Chile is often picked as a more “predictable” LatAm jurisdiction: Santiago (Providencia / Las Condes / Ñuñoa) with metro and fiber, clearer rules, less FX chaos than Argentina. Trade-off - prices closer to the expensive Southern Cone, and no ready digital nomad visa.
For many passports (including Russia) - visa-free up to 90 days, often with one extension up to another 90. Longer stays need Residencia Temporal via SERMIG (usually from abroad): rentista, work/services, family. Start with visa and the before-you-arrive checklist.
At a glance
Capital: Santiago
Language: Spanish (Chilean)
Currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
Entry: often visa-free 90 days (+ extension)
Watch-out: RUT after residence; banking is harder without it
Guide sections
- Before you arriveapostille, SERMIG, neighborhood, BIP, eSIM
- Visa and legal stay90+90, rentista, residence
- HousingProvidencia / Las Condes, Portal Inmobiliario
- Cost of livingbudget $1,400–2,500+/month
- Work and internetfiber, coworkings, Entel/Movistar
- Banking and moneyCLP, RUT, MACH, cards
- Healthcareinsurance, Isapre, clinics
- TransportBIP, Metro, SCL, buses
- Communityexpats, chats, coworkings
- CitiesSantiago, Valparaíso, Viña, Puerto Varas
- Why Chilepros and cons
- Scams and risksrent, SCL, phones
- Foodmenú, feria, delivery