Expat Chile

Chile is currently enjoying its place as the leading economy of South America, and is quickly becoming home to many expats who come to visit and enjoy the beautiful and diverse nature the country has to offer, as well as the cosmopolitan life in Santiago, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar. After the long and brutal dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, Chile had some political issues to deal with (and is still dealing with some of them), but today, Chile is a vibrant democracy, freely trading with the major world players. Indeed, because of its safe banking, Chile is becoming known as the Switzerland of South America. It is also quickly becoming one of the more expensive countries on the southern continent. Still, the expat will get what he pays for, as Santiago is a modern city, with wonderful public transportation, good (not great) air quality, and an educated population, that is very friendly and open to foreigners. Although land prices and real estate are still reasonably priced, everything else in Chile is expensive.

Of all the countries in South America, Chile is the most stable, especially when compared with its schizophrenic neighbors, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru. The streets of Santiago are clean, safe, and bustling with commerce and excitement, and other parts of the country boast world-class tourism facilities. It wasn.t so many years ago that Chileans were fleeing their country to work in Argentina and escape the iron fist of Pinochet. Today, the roles have reversed, and many Argentines are swallowing their pride and crossing the border to work in their neighboring country.

Climate

Chile is a geographic oddity, stretching over 38 degrees of latitude, and extends from the tropics to a few hundred miles north of Antarctica, and from sea level to over 20,000 feet. Chile boasts the driest part of the world in the Atacama desert, which is 100 times drier than Death Valley in California, and once went 400 years without rain! It should come as no surprise that NASA tests Mars landing equipment in this environment. Along the coast, temperatures are moderate, but inland temperatures are more extreme. Central Chile, has cool and wet winters from April to September, and most of the year can see rain. The summer can see warm to hot weather. The southern region, including Patagonia, is cool and rainy year round, and can see heavy snow in parts. The southern part of the country averages 119 inches of precipitation per year, whereas Santiago and surrounding regions average about 15. Looking at just the line of permanent snow can give you an idea of the range of climates: in the north the line is at 18,000 feet; the middle--around Santiago.14,000, and in the south, near Tierra del Fuego, 2,200 feet.

Government

Chile is a constitutional democracy cut from a similar cloth as the United States. This is only a recent occurrence, as they amended the constitution after the rule of the oppressive Augusto Pinochet ended. The constitution was changed to eliminate appointed senators, and senators being able to serve lifelong terms. All four elections since the fall of Pinochet have been judged by international groups as fair and accurate, and the president is now constitutionally barred from serving two consecutive terms. Strangely, the Congress is not located in Santiago, but in Valparaiso, an hour and a half away. Under Pinochet, the justice system was hardly independent, but an overhaul was completed in 2005, and now justice is independent, and resembles more closely the United States, than the Spanish Inquisition.

Tax System

Chile has a heavy top tax on income at 40%, but the corporate rate is quite low, at 17%. There are also value added taxes, taxes on checking transactions, and property taxes. You can read more about the tax and economic situation in Chile in the Index of Economic Freedom: Chile. Looking at the economic indicators for Latin America, Chile--for the most part--is ranked at, or near, the top in almost every category. It is generally seen as quite free from corruption and heavy government interference, possessing high per capita wealth, environmental awareness and sustainability practices, a high quality of life, and freedom of the press.

Medical Care

For people who can afford to pay for their own insurance and/or medical bills, high quality health care is available, although it can be expensive. Well-trained doctors, dentists, and modern equipment are available in Santiago and the other major cities, but in smaller towns, the quality of care drops off significantly. If you are covered with an international insurance policy, the quality of health care in the best hospitals in Santiago is quite good. As with many countries, Chilean medical care varies with the amount of money a person can spend on it. Although the government does provide state-sponsored health care, there are still entire communities and villages without even so much as a working ambulance.

Real Estate

Although most things are quite expensive in Chile--about on par with prices in a mid-range American city like Dallas--real estate remains relatively cheap. In Santiago, a very nice, fully furnished studio apartment in a better neighborhood can be found for as little as $400 a month. Nice three bedroom apartments can be found starting at $700 per month and up. For those looking to buy, Chilean properties are quite affordable. In Santiago and Vina del Mar, $70,000 should get a decent two bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood. In other parts of the country, property prices decrease dramatically, as one would expect. If someone is looking to purchase raw land in Patagonia to develop, lakeside undeveloped hectare lots can be found for less than $10,000US. In some of the smaller beach communities, small, two bedroom 800 square foot houses on the beach are available for less than $40,000.

Shopping

Shopping in Chile is much like shopping in any developed country, although the prices for American or European goods are higher due to tariffs. People coming to Chile thinking that they will find loads of bargain shopping as in other Latin American countries may be in for a shock. Although real estate prices are comparable to those in Argentina and Peru, most other things are more expensive. While bargain hunters will likely be disappointed in Chile, there are many shops, modern malls, markets, and antique stores offering quality items. Las Condes, features a wonderful Sunday market, which is a cross between an antique show and flea market, and many unusual items and oddities can be found. For the gourmands, fish, food, and farmer.s markets are available in most neighborhoods, and are great places to see the sights and grab a nice fresh meal, or pick up some items to cook at home.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Santiago is comparable to that of living in a mid-range American city, such as Dallas. In other parts of the country, prices can be lower. Vina del Mar is the most popular beach in Chile, and located just about an hour from Santiago, prices in the summer months can be higher than in the capital, as Vina becomes the de facto capital of Chile in these months, as many Chilenos move there or spend significant time there. Rent is the one thing in Chile that is not a problem; finding affordable housing is relatively easy, and uncomplicated. Unfortunately, everything else will cost you. Two people should be able to live decently well for $2000 a month, but $2500 is probably the cut off point of having everything one would need or want. A 1MB connection costs about $70 a month, and an electricity bill will likely be over $100. Santiago features many American fast food chains (Taco Bell, Burger King, Starbucks, and McDonalds), but the prices here are usually more than in the US. For a good dinner in a good restaurant, expect to pay around $25 each.

Extradition from Chile

The Extradition treaty between Chile and the United States of America was signed on April 17, 1900 in Santiago

This treaty was entered into force on June 26, 2002