Live and work in Santiago.
Santiago is a dynamic South American hub offering modern amenities at moderate costs, with strong internet and a growing remote worker scene. However, air quality and language barriers are notable challenges.
Remote worker score
Five practical signals that shape day-to-day life for a remote worker.
What living here really costs
Rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment in a good area like Providencia averages $550-700 USD. Utilities (wifi, water, electricity) add ~$100. Eating out is cheap ($3 for empanadas, $10 for a full meal). Hidden costs include high winter heating bills and transport from the airport. Negotiate long-term rentals to get better rates.
Workspace and connectivity
Coworking spaces are abundant, with monthly dedicated desks ranging from $120 to $200 USD. Places like WeWork, Urban Station, and Co-Work offer modern facilities with fast internet (150 Mbps average). Many cafes also have good wifi, but the real draw is the community spaces in Providencia. Power outages are rare.
Small details that matter
Healthcare and personal safety
Chile has a high-quality healthcare system with both public (FONASA) and private (ISAPRE) options. Private hospitals in Santiago like Clínica Alemana are world-class and affordable for nomads – a doctor visit costs ~$50 USD. Emergency services are responsive. Safety-wise, petty crime like pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, but violent crime is low in good neighborhoods.
Getting around
The Metro is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city for a flat fare of ~$1.10. Buses complement the network, and a Bip! card works on both. Ride-hailing is cheap ($5-10 for a cross-city trip). Walking is pleasant in central areas like Bellavista, but many streets lack pedestrian crossings. Traffic jams are common during peak hours.
Weather and climate
Santiago has a Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (Dec-Feb) are hot and dry, reaching 35°C, while winters (Jun-Aug) are cool and frequently smoggy, with lows near freezing. The best time to visit is spring (Oct-Nov) or autumn (Mar-Apr) for pleasant temperatures and clear skies. The Andes provide a stunning backdrop year-round.
Best areas for remote workers
Visas and nomad taxes
Chile offers a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival for many nationalities, renewable once for another 90 days. There is no dedicated digital nomad visa yet, but a rentista visa or temporary residency via remote work is possible with proof of income. For long stays, many nomads do border runs to Argentina or Peru.
- Tourist visa (90 days)
- Student visa
- Work visa with sponsor
- Digital nomad visa (in progress)
Language and culture
Chileans are polite but reserved initially. Greetings with a kiss on the right cheek are standard. Punctuality is flexible. Spanish is dominant; learning basic phrases will greatly improve your experience. Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. Avoid discussing politics or the Pinochet era unless you know the crowd.
Food and everyday spending
Chilean cuisine is meat-heavy with staples like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and cazuela. Street food is safe and delicious – try completo hot dogs. Vegetarian options are growing. Tap water is safe to drink, though many locals buy bottled water due to taste. Fresh markets (ferias) offer cheap fruits and vegetables.
Strengths, trade-offs and common mistakes
A balanced view of what works well and what requires planning.
Strengths
- Excellent wine and food scene
- Good public transport (Metro)
- Stable internet and coworking spaces
- Proximity to Andes for hiking/skiing
- Affordable healthcare
- Low cost relative to Western Europe
Trade-offs
- Air pollution in winter (smog)
- Spanish essential for daily life
- Occasional protests and political instability
- Tap water safe but tastes mineral-heavy
- High altitude can cause initial fatigue
- Bureaucratic hurdles for long-term visas
Common mistakes in Santiago
- Assuming everyone speaks English
- Renting in sketchy neighborhoods like Estación Central without researching
- Not carrying cash for small purchases (some markets prefer cash)
- Underestimating the cost of winter heating (apartments can get cold)
- Skipping air quality masks during June-August
- Not validating the Bip! card properly on buses
- Overlooking the free walking tours for orientation
How the data is built
Estimates combine public market indexes, published local prices and remote-work infrastructure data. Figures are directional planning benchmarks rather than a personal financial quote.