Santiago, the metropolitan capital city of Chile, is one of the most revolutionary digital nomad hotspots as of right now. This city, with its serene atmosphere and modern architecture, has gained plenty of attention over the recent years.
Santiago is a promising destination that offers a wide scope for growth and success. From rock-hard competition to modern amenities, this city offers everything that a remote worker could possibly need.
If you are thinking about moving here, take a look at this ultimate guide and learn all the essentials! Let’s talk about the digital nomad lifestyle in Santiago, Chile.
Where is Santiago de Chile located?
Located in Chile’s central valley, Santiago is the beating heart of the country that lies in the center of the Santiago metropolitan region. Chile is situated in the southernmost part of west South America and Santiago is one of the largest cities in the Americas.
Fact: Did you know that Santiago is the only South American city that inhabits a population of a million people?
Why Choose Santiago de Chile as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
If you are unsure about making Santiago your next digital nomad destination, consider evaluating its pros and cons! Let’s weigh the benefits of moving to this city and see whether it’s a good fit. However, try to keep an open mind and remember that every place has its fair share of flaws. Unless you find an absolute deal-breaker, the leap of faith is likely to be worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Natural beauty | Relatively higher cost of living |
| Economically developed | Crowded |
| Plenty to do | High traffic |
| Rich cultural heritage | Poor air quality |
| Very safe | |
| Delicious Chilean cuisine | |
| Good health system |
If you take a close look at this city’s cons, you’ll see that most of them are similar to what you would find in any other metropolitan destination. Unfortunately, at the cost of development, crowds and congested roads are complementary.
Despite that, Santiago is packed with stunning natural beauty and there are a lot of outdoor activities for active people!
How to Get to Santiago de Chile?
There are numerous ways to get to central Chile from Santiago Airport. Here are a few of them.
By bus
If you are traveling on a budget, bus travel is a great way of getting to your destination while saving money. Buses depart continuously from Santiago Airport (SCL) and take 30 minutes to reach the city center. Additionally, the convenience and reliability of public buses in Santiago make it a great option.
By Shuttle
Shuttle services are also available at the airport. In fact, it’s the fastest way of getting to the city. While shuttles cost a little more than public buses, they are way more comfortable and efficient.
Taxis
If you don’t want to wait at the airport after a long flight, opt for taxis and have a carefree trip to your desired location. Reputable ride-sharing apps such as Uber operate in the city and it’s not all that expensive. It will take around 10-15 minutes to get to the city center.
Transportation and How to Get Around Santiago de Chile?
Once you have successfully made it to the city center, here’s how you can get around on a daily basis.
Bicycles
Bicycles are a very common way of transport in Santiago and there are well-maintained tracks all over the city. You can rent one to get the feel of it and then buy a second-hand vehicle. Facebook groups have some affordable rates but rentals are widely available as well.
Colectivos
Colectivos are another great way of transportation in the city. While they are similar taxis, their black color distinguishes them pretty well. Other than that, it’s shared between four random people. You can easily find one at metro stations and major points in the city.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in the city and you can easily hail one down. You can also download ride-sharing apps such as Uber and travel more safely. Uber operates 24/7 in the city and is known for efficient service.
Public buses
Buses are an affordable and reliable way of traveling in the city. They operate day and night with convenient timings!
Metro
Lastly, you can also travel via the city’s metro. With 5 lines located over the city, the metro is well-developed, maintained, and connected. While it can get overly crowded during peak times, it’s a great option overall.
3 Best Accommodation Options in Santiago de Chile
Santiago is a big metropolitan city that has something to offer for everyone. Once you know what you are looking for, finding the right neighborhood won’t be a problem. The three main communes are as follows
Alonso de Cordova
If you want to be surrounded by hustle and bustle, consider seeking residence in Alonso de Cordova. This neighborhood houses a plethora of shopping centers and luxury stores, all within walking distance. You can find anything and everything in this part of the city. The best part about Alonso de Cordova is its close proximity to the mountain ranges. However, it also happens to be one of the most expensive areas in Santiago.
Providencia
Providencia is also one of the three main communes in the city. This upper-middle-class neighborhood is the best option for families and expats, who prefer quiet over action. This area has a lot of good restaurants and opportunities for nightlife. The buildings have 80s and 90s architecture with spacious interiors.
Las Condes
Las Condes is undoubtedly the best neighborhood for people who are attracted to Santiago because of the “big city life”. Inspired by Manhattan, this neighborhood is also referred to as “Sanhattan”. Filled with modern steel buildings, this area is the epitome of development.
Internet Connectivity in Santiago de Chile
One of the main reasons for Chile’s popularity is its fast internet! With an average median speed of 263.32 Mbps, Chile has one of the fastest speeds in the world. You can experience incomparably efficient and reliable internet connectivity in Santiago.
Furthermore, the internet coverage is also pretty good. Most cafes, restaurants, public spaces, and coworking spaces offer free wifi as well!
