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Good idea or bad?

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September22
  10/7/2015 13:06 EST

My husband and I have been seriously discussing the idea of moving abroad. We are looking for a more temperate climate in a location suitable to spending lots of time out of doors (we enjoy hiking and camping here in Indiana). My husband developed an interest in Latin America after meeting a distant relative who has lived there a number of years (in Ecuador and Peru). We have two little boys and may have more children in the future. Being the protective mama, I've been researching what parts of Latin America are safest and most likely to have decent healthcare if needed. But my husband is also interested in finding a place with a relatively low cost of living. Chile seems to fit the bill fairly well on climate, safety, and cost, so that's the direction we've been leaning. But in reality, we are still in very early stages of this project - we have some student loans and such like to pay off, and we're far from fluent in Spanish. I would love to be able to communicate with expats who already live in Chile, particularly in a fairly central rural area (thinking somewhere outside of Temuco, or that general region of climate). There are so many questions I would love to be able to ask, but the first and biggest one is, "Is this even a sensible idea, or are we crazy?"

Socium
  10/7/2015 22:16 EST

Any country may be a good place to live, depending on many issues.

The most important on my opinion is why do you want to live the comfort zone of your homeland?

1. If the reasons are worth, then take the decision to leave.
2. If you are not sure or you are taking such decision basically for a short term nightmare, you better hold your decision to leave. Most negative comments of people living or leaving Chile afer being here for a time, are due to foreigners that never should have come on the first place.

My grandparent came from Spain very young, as life was very bad there, and his father didn't see a future for his young children. So, the decision was clear to search for a new horizon.

On present times, you must get a comand of Spanish at a certain level BEFORE coming here. It will make a great difference, because you may start to blend with Chileans and our culture, otherwise you would end talking most of the time with other expats, deferring your blending with the country.

There are other details very important, as skills, capacity to adapt to new people, etc, but above all, you must be convinced in your heart to choose a new home country.

Like on the old days: you must be willing to burn to ashes your vessels, so you can not return. If that is the attitude, your experience will be rewarding and you will turn the hazards as a challenge and you will grow as mankind citizens.

Finally as the philosopher said: Where there is will, there is a road ahead.

If you think the opposite way, that there must be a road, so you may come, then you are not still matture for living abroad.

Regards, Teo

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southamericanlife
  10/8/2015 08:41 EST

Dear Teo/Socium,

I think your words are very, very wise and well worth considering for anyone who is considering moving to another country.

~MA, SouthAmericanLife

Brook
  10/14/2015 07:47 EST

You would probably be making the best decision of your life moving to Chile. We decided to move to Chile and in less than three months we sold everything and moved 7 people to Chile (some extended family). No one has ever regretted the decision and is enjoying their favorite hobbies better than in the U.S. As far as safety goes, Chile is a very safe country. Not once has any of us felt in danger. I would recommend southern Chile, especially if you like the outdoors. The air is clean and there are just so many things to do and the scenery is beautiful.




