🌍 Overview
Santiago, Chile is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of affordability, infrastructure, and lifestyle that makes it an attractive remote work hub. With a growing community of like-minded professionals, Santiago provides a welcoming environment for remote workers to thrive. The city’s relatively low cost of living, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $311/month, makes it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollar. Additionally, the city’s infrastructure is continually developing, with many coworking spaces and amenities catering specifically to the nomad community.
As a digital nomad destination, Santiago offers a unique vibe that is both modern and charming. The city’s urban landscape is dotted with picturesque hills, scenic views, and a mix of old and new architecture. However, it’s essential to set realistic expectations, as Santiago’s infrastructure scores a relatively modest 47/100 for digital nomads. Nevertheless, the city’s social scene is vibrant, with a 54/100 score for nightlife and social activities. Nature lovers may find Santiago’s outdoors access lacking, with a score of 6/100, but the city’s cultural attractions are rich and diverse, with a 40/100 score.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
1. Providencia
Providencia is one of the most popular neighborhoods for digital nomads, offering a mix of upscale amenities and a relaxed atmosphere. The area is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal spot for socializing and networking. Rent ranges from $400-$700/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities. One of the main pros of Providencia is its excellent internet quality, with average speeds of 20 Mbps and fiber availability throughout the neighborhood. However, the area can get noisy, especially on weekends, and the nomad density is relatively high.
Notable streets in Providencia include Avenida Providencia and Avenida Nueva Costa del Sur, which offer easy access to public transportation and amenities. Many nomads choose Providencia for its central location and easy access to coworking spaces, restaurants, and bars.
2. Las Condes
Las Condes is a more affluent neighborhood that offers a unique blend of luxury and convenience. The area is home to many high-end restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers, making it an ideal spot for those who value upscale amenities. Rent ranges from $600-$1,200/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities. One of the main pros of Las Condes is its excellent internet quality, with average speeds of 30 Mbps and fiber availability throughout the neighborhood. However, the area can be quite pricey, and the nomad density is relatively low.
Notable streets in Las Condes include Avenida Las Condes and Avenida Presidente Riesco, which offer easy access to public transportation and amenities. Many nomads choose Las Condes for its luxury amenities and convenient location.
3. Bellavista
Bellavista is a charming neighborhood that offers a unique blend of bohemian vibes and urban amenities. The area is home to many independent cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an ideal spot for creatives and remote workers. Rent ranges from $300-$600/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities. One of the main pros of Bellavista is its relaxed atmosphere and excellent internet quality, with average speeds of 15 Mbps and fiber availability throughout the neighborhood. However, the area can get noisy, especially on weekends, and the nomad density is relatively low.
Notable streets in Bellavista include Avenida Providencia and Avenida Pedro de Valdivia, which offer easy access to public transportation and amenities. Many nomads choose Bellavista for its unique atmosphere and affordable rent.
4. Vitacura
Vitacura is a more laid-back neighborhood that offers a unique blend of natural scenery and urban amenities. The area is home to many parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Rent ranges from $400-$800/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities. One of the main pros of Vitacura is its relaxed atmosphere and excellent internet quality, with average speeds of 20 Mbps and fiber availability throughout the neighborhood. However, the area can be quite far from the city center, and the nomad density is relatively low.
Notable streets in Vitacura include Avenida Vitacura and Avenida Pedro de Valdivia, which offer easy access to public transportation and amenities. Many nomads choose Vitacura for its natural scenery and relaxed atmosphere.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Santiago has a growing number of coworking spaces that cater to the nomad community. Some of the most popular options include:
- WeWork Santiago: Offers a range of plans, from $300-$600/month, with excellent internet quality and amenities.
- The Co-Working Space: Offers a range of plans, from $200-$400/month, with good internet quality and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Regus Santiago: Offers a range of plans, from $400-$800/month, with excellent internet quality and luxury amenities.
Internet Quality
Santiago’s internet quality is generally good, with average speeds of 11 Mbps and fiber availability throughout the city. However, some neighborhoods, such as Las Condes and Providencia, offer much faster speeds, with average speeds of 30 Mbps and above.