You can also get a local SIM card after arriving in the city which ensures extra reliability. Since there are a bunch of good providers in the city, make sure to compare data plans and packages.
E sim
If you want an extra reliable internet connection, consider opting for an E SIM. They allow you to digitalize SIMs and avoid the trouble of a physical SIM card. Here are some packages.
Holafly
| Data validity | Days | Price |
| Unlimited data | 7 days | 29$ (26.81€) |
| Unlimited data | 10 days | 37$ (34.21€) |
| Unlimited data | 15 days | 51$ (47.15€) |
| Unlimited data | 20 days | 62$ (56.40€) |
| Unlimited data | 30 days | 75$ (69.34€) |
Airalo
| Data validity | Days | Price |
| 7 GB | 5 days | 11$ (10.13€) |
5 Best Places to Work from in Santiago de Chile
The good news for remote workers is that Santiago de Chile has tons of coworking spaces. You can find a suitable working environment and make remote working productive.
CoWork
Cowork is a global brand that has coworking spaces all over America. They offer various facilities including but not limited to hot desks, private rooms, meeting rooms, and full-time services. You can enjoy their flexible plans and work comfortably.
WeWork
Other renowned companies such as WeWork also have coworking spaces in Santiago. Just like their other locations, the Santiago branch is also well-equipped and well-maintained. Digital nomads and remote workers can work here for hours and have a productive day. This is a great place for remote work!
Launch
Launch is one of the best coworking spaces and local brands in the city. They offer comfortable seating, a productive working environment, and great networking opportunities. The best part about this space is that they try to maintain a balance between leisure and work.
Faustina cafe
If you are someone who prefers working from cafes rather than coworking spaces. Faustina Cafe might just be the perfect place for you. Not only is it cheap and affordable but comfortable too. To top it all off, they offer high-speed internet and a great working environment.
Leerte Cafe
Leerte Cafe has one of the best working environments in the entire city. You can enjoy their delicious food and work for hours. Their comfortable seating and fast internet speed make work a lot more efficient.
Cost of Living in Santiago de Chile
Considering all the modern amenities and facilities available in Santiago, it is understandable that it has a relatively higher cost of living. While it’s not the cheapest digital nomad destination, it’s certainly one of the best ones. You can see world-changing development and technological advancements from the front rows. Santiago offers a high quality of life.
| Meal | $9.12 (€8.40) |
| Coffee | $2.66 (€2.45) |
| Beer | $3.42 (€3.15) |
| Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment) | $463.19/month (€426.58) |
| Fitness club | $35.57/month (€32.76) |
| Utilities | $138.56/month (€127.61) |
| Internet | $24.55 (€22.61) |
| Local transport | $0.91/trip (€0.84) |
As you can see, Santiago is not as cheap as some other digital nomad hotspots. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle. If you follow a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find these estimates to be quite accurate.
Culture, Nature, and Food in Santiago de Chile
Despite being known as a contemporary destination, Santiago de Chile still experiences a rich culture. The city is somewhat of a cultural hub with high diversity and vibrant elements. You’ll see a strong Indigenous heritage and global influences in the local culture. Other than that, it is well represented in its art, traditions, music, literature, and locals.
Nature lovers would be happy to learn that Santiago de Chile has an abundance of natural beauty. Surrounded by the Andes mountains, there is a scope for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and camping. You’ll also appreciate the green spaces, natural landscapes, and national parks in the city. While the air quality is poor overall, some locations are more refreshing than others.
As for the food, it’s one of a kind. The indigenous and colonial influence is very strong in the local cuisine. You can find various types of dishes in the city and enjoy diversity. There are tons of restaurants and cafes in Santiago and each offers delicious food.
Best Time to Visit Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile has a continental Mediterranean climate which is a little cooler than simple Mediterranean climate. Summers last from November to March while winters stretch from June to August. The former brings hot and dry weather while the latter tends to be cool. Most tourists and visitors prefer visiting during the hottest months i.e. October and April.
The rainy season also falls between the winter months where June and July experience the most of it. You can determine the best time to visit based on your weather preferences and personal taste.
12 Best Things to Do in Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile is filled with endless possibilities and there are plenty of things to do. Tourists and digital nomads will never be bored here! Take a look at the 12 best things
1. Take a city tour
While there is no doubt that you can explore this bustling city on your own, tours are much more comprehensive and detailed. You can hang out with fellow newcomers, make friends, and learn about the city properly. Tour guides are well-versed and professional so they make sure to provide necessary information as well!
2. Visit the historic centre
Your trip to Santiago will be incomplete without a tour of the historic center. This place houses some of the most popular destinations and tourist attractions of the city. Make sure to take your time and explore each one thoroughly. Some must-visit places include.