Brook
www.consultchile.com

rafaelm
  10/27/2015 16:51 EST

Santiago.
What can I say…
Large city located in one of the rear ends of the planet, behind the massivity of the Andes on their way to the Pacific Ocean, which is very blue –and very cold- over this latitude.
The first thing one can see upon arriving in the city is nothing. The thick, dense copper-brown-grayish layer of dirt that covers it completely will not allow you to appreciate the place in size or form. Nevertheless, once you have arrived, you will be able to realize all the many positive aspects that Santiago has to offer.
In certain moments, especially after big, rare rains, the view of the surrounding mountains from the city is just magnificent. Unfortunately, clearness and nitidity are not a frequentstandard for the vision in Santiago, nor are they for the lungs.
Nature in the proximity is definitely a plus of this city. In spite of the permanent dust, one must recognize that the weather in Santiago is outstanding: never too warm, never too cold, dry, sunbathed and fresh in the evenings. A real pleasure, in my opinion.
The oldness of the city (1540´s) would make one think there is an outstanding heritage in art, an extraordinary sense for culture, a remarkable feeling for tradition. Well, none of this is true, as much of all that has been left behind due to the power of indifference, ignorance, and earthquakes.
What is Santiago today? A city of 5 million inhabitants roughly, distributed in 37 communes, of which 2 live in the sky with diamonds, 4 others in a certain kind of acceptable reality and the “remaining” 31 try to survive this everlasting grey and dusty feeling of slums.
Still, one have to recognize that all of the 37 communes share one significant aspect: a dreadful lack of character, an appalling concentration of ugliness, a continuous lack of any kind of harmony or enchantment.
There certainly is an air of development: there is a clear orientation towards business, even in lower populations, and general well being has been growing more and more solid throughout the country. Businesses work, people have jobs, main industries show significant levels of activity throughout the country. In Santiago, for instance, buildings are permanently being built in different parts of the city. Customer service is certainly offer in first line commercial chains. Goods are available at –usually- competitive prices. This is why most people think of Santiago as a project development city, as a good place to work and get a fair salary, which is sometimes more certain than others.
Culture: present, but certainly not overwhelming.

Upper class (economic): quite ignorant and American-oriented compared to other Latin American upper classes. They usually love modern constructions as high up in the mountains as possible. These bunkers, which can be seldom considered beautiful in architectural terms, tend to be furnished as impersonally as one could imagine and look quite similar one to the other. Quality furniture is a rarity in their imagination. Mixture of the old and the modern happens also very rarely. Spectacular views over the mountains or the city are available in various neighborhoods. Nevertheless, the actual possibility to see beyond 500 metres is limited to one´s imagination the most part of the year, due to the filthy layer of smog that haunts the whole city from above. A real pity. Rich people here have their own ways of recognizing themselves: they love, for example expensive car. Some are beautiful, as you can spot, every once in a while, a fabulous Lotus, a new Aston Martin or a vintage Maserati. Unfortunately, the wealthy here tend to lean more on expectable and tacky models such as Porsche Cayenne or BMW X6. The whiter they are, the better. However, as people tend to get credit for everything here, the car you drive does not necessarily mean how rich you are, but for how many years you are indebted.

Aristocracy:
Credit, another delice from Chile. Do not get surprised if when paying the 6 bananas you got at the supermarked you are asked at the front line: “cuotas?”, which means: would you like to pay in installments? The possibility is right there for you.
Commercial transactions:
Wherever you call, whatever kind of transaction or consultation you would want to make at a hospital emergency line, or a service provider, a shopping center, etc. etc., your RUT (or “Registro Unico”) will always be asked. If you do not have one, you will most likely have a few inconveniences, as very rarely other means of identification are accepted. In case you´re lucky enough to have a RUT, you will be asked for it not only by the machine which first picks up your call, but by the 2, 3, 4 or 5 colombian, Dominican or equatorian ladies to whom you will be successively transferred throughout your adventure. Good Luck!
In the street:
Most probably, only in your wildest dreams will it happen that you ask someone in the street what is the name of a close-by avenue, or where to grab a taxi, or until what time does the metro works, and they know what to answer. In general terms, guy/girl next door have very little information, and show even less disposition to help. One funny little issue: if you see a garbage can in the street and you have something to put in it, don´t miss it. It might take a long while until you find the next one.
Security:

Unfortunately, socialism has done well its job, and Santiago has become as insecure as other cities such as Buenos Aires or Montevideo, still far away from reaching the alarming levels of violence found in Lima or Mexico City. Usually, robberies develop “smoothly” and take place without violence. Burglars are certainly fast and rather professional, two qualities that are not always present for the good purposes. Do not choose to reside in houses without permanent security, as even in closed condominiums robberies do take place. Appartments tend to be safer, especially above the 3rd floor. Never leave any kind of belongings unattended and be alert at all times if you happen to take public transport.