Nomad Community Scene
Santiago’s nomad community is growing, with many meetups and events catering to remote workers. Some of the most popular groups and meetups include:
- Santiago Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, offering a range of meetups and events.
- Digital Nomads Chile: A meetup group with over 500 members, offering a range of events and activities.
- Coworking Santiago: A coworking space with a range of events and meetups catering to remote workers.
Best Cafes to Work From
Santiago has a range of cafes and coffee shops that offer excellent internet quality and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the most popular options include:
- Cafe con Arte: Offers excellent internet quality, a relaxed atmosphere, and a range of delicious coffee options.
- The Coffee Roasters: Offers excellent internet quality, a relaxed atmosphere, and a range of specialty coffee options.
- Bocanariz: Offers excellent internet quality, a relaxed atmosphere, and a range of delicious coffee options.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Local Customs and Etiquette
Santiago has a rich cultural scene, with many local customs and traditions. Some of the most important etiquette tips include:
- Respect for the elderly: Chileans are known for their respect for the elderly, so it’s essential to show respect and deference to older individuals.
- Personal space: Chileans tend to stand close together when interacting, so it’s essential to respect personal space and avoid standing too far away.
- Tipping culture: Tipping culture in Chile is relatively low, with 10% being considered standard.
Food Scene Highlights
Santiago’s food scene is rich and diverse, with many delicious options to try. Some of the most popular dishes include:
- Pastel de Choclo: A savory corn pie filled with ground beef, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Chupe de Mariscos: A seafood stew made with a variety of seafood, potatoes, and onions.
- Empanadas: A type of pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, often served as a snack or light meal.
Nightlife and Social Scene
Santiago’s nightlife and social scene are vibrant and diverse, with many options to choose from. Some of the most popular areas include:
- Barrio Lastarria: A trendy neighborhood with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
- Barrio Bellavista: A bohemian neighborhood with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Barrio Providencia: A upscale neighborhood with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
⭐ Highlights
- Plaza de Armas: The main square in the city, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks.
- Cerro San Cristobal: A hill with a range of hiking trails, scenic views, and a historic teleferico.
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: A museum showcasing a range of Chilean art and culture.
- Mercado Central: A bustling market offering a range of fresh seafood, meats, and produce.
- Barrio Lastarria: A trendy neighborhood with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
- Cerro Moneda: A hill with a range of hiking trails, scenic views, and a historic monument.
💡 Practical Tips
Visa Requirements
Santiago offers a range of visa options for remote workers, including:
- Tourist visa: A 90-day visa that can be extended for an additional 90 days.
- Temporary residence visa: A 1-year visa that allows for temporary residence in Chile.
- Permanent residence visa: A 5-year visa that allows for permanent residence in Chile.
Getting Around
Santiago has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, metro, and taxis. Some of the most popular transportation options include:
- Metro: A comprehensive metro system with four lines and over 130 stations.
- Bus: A range of bus lines offering service throughout the city.
- Taxi: A range of taxi companies offering service throughout the city.
Safety Considerations
Santiago is generally a safe city, but some areas are considered safer than others. Some of the safest areas include:
- Barrio Lastarria: A trendy neighborhood with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
- Barrio Bellavista: A bohemian neighborhood with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Barrio Providencia: A upscale neighborhood with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
Santiago’s climate is mild and temperate, with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Santiago is during the spring and summer months (September to March), when the weather is warm and sunny.
Healthcare and Insurance
Santiago has a well-developed healthcare system, with many hospitals and medical facilities offering high-quality care. However, it’s essential to have health insurance that covers you in Chile, as medical costs can be high.
Money Matters
Santiago uses the Chilean peso (CLP) as its official currency. Some of the most popular ways to exchange money include:
- ATMs: Many ATMs throughout the city offer a range of withdrawal options.
- Currency exchange offices: Many currency exchange offices offer a range of exchange options.
- Credit cards: Many businesses accept credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Note: The prices mentioned in the guide are subject to change and may not reflect the current prices.
