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Expat Exchange > Chile

Chile

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: Yes (empresa de los ferrocarriles del estado (efe), relatively safe)
Bus Service: Yes (TurBus, Pullman Bus, Condor Bus, relatively safe)

Chile is a long, narrow country stretching along South America's western edge, with more than 6,000km of Pacific Ocean coastline. It's a land of remarkable contrasts and extreme beauty, where the landscape ranges from the driest desert in the world, the Atacama, in the north, to the massive glacial fields in the south. Its diverse climates and geography foster a variety of agricultural products, from grapes and olives to quinoa and potatoes. The Andes mountains, which are among the highest in the world, run down the country's eastern border and are home to some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery, as well as being a hub for outdoor sports such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. Santiago, the capital, sits in a valley surrounded by the Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. The city's palm-lined Plaza de Armas contains the neoclassical cathedral and the National History Museum. The massive Parque Metropolitano offers swimming pools, a botanical garden, and zoo. Chile's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its vibrant music, dance, and art, heavily influenced by the indigenous Mapuche and Rapa Nui peoples, as well as Spanish colonialism. The country is also known for its wines and has become a world-class producer, exporting bottles that are celebrated for their quality and flavor. Chile's economy is one of the most stable in South America, with a high-income level and a reputation for strong financial institutions. This economic stability, however, has not fully translated into equitable wealth distribution, and there are still significant disparities in income and access to education. The country has undergone considerable political and social change, exemplified by the student-led protests in recent years calling for reforms in education, health care, and pensions. Chile is a country that prides itself on its resilience and ability to overcome challenges, including the recovery from the 2010 earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded. It is a nation that cherishes its traditions while embracing modernity, making it a fascinating place to visit or live.

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Living in Chile

Movies Set: The Motorcycle Diaries, No, A Fantastic Woman
Popular Foods: Traditional Chilean cuisine includes dishes like empanadas, which are pastry shells filled with meat, cheese, or seafood; cazuela, a hearty stew made with beef, chicken, or turkey and vegetables; and pastel de choclo, a corn casserole with meat stuffing. Desserts such as manjar, a sweet caramel spread, and alfajores, cookies filled with manjar, are also very popular.
Unusual Eats: Copihue is the national flower of Chile and is sometimes eaten in a form of a dessert, which can be unusual for visitors. Another unique food is piure, a bright red sea squirt that has a strong iodine flavor and is often challenging for foreigners to enjoy.
Popular Sports: football, tennis, rodeo
Popular Teams: Colo-Colo (football), Universidad de Chile (football), Universidad Católica (football)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: Pointing with the fingers is considered rude in Chile, so it's better to use an open hand. It's also important to be punctual for social occasions, as being late can be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, Chileans value personal space, so maintaining an appropriate distance during conversations is recommended to avoid making locals uncomfortable.

Best Places to Live in Chile

Discover the top-ranked towns in Chile. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Pucon
2
Santiago
3
Concepcion
4
Punta Arenas
5
Viña del Mar
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Temporary Residency Visa, Permanent Residency Visa
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Temporary Residency Visa, which allows them to live in Chile for up to one year and can be extended

Obtaining a residency in Chile involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge compared to other countries. The process begins with determining the appropriate visa type for your situation. The most common types of visas for expats are the Temporary Residency Visa and the Permanent Residency Visa. The Temporary Residency Visa is suitable for those who wish to stay in Chile for more than 90 days and up to one year. It is often used by digital nomads, students, and those with work contracts. To apply, you must submit various documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a letter stating the reasons for your stay. This visa can be extended for another year, after which you may apply for permanent residency if you meet the requirements. The Permanent Residency Visa is the next step for those who have held a temporary visa and have lived in Chile for at least one year. Applicants must demonstrate ties to the country, such as family, employment, or investment, and must not have been absent from Chile for more than 180 days during the temporary residency. The application process for both visas typically involves gathering the necessary documents, translating them into Spanish, and submitting them to the Chilean consulate or embassy in your home country or to the Department of in Chile. After submission, there is a waiting period for processing, which can vary in length. Once approved, you will receive a visa stamp in your passport. It is important to note that the process can be bureaucratic and may require patience and attention to detail. Hiring a local attorney or immigration specialist can be helpful in navigating the process. Additionally, the requirements and procedures can change, so it is crucial to consult the latest information from official Chilean government sources or the consulate before applying.

Healthcare in Chile

Chile's healthcare system is comprised of both public and private sectors. The public system, known as FONASA, is funded by the government and provides healthcare services to the majority of the population. It operates on a tiered system where individuals contribute a percentage of their income and receive services accordingly. The private sector, known as ISAPRE, offers more personalized and immediate care, but at a higher cost. Public healthcare facilities tend to have longer wait times and may have less advanced technology compared to private clinics and hospitals. Private healthcare is generally more expensive, but it provides quicker access to specialists and more modern facilities. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by contributing to the system through income-based payments if they have a work contract in Chile. Otherwise, they may opt for private health insurance or pay for private healthcare services directly.

"I am thinking about moving to Chile. Is it possible for one person to live a decent lifestyle on 1,100 Usd a month there? I am not a high roller. Eat at home mostly. Single. Like to drink socially. Want a one bedroom apartment." - repoman44444

Connect with Others on the Chile Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Chile is considered moderate compared to other countries in South America. While some areas, particularly in urban centers like Santiago, can be more expensive, overall, the cost of living is manageable for many residents and expatriates.

Weather

Chile's climate varies greatly due to its long north-to-south stretch. The northern region has a desert climate with hot days and cool nights, while the central region has a Mediterranean climate with a distinct summer dry season. Southern Chile has a temperate oceanic climate with cooler temperatures and more rainfall. The Andes and coastal ranges affect the climate as well, creating microclimates and significant variations in weather patterns.

Educational System in Chile

The educational system in Chile is structured into several levels, starting with pre-school education, which is not mandatory and caters to children up to 5 years old. The compulsory education begins with primary education, which is known as 'Educación Básica' and lasts for 8 years, typically from ages 6 to 14. After completing primary education, students move on to secondary education, 'Educación Media,' which lasts for another 4 years, from ages 14 to 18. Secondary education is divided into two cycles: the first two years are a common plan, and the last two years allow students to choose between scientific-humanistic, technical-professional, or artistic education, depending on their interests and career plans. The Chilean school year runs from March to December. The quality of education in Chile varies, with private and subsidized private schools generally offering higher quality education than public schools. The government has been working on reforms to improve the quality and equity of the educational system. Upon graduation from secondary school, students receive their 'Licencia de Educación Media,' which is required for university admission.

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