Digital Nomad Life in Chile

"Expats in Chile often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, hiking clubs, and wine tasting clubs. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Chile. Finally, expats can meet people by simply exploring the local area and striking up conversations with locals," explained one person living in Chile.

"Finding other expats here in Santiago is not very difficult at all really. Just take a stroll down Isidora Goyenechea or El Bosque and you´ll feel as though you found a street somewhere in the U.S. On one side of Isidora you have Bennigan's and directly across from that you find Starbucks's, Ruby Tuesday's and Hooter's. If you walk down the street just a bit farther you will come across TGI Friday's as well. In any of these places (especially at Bennigan's and Starbucks) you will find PLENTY of expats. You can also find, in the same area on Roger de Flor, a place called Cafe Melba which is run by a woman from New Zealand and caters specifically to the expat, English-speaking community. Not too far from there is the NY Bagel. There is certainly no shortage of places in Santiago to find fellow expats," said one expat in Santiago.

"If you're lucky enough to live in Santiago, all of the other replies are credible. However, if you get tired of the urban madness of Santiago and move to one of the less populated towns, meeting people is hard. Outside of Stgo, people distrust everyone and with good reason - taking advantage of people, stealing from them and only being interested in your social class is the hallmark of small town Chile. But it's quiet, beautiful, safe and much cheaper. It's hard to connect with people down here as they're much more religious and politically conservative than I am. The friends that I have made all came through chance encounters (I speak fluent Spanish) with people that I have been working with or people that I meet in stores or on the street," remarked one member in Chile.

"Here in Chile, I believe that I read that they have the longest work week in terms of hours than any other country. I can believe it. Work days can be very long. I've also noticed that days begin later here for folks but they also end later. Eating your final meal of the day at 10 or 11 o'clock at night is not an unusual thing at all. On weekends however, the city is virtually closed except for the major supermarkets and the big malls. Most weekends you will find Chilean families either going out to one of the many parks around the city or spending the day at one of the malls. Restaurants and pubs mostly don't open on the weekends until after 4pm," explained one expat living in Santiago, Chile.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Chile is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to enjoy, from exploring the country's many national parks to sampling the local cuisine. Chile also offers a good quality of life, with affordable housing, excellent healthcare, and a low cost of living. Additionally, the country is home to a large expat community, making it easy to make friends and find support. All in all, Chile is an excellent destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and rewarding experience," said one person in Chile.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Chile is to use online resources such as websites like Airbnb, HomeAway, and Craigslist. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place to live in Chile. Additionally, you can also ask friends and family who live in Chile for recommendations. Finally, you can also visit the area in person to get a better feel for the area and to find a place to live," explained one expat living in Chile.

"There are two ways to live in Puerto Varas: in town or out of town in the parcelas. There are a lot of parcelas neighborhoods to choose from, but they all have excellent spacious houses on large pieces of land. Our neighborhood has a (private) dirt road and all of our neighbors are professionals. We feel pretty safe even though we are 3 miles from town as the crime is low and law enforcement is good. Plus, all of the neighbors are constantly in touch via whatsapp," said one person in Puerto Varas.

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Chile to ensure they can afford to retire there. 2. It is important to understand the Chilean healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area they plan to retire. 3. Expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition. 4. It is important to understand the visa and residency requirements for expats in Chile. 5. Expats should research the climate and geography of the area they plan to retire in to ensure it meets their needs. 6. Expats should consider the availability of transportation and other amenities in the area they plan to retire. 7. Expats should research the local job market to ensure they can find employment if needed. 8. Expats should research the local banking system to ensure they can access their funds. 9. Expats should research the local tax laws to ensure they are compliant with all regulations. 10. Expats should consider the availability of recreational activities and other leisure activities in the area they plan to retire," explained one person living in Chile.

"I would tell a friend looking to move here to learn a little Spanish first, don't bring everything you own with you because you can find all you need here and prepare to have a wonderful, new cultural experience because Chile is an interesting and beautiful place to live," said one expat in Santiago.

"Expats in Chile appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional and modern influences. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the Chilean people, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Additionally, expats appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the country, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, and stunning beaches. The country also offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, from skiing and snowboarding in the Andes to exploring the Atacama Desert. Finally, expats enjoy the delicious local cuisine, which is a mix of traditional and modern flavors," said one expat in Chile.

"The focus on family! It is the most important focus of everyone's lives here! Also, the sense of community. People here seem like they are united when it's important to do so - during the earthquake, a political issue. They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, nor unite during times of turmoil. I admire the nationality of this country for these reasons," remarked one member in Valparaiso.

"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Chile is the language barrier. Many Chileans speak Spanish as their first language, and while some may be able to communicate in English, it is not as widely spoken as in other countries. Additionally, the Chilean culture is quite different from many other countries, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the local customs and traditions. Furthermore, Chileans tend to be quite reserved and formal in their interactions, which can be difficult for expats who are used to more casual interactions," explained one expat living in Chile.

"The main thing is you have to use extreme caution in certain areas and protect your home," said one person in Santiago.

"Getting to know people. How strangely people look at me when I prefer to drink a glass of water instead of a "bebida" (pop/soda), and when I want to use my own bags at the supermarket instead of getting the bag-boy to give me a new bag for every two items I buy," said one expat who made the move to Valparaiso.

"If you plan to stay in Chile for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Temporary Residence Visa or a Permanent Residence Visa. You will also need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial resources, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate," explained one expat living in Chile.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Chile. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public. It is also important to be aware of the local cuisine and to avoid eating with your hands. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local religious beliefs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion," remarked one member in Chile.

"Chile offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialized care. The public healthcare system in Chile is known as FONASA, and it is funded by the government and administered by the Ministry of Health. The quality of public healthcare in Chile is generally good, with access to modern medical technology and a wide range of services. Foreign residents in Chile are eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee. Expats in Chile can use the public healthcare system by registering with FONASA and paying the required fees. They may also be able to access private healthcare services, depending on their insurance coverage," said one member in Chile.

"Expats and digital nomads in Chile appreciate the country's natural beauty, with its stunning landscapes, mountains, and beaches. They also enjoy the vibrant culture, with its diverse cuisine, music, and art. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the downside, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Spanish, and the infrastructure in some areas can be lacking," explained one person living in Chile.

"This city is known as the portal to the Chilean Patagonia. It is the second tourist destination and has almost everything to offer. Surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, national parks, lakes, rivers, trails, one hour from the beaches, one hour from the border with Argentina, all sorts of sports, trekking, skiing, sailing, whitewater rafting, canyoning, kayaking, biking, scuba diving, skydiving, flying, fishing, paragliding and shopping. Sorry, no hunting," wrote one digital nomad living in Pucon, Chile.