Welcome to Chile. A country where its people and its environment will captivate you.
In addition to its unparalleled geography, Chile has experienced in the last 5 years a remarkable economic boom.

Santiago de Chile is considered the second largest city in Latin America with better conditions for doing business and the third best in terms of quality of life. Added to this is an excellent level of security both in cities and in the more remote areas.

Because of all these great features combined, Chile has hosted many expatriates in recent years being the Latin American country to welcome more immigrants in 2013. For the same reason the country has adapted to the needs of foreigns and provides all amenities, products and services they need.

HOUSING
Due to increasing arrival of foreigners to the country the cost of housing has increased and the market moves very quickly. When looking for housing we identify the best options according to customer expectations and move quickly to ensure the selected option.

En Santiago de Chile, housing market is dominated by buildings, which have 24-hour security and some facilities for residents to enjoy. Outside the city there are condominiums or “gate communities” similar to the ones find abroad.

In addition to the price of the rent, you must pay a monthly fee for maintenance of the communal property called “common expenses”.

The value of income is generally in UF (Unidad de Fomento), which is a monetary unit that is adjusted daily with respect to inflation.

The cost of utilities varies according to consumption. The cost of gas and electricity increases significantly in winter by the use of the heating system. In summer, this will have a lower value but should expect the cost of the pool and gardens maintenance. Sometimes, in the buildings, common expenses include services such as hot water and heating.

Leases terms will vary depending on who is the guarantor of the lease and if done by the owners of the property or a realtor. If done through a realtor or real estate broker, you have to have to pay a commission that is usually half a month’s rent + VAT (19%).

EDUCATION
Education in Chile is of very good quality. Most of the schools are private. The challenge faced by expatriates is that the competition to get into a school is very high as well as the number of applicants and there are not too many available seats.

Kindergartens mostly accept children from 6 months to 5-6 years.

Most of the schools selected by foreigners accept kids 2 years and older. Primary education starts at 6 years old.

The vast majority of schools apply operates from early March to mid-December. However some schools apply the American calendar early August to early June.

Several schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB), and most have intensive English programs. Many schools are differentiated according to the community they serve: American, British, German, Hebrew, French, Italian, Spanish, etc.

As for costs, the schools usually have a “incorporation fee” to be paid only once when entering the school. There is a single payment that is held annually called “tuition” and the monthly payment is called “tuition”.

The schools offer cafeteria, transportation and extracurricular services which are optional.

Universities last about 5 years and offer a wide variety of careers. The University of Chile and the Catholic University are widely recognized in Latinoamerica for its excellent quality in careers such as engineering, business administration and economics among others.

MIGRATION
The national government has the discretion to authorize the entry, stay and departure of foreigners to the country.

The visa permission is granted to an alien to entry into the national territory by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The requirement for issuing visas shall be established by ministerial resolution and will depend on the type of visa to which it applies.

The requirements to apply for visas are clearly posted on the website of the Department of Foreigners and Migration –

Many documents need to be apostilled in the country of origin so you should take this into consideration before applying.

It is very important, after the approval of the visa, to applu for a RUN (Registro Unico Nacional) in the Registry Office of the district where the residence is established. The RUN will be the Identification card required for many of the basic activities of an individual and / or family, from applaying for a driver’s license to making an appointment at the doctor’s office.

In 2013 more than 3 million people entered to Chile. 74.8% of the tourists came from countries in South America, 8.2% North America, 0.7% of the rest of America, 12.4% from Europe, 1.4% Asian and 2, 5% countries in other continents.

In general, visitors from neighboring countries come for business or to enjoy the sand and the sea of the Chilean coast. Tourists coming from North America or Europe visit Chile with a high interest in learning more about the culture and typical characteristics of the country and the largest national parks, archaeological sites and wine valleys, or for sports such as skiing , rafting and fly fishing, among other interests and hobbies.

Links of interest
www.extranjeria.gob.cl

ENTERTAINMENT
Chile is a cosmopolitan country and you will see in the major cities a very dynamic culture. The country has had two Nobel Prize for Literature: Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda.
Las bibliotecas públicas de la capital son hermosas y proponen una gran variedad de literatura y eventos de igual manera que los teatros y los museos.
There are several lively nightspots and fine dining options.
Chile is the country of outdoor activities. Santiago has wonderful. Around major cities and throughout the country there are amazing national parks, mountains and lakes where you can do all kinds of activities such as climbing, canyoning, horseback riding, rafting etc …
The famous vineyards of the Central are highly visited when living in Chile.

Links of interest
www.viajeros.com/destinos/santiago-de-chile
www.agendamusical.cl
www.thisischile.cl/2010/05/santiago-for-kids/?lang=en

TIPS
While in Chile, have the following information handy

Segurity and national hazards:
As recommended in mosto f the largest cities in the Word, is not recommended to go aut with jewerly, large amounts of cash, all your banking cards, or Electronic devices, in order to avoid robberies, specially at night or in aisolated streets.You should be specially careful with your belongings when taking public transportation. Money shoud be Exchange at authorized places.

Chile is known as a country with strong seismic activity. If an earthquake or strong tremor occurs, stay calm. If you are inside a building, stay inside; if you are out, stay out. Entering or exiting buildings can only cause accidents. Inside a building look strong structures, under a table or bed, under the lintel of a door, next to a pillar, supporting wall or in a corner, and protect your head. Never run headlong into the output or use the elevators. If you are on the street, stay away from electrical wires, cornices, windows and roof falls.

Emergency contacts:
In case of emergency, have the following numbers with you:
Police: 133
Ambulance: 131
Firemen: 132

Be aware of your neighborhood emergency numbers

Holidays:
Chile is a country of festivals, with two main differences: the Religious and the anniversary of cities and towns,. There are many festivals, the Rodeo Festival stands out nacionally,, in which a pair of “huasos” on horses chase a steer .The 18 and 19 of September, important national holidays, on those days the First Government Board, the national independence genesis, and the Glories of the Army recalls are honored.

Links of interest
chile.travel/acerca-chile/consejos-para-viajeros

TRANSPORTATION
El sistema Public transport system in Santiago consist of a network of buses and subways. It’s a pretty organized system. When using public transportation, always do so in the terminals and places specially designed for it.

If you must take a taxi, you can take one on the street, call one of the local companies that provide this service or use online services like Tapsi and easy taxi.

If you use auto remember not park on the street. Keep in parking and specialized sites for this purpose. In most hotels, restaurants, airports and shopping areas are places of secure parking.

Santiago is a city that suffers, at various times of the year, major pollution peaks. To counter this, the government decreed sometimes restrictions on the use of cars. These measures are advertised on radio and television.

To avoid clustering of vehicles, bicycles are recommended. In the cities you will find bike stations that can be used for hours and roads for the exclusive use of these.

Links of interest
www.metrosantiago.cl
www.transantiago.cl
www.uoct.cl/restriccion-vehicular