Pros and Cons of Living in Chile
Last updated on Dec 17, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Chile include its diverse landscape, ranging from the Atacama Desert in the north to the Patagonian glaciers in the south. The country also has a strong economy and a stable political system, making it a great place to live and work. Additionally, Chile has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The cons of living in Chile include its high cost of living, especially in the larger cities. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which can cause disruption and destruction. Finally, Chile has a large gap between the wealthy and the poor, which can lead to social unrest and inequality.
What are the pros and cons of living in Chile?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Chile responded:
"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," wrote one expat 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," explained one expat living in Pucon.
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What do expats in Chile appreciate most about the local culture?
"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," said a person living in Valparaiso.
"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," explained one expat living in Chile.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"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," explained one expat living in Valparaiso.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Chile?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Chile?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Chile?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Chile accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Chile like?
- Is the cost of living in Chile high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Chile?
- What are healthcare services like in Chile?
- Is the cost of living in Chile high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Chile?
- What is the weather like in Chile?
- Are there good restaurants in Chile?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Chile?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Chile?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Chile?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Chile?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Chile?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?