rafaelm
  10/27/2015 16:52 EST

Santiago.
What can I say…
Large city located in one of the rear ends of the planet, behind the massivity of the Andes on their way to the Pacific Ocean, which is very blue –and very cold- over this latitude.
The first thing one can see upon arriving in the city is nothing. The thick, dense copper-brown-grayish layer of dirt that covers it completely will not allow you to appreciate the place in size or form. Nevertheless, once you have arrived, you will be able to realize all the many positive aspects that Santiago has to offer.
In certain moments, especially after big, rare rains, the view of the surrounding mountains from the city is just magnificent. Unfortunately, clearness and nitidity are not a frequentstandard for the vision in Santiago, nor are they for the lungs.
Nature in the proximity is definitely a plus of this city. In spite of the permanent dust, one must recognize that the weather in Santiago is outstanding: never too warm, never too cold, dry, sunbathed and fresh in the evenings. A real pleasure, in my opinion.
The oldness of the city (1540´s) would make one think there is an outstanding heritage in art, an extraordinary sense for culture, a remarkable feeling for tradition. Well, none of this is true, as much of all that has been left behind due to the power of indifference, ignorance, and earthquakes.
What is Santiago today? A city of 5 million inhabitants roughly, distributed in 37 communes, of which 2 live in the sky with diamonds, 4 others in a certain kind of acceptable reality and the “remaining” 31 try to survive this everlasting grey and dusty feeling of slums.
Still, one have to recognize that all of the 37 communes share one significant aspect: a dreadful lack of character, an appalling concentration of ugliness, a continuous lack of any kind of harmony or enchantment.
There certainly is an air of development: there is a clear orientation towards business, even in lower populations, and general well being has been growing more and more solid throughout the country. Businesses work, people have jobs, main industries show significant levels of activity throughout the country. In Santiago, for instance, buildings are permanently being built in different parts of the city. Customer service is certainly offer in first line commercial chains. Goods are available at –usually- competitive prices. This is why most people think of Santiago as a project development city, as a good place to work and get a fair salary, which is sometimes more certain than others.
Culture: present, but certainly not overwhelming.

Upper class (economic): quite ignorant and American-oriented compared to other Latin American upper classes. They usually love modern constructions as high up in the mountains as possible. These bunkers, which can be seldom considered beautiful in architectural terms, tend to be furnished as impersonally as one could imagine and look quite similar one to the other. Quality furniture is a rarity in their imagination. Mixture of the old and the modern happens also very rarely. Spectacular views over the mountains or the city are available in various neighborhoods. Nevertheless, the actual possibility to see beyond 500 metres is limited to one´s imagination the most part of the year, due to the filthy layer of smog that haunts the whole city from above. A real pity. Rich people here have their own ways of recognizing themselves: they love, for example expensive car. Some are beautiful, as you can spot, every once in a while, a fabulous Lotus, a new Aston Martin or a vintage Maserati. Unfortunately, the wealthy here tend to lean more on expectable and tacky models such as Porsche Cayenne or BMW X6. The whiter they are, the better. However, as people tend to get credit for everything here, the car you drive does not necessarily mean how rich you are, but for how many years you are indebted.

Aristocracy:
Credit, another delice from Chile. Do not get surprised if when paying the 6 bananas you got at the supermarked you are asked at the front line: “cuotas?”, which means: would you like to pay in installments? The possibility is right there for you.
Commercial transactions:
Wherever you call, whatever kind of transaction or consultation you would want to make at a hospital emergency line, or a service provider, a shopping center, etc. etc., your RUT (or “Registro Unico”) will always be asked. If you do not have one, you will most likely have a few inconveniences, as very rarely other means of identification are accepted. In case you´re lucky enough to have a RUT, you will be asked for it not only by the machine which first picks up your call, but by the 2, 3, 4 or 5 colombian, Dominican or equatorian ladies to whom you will be successively transferred throughout your adventure. Good Luck!
In the street:
Most probably, only in your wildest dreams will it happen that you ask someone in the street what is the name of a close-by avenue, or where to grab a taxi, or until what time does the metro works, and they know what to answer. In general terms, guy/girl next door have very little information, and show even less disposition to help. One funny little issue: if you see a garbage can in the street and you have something to put in it, don´t miss it. It might take a long while until you find the next one.
Security:

