Pucon, Chile

"I like living in a home that would cost five million if it was overlooking Lake Tahoe but cost less than half million here. I like owning my own natural spring with plenty of water all year. I like that in winter it hardly ever freezes and in summer we don't need A/C. I like the clean air, I like waking up in the clouds some mornings. I don't like the bureaucracy. Everything is more complicated. Takes longer or requires the blessing of the only notary in town. I have trouble finding gas fittings, I miss eating sweet potatoes, mexican food, chinese buffets, BBQ and going to the movies," mentioned one expat inPucon.

"Pucon is surrounded by National Parks, lakes, mountains, rivers, ocean, trails, fishing, kayaking, skydiving, paragliding, skiing and much more. People are very friendly, it is extremely safe, no discrimination, no racism, no guns, traffic is courteous, so much to see and do," mentioned one expat inPucon.

"Under normal conditions expats , from many countries, get together for Thanksgiving, eat turkeys, share food, spend the day outdoors and mingle. This year the "ladies of the lake " group of expats have monthly Zoom meetings," said one expat.

"I suggest you rent for the first year while you take your time to find your ideal location, scenery, attractions, availability of water, power, internet and cell phone coverage. Get a RUT tax id number, open a bank account, get your temporary residence, then either buy or build your own dream home. Thermal insulation is important as many existing homes for sale were built as summer vacation homes only," mentioned one expat inPucon.

"Public healthcare costs 7% of your monthly income for expats residing here. It covers everything including dental and vision. Services are free unless you see a private specialist and then you have a copay that is about 9 dollars to 20 dollars. Doctors visits are thorough and not rushed, anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Doctors go to National Universities that are free and only the best graduate so they are the best. Does not depend on how rich your family is, how well connected they are or how well they play football. Medications are delivered to our front door and are free. Ambulances are free, physical therapists come for free, it just prooves that National healthcare not for profit can be afforded by this third world country," said one expat.

"Things like gasoline, propane and imported goods are more expensive in Pucon. Things like fresh food, wines, fruit, land, medical expenses, taxes, are cheaper to considerably cheaper," commented one expat living in Pucon, Chile.

" A 90 day visa is provided upon entry to tourists. This can be renewed by crossing the border with Argentina that is an hour away. A resident visa for 360 days can be obtained either in Chile or from the US. It can be renewed several times. After two or three years of temporary residency one can apply for permanent residency and/or citizenship. Cost of the temporary visa is around $450 and requires a certificate from the FBI showing no criminal record. That can take a month or more to obtain. A cover letter stating that you have amonthly income of more than $1200 US if you are retiring there. Three copies of your current passport and photographs. ," remarked one expat in Pucon.

"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," said one expat living in Pucon.