11 Great Reasons to Move to Chile

So you’re thinking of making a move and Chile’s on your radar? Excellent choice, as this South American gem just popped up on my radar as well, prompting a recent visit.

With its long, slender shape along the Pacific coast, Chile may seem unassuming on the map. But for expats and digital nomads looking for an adventurous yet practical relocation destination, this rugged country packs a serious punch.

From its stunning natural diversity to its fast-growing tech scene, Chile has something to offer nearly everyone. Whether you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, a peaceful mountain retreat, a relaxing beach holiday or something else, you’ve probably come to the right place.

Here are 11 compelling reasons to put Chile on your shortlist of great longer-term stays and potential new adopted homes.  

1. Incredible Geographic Diversity

I didn’t realize until I arrived in Santiago that it’s nestled within the Andean foothills. There are 4-5 smallish mountains within the city limits, including Cerro San Cristobal, which I climbed for fantastic city views. It’s just part of one of the world’s largest urban parks.

Chile is basically the Earth’s greatest hits album—as if Mother Nature looked at a map and decided to show off. Dig deserts? Chile’s got the world’s driest, the Atacama. Prefer snow-capped mountains? Here are the Andes, looking terribly majestic.

Want to pretend you’re in a cozy Scandinavian fishing village but with better seafood? Welcome to the fjords of Patagonia. Chile offers a truly mind-boggling array of environments. Whatever kind of scenery you’re after, you’ll find it here.

The country is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into surfing, skiing, hiking, biking, or climbing, in Chile you’ll never run out of adventures. In fact, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can ski in the morning and chill at the beach in the afternoon.

It’s like living inside Netflix’s Planet Earth documentary series. For digital nomads who value work-life balance, easy access to breathtaking nature is an unparalleled bonus. Rather than the ski-beach day, you could spend the morning on your laptop and the afternoon hiking El Roble.

2. Thriving and Stable Economy

Chile is often considered one of South America’s most stable economies. It consistently ranks as one of the top countries in Latin America for economic freedom, and its pro-business policies make it attractive for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Whether you’re planning to start a business, invest in real estate, or just live your best life sipping pisco sours, you can do it with peace of mind.

Over the last few decades, the country has steadily expanded its industries in mining, finance, agriculture, and, increasingly, tech. Venture capital has risen sharply in the capital, Santiago, which The Economist has dubbed the Chilecon Valley.

For digital nomads, the growing tech industry in Chile presents numerous opportunities. Whether you’re freelancing, remote working, or starting your own business, Chile’s reliable infrastructure and forward-thinking economic policies make it a sound base.

3. Chilean Consideration

On my recent visit to Chile I witnessed impressive acts of kindness nearly every day. One afternoon in Valparaiso, I was crossing a street when I saw a man walking with his young daughter. Across the broad, traffic-less intersection he saw an older woman breathing heavy as she set her bag of groceries down on the sidewalk.

“You need help?” he shouted, then told his daughter to wait while he went to assist the lady. The father hurried over and just as he reached the lady, a passing food delivery bicyclist assessed the situation and stopped to help.

The father returned across the street to his daughter, the delivery guy put the lady’s grocery bag into his delivery case, and the two of them went off towards her house.

Maybe such things happen more than I think in the West, but I can’t recall seeing not one but two men break from an important activity to take time out to help a stranger in need.

Later that day, I pulled up a seat at the bar of a German brewpub and asked about a wheat beer I’d heard good things about. Immediately the bartender whipped out his phone and made a call. “We don’t have any here now, but I’ll have my friend bring some,” he said.

His friend turned up 15 minutes later. The beer was delicious.

4. High Quality of Life

Compared to other Latin American countries, Chile offers a relatively high standard of living. Santiago regularly features on lists of the best expat cities in South America, thanks to its modern amenities, excellent healthcare, efficient transport, and cosmopolitan vibe.

But for those thinking about leaving the U.S. or Europe, Chile offers the comforts of the developed world with the charm and affordability of Latin America.

Many expats find that their quality of life improves significantly, as the cost of living is much lower than in cities like New York or London, yet the infrastructure and services are solid.

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5. Welcoming Expat Community

Chile is no stranger to foreign guests, and its expat community is warm and diverse. From European retirees seeking adventure to young professionals in tech, it’s a healthy mix.

There’s a wealth of information online for folks looking to move here, and Chile’s expats are likely to welcome you with open arms (and probably a glass of carmenere, a medium-bodied red from Bordeaux now grown almost exclusively in Chile). 

