, showcasing its impressive growth trajectory. 

Key features

• Focus: Personalized "Done for You" service connecting businesses with leading LatAm talent
• Pricing: Hourly rates based on role and requirements, billed bi-weekly after work is completed, or prepayments for 2-4 weeks
• Industries: Tech and software, marketing agencies, entrepreneurs, non-profits, retailers and wholesalers, medical and healthcare

Client review: "I highly recommend. The quality, attention to detail, and professionalism is exceptionally high. I've been very impressed especially with their process of finding out my needs, finding the best candidate, and giving me ideas and resources on how to better manage my new marketing colleague." - Scott L., Law and attorney (via company website)

5. MyOutDesk

Founded in 2008, MyOutDesk is a virtual staffing company offering businesses access to highly skilled remote professionals, primarily virtual assistants from the Philippines. Specializing in administrative, sales, and customer service tasks, the company serves over 8,500 clients globally. MyOutDesk has been recognized as TechRadar's top virtual assistant service.

Key features

• Pricing: Typically starts at a flat monthly fee of $1,988 per month for a VA
• Industries: E-commerce, finance, property management, healthcare, HR, insurance, real estate, tech
• Specialization breakdown: Back office outsourcing (30%), customer service outsourcing (30%), sales outsourcing (25%), finance and accounting outsourcing (15%) (via Clutch)

Client review: "The assistant is now a vital part of our company after only a few short months." - Jeremy Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Kaizen Accommodations (via Clutch)

6. TECLA

TECLA connects US companies with skilled, bilingual nearshore virtual assistants trusted by major companies like Mercedes-Benz, Major League Soccer, Drift, HomeLight, and Article. Its virtual assistants come from a network of 18 countries in LatAm in hubs like Peru, Mexico, and Brazil.

Key features

• Focus: Streamlines the hiring process, helping you find top virtual assistants in as little as seven days
• Engagement models: Staff augmentation, nearshore teams, software development, and software outsourcing
• Specialization breakdown: IT staff augmentation (50%), staffing (30%), custom software development (10%), web development (10%) (via Clutch)

Client review: "The fact that TECLA put us in front of really high-quality and fitting candidates almost immediately was outstanding." - Jessica Holton, CEO and Co-Founder of Ours Wellness (via Clutch)

7. Pepper VA

Established in 2009 and based in Manila, Philippines, Pepper VA provides virtual assistant services, including web design and development, administrative tasks, marketing, and customer service. With a well-equipped office-based operation and an all-encompassing support system, you can work closely with a team tailored to your specific needs.

Key features

• Focus: A wide range of virtual assistant services from skilled Filipino talent
• Pricing: VA services range from $600 to $1,950 per month, with part-time and full-time options available
• Industries: E-commerce, finance, marketing, real estate, small business

Client review: "I have been nothing but pleased with the company, and especially my personal VA. […] The quality of Pepper's work has far surpassed my expectations. I would recommend them without question to anyone looking for a virtual assistant." - Kristen Luke, Marketing consultant for independent financial advisors, wealth management marketing (via company website)

8. There Is Talent

There Is Talent specializes in customized virtual assistance and outsourcing services for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs in the US. With over 10,000 tasks completed monthly, the platform connects businesses with highly skilled LatAm virtual assistants across various industries, such as accounting, sales, customer service, and marketing, simplifying the recruitment process.

Key features

• Focus: Matches businesses with the right LatAm VA within 3-4 working days
• Talent verification: Extensive vetting process with 3-4 interviews and detailed skill revisions, selecting only 0.5% of applicants from over 17,000 interviewed
• Pricing: Virtual assistant rates range from 40 hours/month for $599 monthly, 80 hours/month for $899 monthly, and 40 hours/week for $1,699 monthly

Client review: "After trying several platforms to find the right executive assistant, we discovered Claudia and There Is Talent. They matched us with Lauren, our ideal executive assistant, and I couldn't be happier! The candidates were impressive, and the service exceeded our expectations—I’m grateful we found the perfect fit for our team." - Yadim Medore, Founder and CEO of Pure Branding (via company website)

9. Athena Assistants

Athena Assistants connects clients with assistants from the Philippines who are trained in advanced delegation practices to optimize productivity. Focusing on helping clients achieve their professional and personal goals in a tiered delegation system, Athena serves as a "matchmaker" for top-tier assistants.

Key features

• Focus: Connecting businesses with elite Filipino VAs with a four-week boot camp tailored to each business's specific needs
• Pricing: Full-time, dedicated Athena Assistant available for $3,000/month, working within your time zone
• Talent verification: Only 1% of applicants pass Athena's rigorous recruitment process. Candidates are vetted based on personality, as well as cognitive and English tests followed by immersive training in real-world tasks such as travel, inbox, and calendar management.

Client review: "As Governor of Kansas, I was fortunate to have an amazing personal team supporting me. When I reentered private life, I was lucky to find Athena. My Athena EA is talented, discreet, and an amazing value." - Jeff Colyer, Former Governor of Kansas (via company website)

10. Pearl Talent

Through a unique network of university professors to identify highly skilled candidates, Pearl Talent sources top-tier professionals from the Philippines, LatAm, and South Africa. Its talent pool spans multiple industries, and its vetting process is said to be aggressive.

Key features

• Pricing: Managed services for $3,000/month for full-service VA solutions or Direct Placement with a monthly fee per hire based on role
• Industries: Agencies, e-commerce, executive coaching, healthcare, law firms, private equity, real estate, startups, venture capital
• Talent verification: Out of 200,000+ interviews, only the top 1% of applicants pass Pearl Talent’s rigorous testing for attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Client review: "Working with Pearl has been a fantastic experience! They helped us hire a candidate who’s not just very intelligent but also kind and professional. She’s taken initiative and embodies a growth mindset, which we truly appreciate." - Anjie Liu, Founder of Kiwi Biosciences (via company website)

Final Thoughts

The top virtual assistant companies in the Philippines and LatAm all have something to offer, but the better choice comes down to your priorities—whether it's cost savings, 24/7 coverage, or real-time communication with a closer cultural fit.

At Near, we understand the immense potential of LatAm talent. Our commitment goes beyond just connecting you with VAs—we ensure a fast, tailored, and comprehensive hiring process.

Fill out this form to receive a list of pre-vetted candidates. Get handpicked professionals for any role and experience with the quality of talent and cost savings LatAm has to offer. With our help, you can interview and hire in under 21 days.