Living in Chile as an expat is your best option if you want to live in South America but don’t want too much “spice” in your life.
Chile is a nation in Latin America. It is among the most secure, well-run, and economically stable in the area. Though it is undoubtedly very different from your home nation, so be prepared for some cultural shock.
Is Chile a good place to live?
Chile is a great place to live if you’re flexible. Chile’s culture and lifestyle are so unique that it’s easy to criticize many things. Focus on Chile’s opportunities instead.
In Chile, opportunities abound, and seizing them may be easy.
Great for businesses. A business startup is easy and bureaucracy is low. Many coworking spaces have international members. The Chilean government supports innovation and entrepreneurship in numerous ways.
Those who like summer will like the weather. Many months are warm or hot.
What should I know before moving to Chile?
To begin with, you must comprehend how distinct Santiago de Chile is from the rest of the nation. Santiago can even appear to be a separate nation.
Santiago is a dynamic, up-to-date metropolis with all contemporary conveniences. If you enjoy dining out, it’s great because it’s quite multicultural. After all, there are restaurants here serving food from all over the world.
In contrast to Europe or the US, it might be dangerous because it is populated, has irritable drivers, is polluted, and is full of people.
Can foreigners live in Chile?
Chile has temporary, working, and student visas. Visa applications are time-consuming. Ten years ago, a working visa took three months (from the date sent to stamping the passport). A year may pass.
New immigration laws changed a few things on February 12, 2022. Visas are unchanged, but the application has changed. The immigration office is updating all online information and activities; thus, this section may change.
The pros of living in Chile
Here are some advantages of settling in Chile as an expat
1. It’s safe
The safest nations in Latin America are Chile and Uruguay. Nevertheless, coming from other parts of the world, they can look threatening. You do need to be aware of where you can go and where you should stay away from.
2. Nature and the great outdoors
Chile’s urban tourism industry may not be strong, but the country’s natural beauty is unmatched.
Chile is a sizable country with a modest population, which contributes to its sizable rural areas. You can engage in any activity you like here, including biking, hiking, skiing, surfing, swimming, rafting, lakes, rivers, vineyards, deserts, forests, glaciers, lakes, oceans, and rivers.
3. Easy-going and friendly people
The people of Chile are exceedingly cordial and welcoming (even more if you are in the countryside). They are vivacious and enjoy celebrating everything.
Never forget that no social commitment is ever really established. Chileans just alter their minds and don’t show up to a party they previously said yes to if a better option is presented. Sometimes they won’t even inform you.
4. Women in power
Chile is substantially less sexist than other nations in Latin America. Michelle Bachelet, who served as president of Chile twice, is one of many women who hold prominent positions in the nation’s institutions of government. Chilean households, official institutions, and private businesses all give women a lot of power.
The cons of living in Chile
Here are some cons of living in Chile
1. Slow visa process
Chile’s immigration has significantly increased during the past ten years, although the immigration office has not changed all that much. Unfortunately, you may have to wait several months or even a year for your visa. Getting someone on the phone to ask about your visa status is difficult, if not impossible.
2. Nothing is on time
If you pride yourself on being “on time,” you have a lot of acclimatization to do. Nothing ever happens on time.
You might arrive first if you’re invited to your first Chilean party. It’s possible that the host is either having a shower or has just arrived home.
3. Poor quality service
You might discover that Chilean businesses only provide excellent customer service while providing pricey, upscale goods or services. You might occasionally get the impression that they aren’t sincerely trying to market the good or service; otherwise, they would at least make an effort.
4. Mostly bland food
Chilean cuisine is not well-known around the world, and for good reason — the majority of it is not particularly appetizing.
Oregano is the spice that is most frequently used; other herbs are rare. Although Chile’s name is a reference to chile peppers, the meal is rarely hot. Only a few hot sauces, like “aj” and “pebre,” are used.