Santiago is the hub, but you’ll find thriving expat groups in Valparaíso and Puerto Varas as well. Joining expat groups, both in-person and online, can make the transition smoother and help you navigate the ins and outs of Chilean bureaucracy, housing, and cultural integration.

6. Affordable Cost of Living

Nobody wants to move to a place where they’re constantly pinching pennies to get by. The good news is, in Chile, your money goes a lot further.

In fact, one of the top reasons expats and nomads choose Chile is the affordability. While Santiago is more expensive than rural areas or smaller cities, it still offers great value for your money, especially when it comes to housing, food, and transportation.

Outside of Santiago, the cost of living is even more affordable. You can rent a lovely home in the stunning Lake District or a coastal town like La Serena for a fraction of what you’d pay in most Western countries. For digital nomads in particular, affordable rent and utilities mean more money can be invested back into your business or travels.

7. Modern Infrastructure

Picture this: you’re working remotely from the patio of a cozy café in Santiago, sipping a perfect flat white with snow-capped peaks in the distance. Your video call is crystal clear and your documents upload in seconds.

No lag, no dropped connections. Sounds like a dream, right? In Chile, that’s just Tuesday.

Chile is one of the most developed nations in Latin America, with a well-maintained and expanding infrastructure. The country boasts a modern transportation system, reliable internet access, and stable electricity supplies—crucial for digital nomads who need to stay connected.

High-speed internet is widely available, especially in Santiago and other cities, so you can easily work without worrying about connectivity.

Additionally, Chile’s roads, airports, and services are regularly upgraded, making it easy to travel domestically and internationally. Whether you’re hopping on a flight to explore the southern fjords or catching a bus to a nearby town, Chile’s is usually up to the task.

8. Ubiquitous Fantastic Views

I spent 8 days in Valparaiso and Santiago and whether I was walking, dining, or sitting down to a cafe or cocktail, I almost invariably had an impressive view to take in. Valparaiso is set on a series of hills that lead down to the waterfront, while the capital, as mentioned above, is filled with small mountains, plus the snow-capped Andes towering in the distance.

Wisely, both cities are filled with perfectly placed parks and countless rooftop restaurants and bars. Any expat or nomad looking to enjoy a gorgeous view while pounding away on their laptop or enjoying an evening with a friend will be more than satisfied.

I’d recommend the Fauna terrace in Valparaiso and The Singular roofbar in Santiago.

9. Easy Visa Options

We’ve all heard the horror stories about visa paperwork that makes you want to rip your hair out. But in Chile, the process is surprisingly painless.

The country offers a variety of visa options, from student visas and temporary residency for digital nomads, to work visas for those looking to stay long-term.

If you’re a remote worker, you’ll love the flexibility of Chile’s temporary visa, which allows you to stay for up to a year, and it’s renewable. Plus, if you fall in love with Chile, there’s a straightforward path to permanent residency and even citizenship. It’s nice to feel wanted.

10. Vibrant Cultural Scene

Chile is a country with deep cultural roots and a thriving art scene. Its cities are full of museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues, as well as unforgettable street art.

Santiago offers a great cultural mix, from indie music festivals and film screenings to art exhibitions and street performances. Visiting Persa Victor Manuel, the capital’s expansive weekend flea market, I counted no less than five live music acts dotted around the grounds.

Valparaíso, with its iconic street art and bohemian vibe, offer a more laid-back yet equally rich cultural experience. For expats and nomads, immersing yourself in Chilean culture can be incredibly rewarding part of living here.

You’ll enjoy Chilean festivals like Fiestas Patrias and an array of culinary delights, from empanadas to pastel de choclo. And of course, Chile’s world-class vineyards produce some of the best reds you’ll ever taste, and wine country is just a short drive from Santiago.

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11. Easy Access to Other Hotspots

Chile’s strategic location makes it a perfect base for exploring some of the continent’s most exciting destinations.

Direct flights can take you to Buenos Aires, Lima, or Rio de Janeiro in a few hours. Within Chile, domestic travel is a breeze. Deserts, mountains, forests, beaches, and glaciers are all within a few hours of Santiago.

Every corner of Chile offers a new and unique experience, making it an ideal home base.

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Whether you’re seeking a higher quality of life, affordable living in a stable country, or a land of breathtaking natural beauty, Chile is an outstanding choice. For expats and nomads, the mix of modern conveniences, economic opportunities, and stunning landscapes make Chile one of the best places to live in South America.

About the Author

This essay is an excerpt from EA Editor David Lepeska’s 2023 book, Desiccated Land.

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