Unfortunately, socialism has done well its job, and Santiago has become as insecure as other cities such as Buenos Aires or Montevideo, still far away from reaching the alarming levels of violence found in Lima or Mexico City. Usually, robberies develop “smoothly” and take place without violence. Burglars are certainly fast and rather professional, two qualities that are not always present for the good purposes. Do not choose to reside in houses without permanent security, as even in closed condominiums robberies do take place. Appartments tend to be safer, especially above the 3rd floor. Never leave any kind of belongings unattended and be alert at all times if you happen to take public transport.

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agagliasso
  11/17/2015 09:18 EST

I would get down to Chile asap!
we can help you!
www.ramdino.com

mishramusic
  11/17/2015 10:12 EST

Hi, I am an American living in Chile permanently. I obtained my residency this past July and am very happy about that,
I feel Chile is one of the safest places in the world to be. You should come here ASAP before it is to late to leave where you are at!

agagliasso
  11/17/2015 10:36 EST

Great advise. Please Contact me
we need writers...

[email protected]
www.chileon.com

September22
  11/17/2015 11:12 EST

Is there any way I can contact you directly? I don't seem to be able to send a private message here.

agagliasso
  11/17/2015 11:57 EST

Where are you now?

I am in Talca, let's chat on FB or google


Thank you,

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Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
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mishramusic
  11/17/2015 12:08 EST

Hi,
Yes, please email me at: [email protected]
Thanks,
Michael Nisbet

mishramusic
  11/17/2015 12:08 EST

Hi,
Yes, please email me at: [email protected]
Thanks,
Michael Nisbet

mishramusic
  11/17/2015 12:08 EST

Hi,
Yes, please email me at: [email protected]
Thanks,
Michael Nisbet

latinbound
  12/16/2015 16:37 EST

How did you "just up and move?" It sounds like it's pretty easy to get a work visa or apply for citizenship from what I'm reading...?

mishramusic
  12/17/2015 20:01 EST

For me, the decision to move to Chile was the outgrowth of many years of research and much world travel.
As an outspoken proponent of individual sovereignty and freedom, I began to appreciate Chile as a place that I experience more freedom than has existed in AMERIKA for a long time.
No place is perfect and neither is Chile perfect, but taken as a whole the future looks brightest on all levels in Chile.
We are all different with varying ideas and agendas but I think if you decide to check out Chile you will not be sorry.
Nuff said!
Michael

KellyCannon
  6/5/2016 17:34 EST

Our family of 4 is seriously considering leaving North Carolina and heading to Chile. We own a catering business and of course finding a job there would be of #1 importance. We are most interested in either Valdivia or Puerto Varas. I just cannot deal with this crazy country any longer! Any info would be super helpful

captainsursea
  6/5/2016 20:30 EST

Hey, before you make a move that is so radical for your family; please read my previous posts that appear in my profile page. Setting up any business in Chile is difficult, but more than that are the stringent requirements you must meet to legally establish you and your family in the country. Chile is unique and wonderful if you do it properly. Good luck!

Shinann
  6/6/2016 15:46 EST

Hi Kelly, I lived in southern Chile for 12 years and I love the country. But before you make a change like taking a family of four, visit Chile and where you would like to live, before making the big move. Valdivia or Puerto Varas are both expensive (especially Puerto Varas). Think about schools--in Spanish--or expensive English schools. Are your children ready for this? Jobs: not readily available for Americans, especially in the food area. And you need to have fluent Spanish before a job. Check into the laws re starting a business. And have lots of money to get started! Chile is not a third world country and food and fuel can be expensive. It is a great country! But you need to know it and be prepared before moving. You also need a resident visa, a number (Rut) and be a resident to start a business. I too hate the US as it is now, but be prepared for a big change, and know Chilean laws.
Shinann

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