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Pros and Cons of Living in Chile | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Chile

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

By Betsy Burlingame

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," said 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," remarked one expat 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 one person 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," remarked one expat in Chile.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Chile is the language barrier. Many Chileans speak Spanish as their first language, and while some may be able to communicate in English, it is not as widely spoken as in other countries. Additionally, the Chilean culture is quite different from many other countries, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the local customs and traditions. Furthermore, Chileans tend to be quite reserved and formal in their interactions, which can be difficult for expats who are used to more casual interactions," remarked one in Chile.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

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