Moving to Chile

"Finding a place that you like in Chile without having your feet on the ground and able to see everything sounds risky. What we did was put all of our US possessions in 20x20 container with a 6 month delivery date. Then we came with just a few suitcases, lived in temporary housing, and found our place by physically going out and investigating places we were interested in. Puerto Varas and Pucon are the two nicest places in the south of Chile that I can recommend. The expats who don't want to live in a big city like Santiago would do well to consider the beautiful, laid back but tasteful cities in the Lakes region," said one expat in Puerto Varas.

"It is important to research the cost of living in Chile before moving, as it can vary greatly depending on the city and region. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local language, as Spanish is the official language of Chile. Additionally, it is important to understand the culture and customs of Chile, as they can be quite different from those of other countries. It is also important to research the visa requirements for entering and living in Chile, as these can vary depending on the individual's nationality. Finally, it is important to research the healthcare system in Chile, as it can be quite different from other countries," remarked one expat who made the move to 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," remarked one expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Puerto Varas, Chile.

"Expat homes and apartments in Chile tend to be modern and comfortable, with many featuring open-plan living areas and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many expat homes come with amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and modern appliances. Expat apartments often come with access to shared amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and other recreational facilities. Expats can also find furnished apartments in Chile, which come with all the necessary furniture and appliances," remarked one expat who made the move to Chile.

"We live in a two story house surrounded by a half acre of land with spectacular views of the,lake and the volcanoes. We have 4 bedrooms, three bathrooms, large kitchen and dining rooms, and two large living room areas. There is also decks on the first and second floors. For a $1,000 usd per month it has great value. We've never lived anywhere as nice as this before. In the bay area of California, this property would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars," explained one expat living in Puerto Varas, Chile.

"The cost of housing in Chile varies depending on the location and type of property. Generally, the cost of renting an apartment in a city center is higher than in the suburbs, while the cost of buying a house is higher in the suburbs than in the city center. On average, renting an apartment in a city center can cost around $500 to $1,000 per month, while buying a house in the suburbs can cost around $200,000 to $400,000," commented one expat who made the move to Chile.

"Housing costs here are cheaper or about the same as the US. We're in a house that costs $1,000 USD right now and our rent was half that in Stockton, California. We get a lot more for the money, though, with spectacular views of the lake and volcanoes, a wonderful spacious house and the privacy of a half acre parcela," remarked one expat in Puerto Varas, Chile.

"Buying a home in Chile can be a great investment, as the country has a stable economy and real estate market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Chile, as well as the cost of purchasing a home, before making a decision. Renting a home in Chile can be a more affordable option, as it allows you to live in the country without the long-term commitment of buying a home. Additionally, renting can provide more flexibility if you are unsure of how long you will be living in Chile. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Chile should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," remarked one expat who made the move to Chile.

"When moving to Chile, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack clothing that is appropriate for the warm climate, such as light, breathable fabrics. Bring a few items of warmer clothing for the cooler months. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Pack items that will help you adjust to the culture, such as books about Chilean history and culture. Bring items that will help you stay connected to your home country, such as photos and mementos. Don't forget to bring any necessary documents, such as your passport and visa," said one expat who made the move to Chile.

"Health related items: vitamins, home remedies like cough drops and cough syrup, special shampoos like selsun blue, tinactin, metamucil -anything from cvs. Electronics: a good laptop, ipad, iphone, portable stereo system, headphones, all of your computer and music cd's. Also transformers of all sizes and strengths for any u.s. electronics. Food items: spices, sauces (I like mexican hot sauce and a-1), fixings for mexican salsa, corn tortillas, giant bag of krusteaz pancake mix, cake mixes, kitchen items like a french press, coffee grinder, garlic press," explained one expat living in Puerto Varas, 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 expat who made the move to Chile.

"Chile offers expats a high quality of life, with its modern infrastructure, low cost of living, and stunning natural beauty. The country is also known for its friendly people, vibrant culture, and excellent healthcare system. Additionally, Chile is a safe and politically stable country, making it an attractive destination for expats looking to relocate. With its diverse landscape, ranging from the Atacama Desert to the Andes Mountains, Chile offers a wide range of activities and attractions for expats to explore," replied one expat when asked about moving to Chile.

"There is a small group of expats and adoptive expats (Chilean born with US residency) that enjoy the climate, the outdoorsy activities, the healthy food, the relaxed living in Pucon, Chile," stated one expat who made the move to Pucon.

"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 expat.

"The main problem with Chile, is that it has followed the USA example, as a neo-liberal policy brought in by Pinochet/Friedman of "privatising" most State activities, including Health Care, Social Services, Pensions, Water management, Education, etc, etc. SO.........the owners of these businesses are more interested in making profits, at the "poor man's" expense, and the State does little to stop this. So there is great social inequality in Chile, with the "ruling elite" naturally wanting to maintain their advantage. As in UK, with national schooling, NHS, State Social support, etc, the State provides good standards as "safety nets" for the mass population. The Skandinavian countries offer even better examples of State social responsibility, but of course their tax regimes to support this are even higher than in the UK. In Chile, whilst the economy could afford higher taxing (private and corporate taxes) to support widespread social improvements, there is not the WILL by the "Old Guard", who wish to retain their exclusivity," replied one expat when asked about moving to Santiago.

"Chile has a well-developed healthcare system that provides a wide range of medical services. The public health system is free for all citizens and permanent residents, while private health insurance is available for those who wish to access more specialized care. The country has a network of public hospitals and clinics, as well as a number of private medical centers. Chile also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as those for cancer treatment, mental health, and geriatrics. In addition, there are a number of medical research centers and universities that offer medical degrees and training," stated one expat who made the move to Chile.