Chile

Accommodations

Expats on the hunt for accommodation in Chile will find a wide range of options. Apartments are mainly available in the city centers, while freestanding houses can be found in more suburban areas. Most expats prefer to rent rather than buy, at least initially.[2]

In Chile, making use of personal connections is often the best way to get something done, and finding somewhere to live is no exception. It’s not unusual for landlords to connect with potential tenants through word of mouth before advertising a property publicly, so it helps to spread the word among as many locals as possible. Other sources include the internet, local newspapers and real estate agents.[3]

The standard lease length is 12 months, and a deposit equivalent to at least one month’s rent is paid upfront. In some cases, expats will need a local to act as a guarantor for them before the lease can be signed – this role is often fulfilled by the expat’s employer. If a guarantor can’t be found, expats may be able to negotiate paying a larger deposit instead. Utilities are usually paid for by the tenant in addition to the cost of rent.[4]

[2] https:/www.expatarrivals.com/chile/accommodation-in-chile

[3] https:/www.consultchile.com/single-post/2016/08/18/Looking-for-Property-in-Chile

[4] https:/www.bretagne.cl/finding-apartment-santiago/

Schools

Families moving to Chile have a variety of options when it comes to education. There are public schools, which are entirely funded by the government, and private schools, which may be partially subsidized by the government or completely self-funded.[5] Most expat parents prefer to send their children to private schools, as public schools teach entirely in Spanish and have been known to offer below-par education.

Private schools may be run by a variety of entities, such as religious or non-profit organizations, private corporations, or, in the case of international schools, foreign governments or entities authorized to teach foreign curricula, such as that of the UK, the US or the International Baccalaureate. Teaching is usually either bilingual, in English or in the language of the curriculum’s country of origin.[6]

Though international school fees can be pricey, the standard of education and facilities is generally good. As a result, many international schools have a high demand so it’s advised that expats apply as early as possible, in case they’re put on a waiting list.

[5] https:/teachingchile.com/about_chile_overview.htm

[6] http:/www.expatarrivals.com/chile/education-and-schools-in-chile

Climate and Weather

Chile has a range of climates throughout – from the arid conditions of the north, to the Mediterranean climate of central Chile, to the ice-cold Patagonian landscapes in the south. Most expats will find themselves in Santiago, where it’s hot and sunny in summer and mild and rainy in winter. Temperatures are at a peak in January, and the region is coldest in July.[7]

[7] https:/www.climatestotravel.com/climate/chile

Telephone

Landline usage has been on the decrease in Chile, with mobile phones more commonly used for communication. The main mobile providers are Movistar, ENTEL and Claro. Prepaid plans and monthly subscriptions are available. To sign up for a contract, expats will need a local bank account and temporary or permanent residency status.[19]

[19] https:/www.expat.cl/guide-chile/internet-phones/mobile-phones-chile-operators-networks-plans-buy/

Internet

The internet is widely available in Chile, with close to 80% of the population having access.[20] There’s a range of internet service providers to choose from, with the most prominent being VTR and Movistar. On the whole, the country is well-covered, but in rural areas reception can be limited. In cities, WiFi hotspots are ubiquitous, and there are numerous internet cafes available.

[20] https:/www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users/chile/

Postal Services

Chile’s national postal service is CorreosChile. Though generally reliable, postage can sometimes be slow. For important or time-sensitive items, it’s best to use a private courier such as FedEx, DHL or Chilexpress.[21]

[21] https:/santiagotourist.com/chile-post/

Income tax

Income is taxed progressively according to earnings and ranges from 0 to 40%. If an expat is living in Chile for six months or more during a twelve-month period, they are considered a tax resident and will be taxed on their worldwide income as well as income from within the country. Non-residents only pay tax on locally earned income.[25]

[25] https:/home.kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2015/11/chile-income-tax.html

Retirement

Income is taxed progressively according to earnings and ranges from 0 to 40%. If an expat is living in Chile for six months or more during a twelve-month period, they are considered a tax resident and will be taxed on their worldwide income as well as income from within the country. Non-residents only pay tax on locally earned income.[26]

Chile is a popular retirement destination, offering the attractive combination of a relatively low cost of living and a high quality of life.[27]Expats planning on retiring in Chile will need to apply for a temporary residence permit, in the Retirement and Periodical Income category. Proof of a recurring source of income is required.[28]

[26] https:/home.kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2015/11/chile-income-tax.html

[27] https:/money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2015/01/08/8-reasons-to-retire-in-chile

[28] https:/www.visahunter.com/visa/chile/how-to-get-a-temporary-resident-visa-for-chile/

Business etiquette

In Chile, the business atmosphere tends towards formal. A great deal of importance is placed on appearances, so particular care should be taken to dress neatly and conservatively. Dark suits are appropriate, with the color navy being particularly popular.[29]

Though meeting times are set in advance, expats may find that their Chilean counterparts arrive late. However, it would be rude to express disapproval or irritation at the lateness of locals, so it’s best to arrive on time and wait patiently.[30]

Relationships are an important part of successfully doing business in Chile. Family and friends in particular tend to get preferential treatment. Business lunches are fairly commonplace and may last more than an hour. In general, the pace of business dealings is slow in Chile, but expats should never try to rush proceedings as this puts the relationship at risk. Showing aggression or going for the “hard sell” are also ill-advised courses of action.

There’s a definite hierarchy in Chilean businesses, with respect and status being of the utmost importance. Employees at various levels throughout the company may contribute to the decision-making process but ultimately those at the top make all final decisions.

[29] https:/www.southamerica.cl/Chile/Business.htm

[30] https:/www.communicaid.com/country/chile/

Banking

Opening a bank account in Chile is no easy feat, especially for new arrivals. Most Chilean banks won’t allow a foreigner to open an account before they’ve been a resident in the country for at least two years. Expats will also need to have a RUT (Rol Único Tributario) number to open an account, as the RUT number functions as a tax and identity number.[34] Obtaining this number can be time-consuming.

There are other options when opening a full local account isn’t feasible, but they have their own downsides. For instance, expats can investigate the possibility of setting up a cuenta vista account in the meantime. This is a very basic account allowing local transactions of limited quantity. Otherwise, another option is to maintain an existing account with an international bank instead of immediately trying to open an account with a local bank.[35]

[34] https:/www.expatarrivals.com/chile/banking-money-and-taxes-in-chile

[35] https:/transferwise.com/gb/blog/opening-a-bank-account-in-chile