Santiago, the main city in Chile, is a prime spot for digital nomads in South America. It is as if the city has the traditional services of a European city, yet it has a unique atmosphere that is unmistakably South American. The Wi-Fi runs quickly, and with the increasing amount of start-ups in the area, you will likely meet numerous other remote workers.
Chile is situated between the rugged Andes Mountains and the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean, making it the optimal spot for lovers of the outdoors. You could use your weekends to go for a hike in the surrounding area or try to get some good waves while surfing. It is an ideal starting point for discovering the finest of South America.
Exploring the digital nomad way of living in Santiago, Chile in greater detail.
Cost of Living in Santiago
Although Santiago can be a costly place to live in South America, travelers from Europe, North America, or the areas around the South Pole will be happily surprised by how far their money can take them. Right now, one US dollar is worth over 800 Chilean pesos. If you pick up the habits of the people who reside in the area, you can benefit greatly.
Accommodation Expenses
If you are trying to find somewhere to stay that won’t affect your wallet, there are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels situated throughout the city. A hostel room can be as low as around USD10 for each night, whereas a more comfortable yet still reasonably priced hotel will cost somewhere in the range of USD30-40.
If you would like to have a spot that can be all yours, you are able to rent an entire flat or condominium close to downtown for approximately USD30-70 for each night. If you don’t mind living a distance away or being a bit limited on space, you can also locate some more inexpensive choices.
If you’re planning to stay for an extended length of time and are opting for rental, you could obtain yourself a deluxe apartment in the middle of town for approximately USD500 every month.
Be ready to go through several complicated steps in order to get your rental authorized if you are an outsider and don’t have things like a Chilean banking account or local salary stubs. They might up your security deposit just in case.
Warning! Make certain that hot water is supplied if having a hot shower is of value to you before inking the agreement. Some constructions do not possess boilers and thus the pipes only distribute cold water.
Food & Drink Expenses
In Santiago, groceries and fruit can be hard to find and quite costly. Although it may look reasonable compared to other countries, it still takes away a sizable portion of local earnings. Be sure to take advantage of the frequent farmer’s markets for the freshest ingredients and the most economical pricing.
If you don’t mind dining in cheaper eateries, you can feed yourself adequately in Santiago for roughly five to ten US dollars per meal. In the early stages of your stay in the city, go to Mercado Central to sample some of the local delicacies. This will give you an idea of what kind of native food is available as you make your way around town. Galindo is a favorite among many natives when it comes to reasonable Chilean cooking, and street vendors are known to frequently serve traditional plates.
One of the most commonly ordered dishes is Ajiaco, a meat-based soup, as well as vegetable and eel soups such as Caldillo de Congrio. Rolled Huaso pork rolls and various forms of empanadas make a good snack.
If you’d like something you’re more accustomed to, Colmado Coffee and Fuente Alemana have some great sandwiches.
Drinks are affordable but not cheap. A beer will most likely cost approximately USD3-5, while a mixed drink is typically around USD5-10. If you enjoy wine, you are in luck. You can find great wineries in Chile, allowing you to purchase a satisfactory bottle of wine for under five US Dollars. One great reason to sample some of the local beverages! It is essential that you sample a bottle of Carmenere, which is like Malbec yet distinctively its own; it is highly esteemed in this area.
Be certain to sample a Mote con Huesillo while in the city. This is a beverage that does not contain alcohol, yet it is still very much an iconic part of Chilean culture. This treat is a combination of wheat that has been stripped of its husk, dried peaches, sugar-infused liquid, and cinnamon.
Transport Expenses
Santiago can be considered a safe city and it is tidy, making walking to most places an achievable pursuit; however, practicing safety measures is highly encouraged. In certain places in the city, a bike-sharing program has been implemented if you’re looking for a faster way to get around.
For extended journeys, the metro system in Santiago is the most extensive in all of South America. You can get to the major spots in the city by taking six different lines and one ticket, which will cost approximately one US Dollar. Try not to drive during peak times of the day, normally between 7 and 9 in the morning and 6 and 8 in the evening, if you can help it.
Uber is available in Santiago, however the service experience is inconsistent. A taxi might be the better choice for you, as it typically costs around one US dollar per kilometer. The fare for a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre will be between fifteen and thirty US dollars.