- Main headquarters of the Catholic Church in Chile
- The superb Palacio de la Moneda
- Plaza Las Armas (Santiago’s Cathedral)
- Natural Historical Museum
3. Take a walk at Cerro Santa Lucia
Located in the beating heart of the city, Cerro Santa Lucia is one of the most beautiful gardens in Santiago. From mystical ponds and dreamy fountains to beautiful statues and stunning terraces, this place has it all. It also provides an opportunity to connect with nature and escape the metropolitan city.
4. Visit the Lastarria neighborhood
Lastarria neighborhood is one of the most interesting places in the city. It is certainly the best hangout spot! This area houses a plethora of bars, restaurants, cafes, and designer shops that are guaranteed to keep you entertained.
5. Visit the cultural centers
As we discussed previously, Santiago has a very rich culture. If you want to immerse yourself with the locals and experience the vibrant culture then make sure to visit the two main cultural centres. Located in the Lasstaria neighborhood, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Gabriela Mistral Center (GAM) are must-visit places for every tourist!
6. Visit Sanhattan
Whether you decide to live in Sanhattan or not, make sure to visit it at least once during your time in the city. You can shop in a bustling environment and find almost anything here. It’s certainly a great way of experiencing local life, browsing shops, and purchasing souvenirs.
7. Go skiing
Since Santiago is surrounded by mountain ranges, skiing is one of the best outdoor activities in the city. Make sure to take advantage of this convenient location and go skiing at least once! There are plenty of good skiing resorts available.
8. Visit Bellavista
Bellavista is one of the most beautiful, cultural, and historical neighborhoods in the city. With a bohemian vibe and intriguing architecture, Bellavista represents the local culture beautifully. It also happens to be a popular spot for nightlife and activity! This area is home to numerous bars, restaurants, cultural halls, and theatres. It all goes perfectly well with the live music.
9. Visit Cerro de San Cristobal
If you want to see unforgettable and panoramic views of the city, head up to the Cerro de San Cristobal. This spot allows you to see the incredible breathtaking views of the Los Andes range (only if the sky is clear).
10. Visit Cajon del Maipo
If you are done exploring most of the city, make sure to take some time off and visit nearby places. Located only 75 km from Santiago, Cajon de Maipo is undoubtedly one of the best places for a day trip. This beautiful range offers stunning landscapes, mesmerizing scenery, and unparalleled views. The snow-capped mountains are certainly a sight to behold.
11. Go the the vineyards
Whether you are a wine aficionado or not, vineyards promise a great and interesting experience. Since Santiago is surrounded by vineyards (with the closest one located only an hour away), make sure to visit them. This city has the perfect climate for wine cultivation which makes it pretty famous.
12. Connect with fellow nomads
One of the best and most fulfilling things to do in any city is connecting with the digital nomad community. You can meet them naturally at coworking spaces, during tours, or at cafes. If not, you can join Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups to interact with like-minded individuals.
Is Santiago de Chile safe?
Yes, as per recent estimations, Santiago is considered a safe city overall. It’s certainly safer than other Latin American cities. Thanks to the strong presence of the local Chilean police (carabineros), the crime rate is decent and controlled.
However, it is important to note that Santiago is a large city and petty crime is not unheard of. You should remain vigilant at all times and take care of your belongings. In case you encounter criminal activity, make sure to contact the local authorities at your earliest convenience.
Other than that, note that there is an increased chance of protests and uprisings every Friday.
Despite being one of the safest cities in Latin America, digital nomads in a foreign country are recommended to follow some general safety tips.
- Look out for tourist scams
- Trust reputable companies
- Stay away from isolated areas
- Stay on your guard
- Stay away from shady neighborhoods
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash on hand
- Don’t carry flashy items
Visa Requirements in Santiago de Chile
Even though Chile doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa as of now, it has good visa options that serve similar purposes. Some nationalities can enter and stay visa-free for 90 days but others are required to acquire one from the Chilean consulate. You can learn about your home country’s visa policy with Chile by going to an embassy or checking the Chilean Consular Services site.
Tourists who are permitted to enter without a visa will be provided with a “Tarjeta de Turismo” (Tourist Card) to verify their 90-day stay.
Here are some requirements for the most common option i.e. the tourist visa.
- Passport size photo
- Criminal record certificate
- A passport that will remain valid longer than the period of your intended stay
- Proof of hotel reservation, letter of invitation from a Chilean resident
- Proof of financial means
Other than that, you can apply for a work permit, temporary resident visa, or even a retirement visa.
Conclusion
Santiago de Chile is a good place for digital nomads that offers the ultimate “big city” life experience. If you want to thrive in a contemporary and competitive environment then Santiago is your best bet.
With a relatively creative tech environment, fast internet, friendly people, and business opportunities, this vibrant city can help you grow as a digital nomad!
We discussed different aspects that provide a clear insight into the Santiago Digital Nomad lifestyle. We hope this article helped you understand what it’s like to live and work in Santiago as a digital nomad. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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