Is Chile a good destination for digital nomads?
Yes — Chile is one of South America’s most stable, connected, and under-the-radar options for remote workers. You get strong infrastructure, stunning natural diversity (from deserts to glaciers), and visa rules that let you stay up to six months without bureaucratic drama. While it doesn’t have the scene of Medellín or Mexico City, it’s ideal for nomads who want fast Wi-Fi, walkable cities, and weekend escapes into the wild.
Here’s everything you need to know before setting up shop in Santiago, surfing in Viña, or stargazing in the Atacama.
Digital Nomad Visas for Chile
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Chile?
For most passport holders—including the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand—you don’t need a visa to enter Chile. You’ll get a 90-day tourist entry on arrival, which can be extended once for another 90 days (for ~$100 USD). That gives you up to 6 months in Chile without applying in advance.
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa?
Technically, yes—as long as you’re working for clients or companies outside of Chile. There’s no official digital nomad visa yet, but Chile is known for being relatively relaxed with remote workers who aren’t competing in the local job market.
What if I want to stay longer?
Your options:
- Tourist visa extension (one-time, online or at a PDI office)
- Exit and re-enter (land borders to Argentina, Peru, Bolivia make visa runs feasible)
- Temporary Resident Visa if you fall in love and want to set up shop long-term (requires proof of income or Chilean ties)
Nomados Tip: Don’t overstay your 90/180 days. Fines are common, and future re-entry could be blocked.
Best Cities in Chile for Digital Nomads
Santiago
The capital is clean, modern, and efficient—Chile’s economic engine. You’ll find co-working spaces, metro lines, fast internet, and international cafés. It’s the easiest soft landing but can feel corporate.
Pros: infrastructure, walkable neighborhoods like Providencia and Ñuñoa, international airport
Cons: air pollution in winter, higher cost of living
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
Valpo is a graffiti-covered boho port town, while Viña is its breezy beachside twin. Together they offer charm, surf, and a thriving expat community—only 90 minutes from Santiago.
Pros: artistic vibe, coastal life, lower rent
Cons: hills = leg day, slower Wi-Fi in older buildings
Pucón & the Lake District
For nature lovers. Picture volcanoes, hot springs, and alpine towns that feel part Patagonia, part Switzerland.
Pros: epic outdoors, peaceful pace, tourism-focused infrastructure
Cons: seasonality, spotty internet in remote areas
Other honorable mentions:
- La Serena: beachy university town
- Puerto Varas: German-inspired architecture, lakeside coworking
- Antofagasta: desert coast with a mining-fueled economy (better for short visits)
Cost of Living in Chile for Nomads
Chile isn’t cheap, but it’s affordable for most nomads—especially those coming from North America or Europe.
|
Category |
Monthly Cost (USD) |
|
Rent (1BR, furnished) |
$500–$900 |
|
Coworking |
$80–$150 |
|
SIM Card + Data |
$10–$20 |
|
Local Transport |
$25–$50 |
|
Meals Out |
$200–$400 |
|
Total (modest lifestyle) |
~$1,300–$1,800 |
Nomados Tip: Costs drop dramatically outside Santiago. You can live well on under $1,200/month in smaller cities.
Coworking, SIM Cards, and Internet
Internet Speeds
Chile has some of the best internet in South America. In cities, expect:
- Home Wi-Fi: 100–300 Mbps
- Mobile 4G: 10–50 Mbps
- Fiber availability: Increasing, especially in Santiago and Viña
Nomados Tip: Check that your Airbnb or rental includes dedicated Wi-Fi—not just tethering.
SIM Cards & Mobile Data
Chile has excellent coverage. Popular providers:
- Entel (best coverage)
- Movistar (strong in cities)
- WOM (cheaper plans)
You can buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or a corner kiosk with your passport. Plans with 10–20GB of data cost around $10–15 USD.
Coworking Spaces
In Santiago and Valparaíso, you’ll find modern coworking hubs like:
- Co-Work Latam
- La Maquinita
- Urban Station
Many offer flexible day passes, hot desks, and high-speed internet. Outside the cities, cafés and Airbnbs are more common than dedicated spaces.
Life in Chile as a Digital Nomad
Safety & Stability
Chile is one of Latin America’s most politically stable and safest countries for travelers. Protests do occur (especially in Santiago), but violent crime is rare outside certain urban pockets.
Language
Spanish is the national language, but Chilean Spanish is notoriously fast and slang-heavy. English is not widely spoken outside major cities—Google Translate is your friend.
Nomados Tip: Even basic Spanish goes a long way here—locals appreciate the effort.
Culture & Community
Chileans are warm but private. You won’t find massive digital nomad meetups like in Medellín or Lisbon—but expat forums, language exchanges, and outdoor groups (like hiking clubs) are great entry points.
You’ll find:
- World-class hiking, surfing, skiing
- Cultural events in Santiago
- Wine tastings in the Colchagua Valley
FAQs About Chile for Digital Nomads
How long can I stay in Chile as a digital nomad?
Up to 90 days on arrival, extendable once to 180. Longer stays require a different visa.
Is Chile safe for solo female travelers?
Yes. Exercise standard precautions, but Chile is one of the safest Latin American countries for solo travelers.
Can I open a local bank account or rent long-term?
Not on a tourist visa. You’ll need a temporary residency for that. Airbnb and furnished sublets are your best bet.
Is Patagonia accessible as a nomad base?
It’s magical—but not ideal for remote work unless you have offline flexibility. Infrastructure can be limited.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Chile’s seasons are flipped from the Northern Hemisphere. Summer (Dec–Feb) is ideal for Patagonia and the coast. Winter (June–Aug) is great for skiing in the Andes.
Ready to make your digital nomad dreams a reality? Download our comprehensive Digital Nomad Visa Guide for detailed requirements and official resources for each destination.
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Chile is for the traveler who likes their freedom with a bit of structure. It’s not the party-hub of Latin America—but if you want breathtaking landscapes, strong coffee, and strong Wi-Fi, it might just be your next base.
Nomados helps you cut through the visa fine print, rental research, and SIM card confusion—so all you have to worry about is whether you’re hiking up a volcano or sipping Carménère at sunset.
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