Is $30 a day realistic for the whole continent?

It is realistic for the Andean region (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia). It is impossible in Patagonia or major cities like Rio de Janeiro without sacrificing basic safety and sleep.

How do I handle money without losing it to fees?

Use a debit card that refunds ATM fees. Withdraw large amounts at once to minimize per-transaction charges, and keep your cash split between your wallet, your backpack, and a hidden money belt.

Can I drink alcohol on this budget?

Only if you buy beer at grocery stores and drink it at your hostel. Buying rounds of drinks at tourist bars will destroy your $30/day budget in one night.

Backpacking South America on $30 a Day

To survive on $30 a day, stick to bus travel between countries, cook 70% of your meals in hostel kitchens, and prioritize countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. You must avoid domestic flights, expensive guided tours, and nightly alcohol to keep your daily average within this limit.

Choose the right countries. Focus your route on Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. These countries offer the lowest cost of living for travelers. Avoid Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, where your $30 will barely cover a bed and one meal.
Sleep in hostel dorms. Book 8-12 bed dorms via apps like Hostelworld, but pay in cash at the front desk to avoid booking fee markups. Target hostels costing between $7 and $10 per night.
Eat at local markets. Skip tourist restaurants. Eat 'menu del dia' lunches at local markets for $2-$3. For breakfast and dinner, buy eggs, bread, pasta, and fruit from local grocery stores and cook in the hostel kitchen.
Travel exclusively by bus. Use overnight buses for long-haul journeys. This saves you one night of accommodation costs while getting you to your next destination. Always negotiate bus fares at the terminal rather than buying online.
Limit paid excursions. Skip the expensive guided treks if you can hike the trail independently. Use free walking tours (tip $2-$3) and public transit instead of organized shuttle services.

Is $30 a day realistic for the whole continent?: It is realistic for the Andean region (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia). It is impossible in Patagonia or major cities like Rio de Janeiro without sacrificing basic safety and sleep.
How do I handle money without losing it to fees?: Use a debit card that refunds ATM fees. Withdraw large amounts at once to minimize per-transaction charges, and keep your cash split between your wallet, your backpack, and a hidden money belt.
Can I drink alcohol on this budget?: Only if you buy beer at grocery stores and drink it at your hostel. Buying rounds of drinks at tourist bars will destroy your $30/day budget in one night.