Living in Santiago as an expat
The buzzing metropolis of Santiago, situated at the heart of Chile, is the country’s political and financial centre. Moving to Santiago is an exciting new chapter, and the city is attracting expats in droves thanks to its cosmopolitan and fun atmosphere.
There are plenty of job opportunities available in Santiago, which serves as a huge drawcard for expats, particularly those with expertise in mining, agriculture and finance. A host of multinational companies have also set up shop in the city, and expats may even have luck starting their own businesses in the Chilean capital. There’s also a gap for those wanting to teach English in the city, which expats are taking full advantage of.
With its effective transport network, Santiago is one of South America’s most modern cities. It has an expanding metro network, cheap buses, and an inner-city highway network that links the eastern and western parts of the city in a short half-hour drive. Santiago also has a range of high-quality hospitals and medical facilities. Many expats prefer to use the country’s private clinics, but they should ensure they are covered by medical insurance if they do so.
With a range of shopping malls, an impressive array of international cuisine, and local restaurants, Santiago is an exciting city for expats to get to know. While expats can live a spectacular lifestyle within the confines of Santiago, one of the city’s charms is the ease with which people can take a break and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Andes ski slopes and hiking trails are a short drive east of the city, and some of Chile’s beautiful beaches are just an hour or so to the west. Longer trips out of Santiago allow expats to explore glaciers in the south or the eerie moonlike scapes of the Atacama Desert in the north. With cheap flights throughout the region, it’s equally easy for expats to spend a weekend away watching tango dancing or shopping in Buenos Aires.
Working in Chile
Shopping and Nightlife in Santiago
Transport and Driving in Santiago
Cost of living in Santiago
Aggressive interest rate cuts and declining inflation have helped alleviate the cost of living in Chile, and Santiago definitely incurs a more moderate cost of living for expats than it has in recent history.
While accommodation at reasonable rental prices can be found in several areas and suburbs, some of the more centrally located neighbourhoods will naturally be more expensive. That said, with a range of modern conveniences at one’s doorstep, the slightly higher cost of living is understandable.
Cost of Living in Chile
Renting Accommodation in Santiago
Best Areas and Suburbs in Santiago
Expat families and children
Further adding to the long list of attributes that this city has to offer, and that make it such an attractive expat destination, are its many international schools. While the local schools offer a decent level of education, instruction is in Spanish. As a result, many parents choose the international schools route. Fees at these schools are high, though, and to keep them from breaking the bank, expats should negotiate a school allowance into their salary.
Outside of school hours, parents will find an abundance of family-friendly attractions to keep their kids busy and happy. There is a slew of indoor and outdoor activities in the city, from zoos and parks to interactive soft play centres. A family trip to the beach or the ski slopes is also always an option for a day or weekend trip out of the city.
Kids and Family in Santiago
Best International Schools in Santiago
Climate in Santiago
Santiago has a typical Mediterranean climate, characterised by long, hot summers and mild, wet winters. From December to February, the summer months average between 77°F (25°C) and 86°F (30°C), while winter daytime averages sit around 55°F (13°C). Frost occurs regularly during the colder months, when the city also receives the majority of its rainfall.
Overall, expats moving to Santiago will enjoy a high quality of life in this bustling city, with plenty of activities, events and natural attractions to keep them entertained throughout their stay in Chile.