Benefits of Being a Digital Nomad in Santiago
Creative Urban Environment
Santiago has a lot of the same qualities and characteristics that cities like Krakow, Prague, and Zagreb did two decades ago. Progress is occurring quickly and things are becoming more modern, making them stimulating spots to be a part of. There is a feeling of hustle and opportunity. This is an ideal spot to launch any imaginative concept.
Start-Up Friendly
Santiago has a lively entrepreneurial environment, which is backed up by different government initiatives. There is no lack of youthful business owners in the locality to form relationships with.
Natural Landscapes
When you gaze in the direction away from the city, you can spot the formidable Andes mountains. Although invisible, you are also in near proximity to the ocean. It is not difficult to locate a serene environment to de-stress or excite yourself that is within convenient proximity to the city. You’ll never feel trapped in the city on weekends.
Digital Nomad Friendly
Santiago has a reputation for having some of the best Wi-Fi in South America, despite the fact that internet connection in the region isn’t typically fantastic. This area surpasses other places in the metropolis with regards to the number of co-working areas, making them more affordable. You are in close proximity to the same time zone as the United States, which can support your work/life equilibrium.
Affordable
Santiago, despite being on the pricier side as compared to other cities in South America, still is reasonably priced when compared with other places around the world. Expenditures typically remain consistent, which is not the case in Argentina, where the constantly fluctuating currency makes it difficult to determine how much is necessary to save.
10 Additional Tips for Working Remotely- Wherever You Are
Here are 10 tips to make your remote work and travel experience a breeze:
1. Join a Community
Being part of a community of nomads who share similar values and ideas offers the chance to create new contacts and open up fresh possibilities for work and travelling. You can discover a large number of work and travel associations on Facebook and other social media sites.
2. Create and Adhere to a Work Schedule
It is essential to maintain your productivity at work while carrying out your travel plans. Do not let your experiences get in the way of completing your tasks. Traveling to new destinations during remote work could necessitate adjusting to multiple interruptions. Having a structured schedule for completing your work ensures that the task will be completed no matter what.
3. Set Limits to Your Work Hours and Know When to Shut Down
You should aim to have a strong work ethic, but take care not to push yourself too hard when you are employed and on the go. Try not to exceed your working hours– unless you need to make a due date– and take some time off to allow yourself to appreciate your new environment. It would be a shame if you have to miss the opportunity to see Machu Picchu due to work meetings.
4. Take Steps to Maintain your Long-distance Relationships
It is essential to nurture your relationships and friendships while traveling. You could assign yourself time to connect with family and friends who are not with you, especially if you and they are living in different time zones. Video conferencing and messaging may be helpful. Although it isn’t the same as being together in person, this is an awesome way to stay connected.
5. Pack Appropriately
Minimizing the weight of one’s luggage is vital when they are moving and performing their job from a distance. But there are a few essentials you may need for your portable office, including:
- Laptop and protective case
- Mobile device and protective case
- Notebooks, planners, diaries, and pens
- Personal hotspot
- Noise-canceling headphones
- External mouse and keyboard
6. Sign Up for a Remote Work and Travel Program
If you’ve never done remote working and traveling before, maybe our collective work and traveling program at Remote Year could be a great way to get started. We will make all of the necessary arrangements for you – such as accommodation, workspace and transport – so that you have the freedom to concentrate on connecting to other remote workers and doing your job from a distance. Begin your journey with a one-month getaway, or choose to embark on a transformative four or twelve-month excursion!
7. Be Patient When Explaining Your Situation
Doing a job while travelling is a comparatively novel concept, and not everyone in your social group may be able to comprehend your decisions. Discover ways to calmly detail why you made your choice and how it has caused you to become more mature.
8. Pay Attention to Time Zone Differences
If you are going to a place in a different time zone, take note of how the time will be different between that and your place of employment so that you can show up to conferences, adhere to deadlines, and carry out any other duties of your job punctually. Think about making one of your devices always use the office schedule so you avoid any potential confusion.
9. Create and stick to your budget
Although certain work and vacation areas may have more economical expenses than your home country, it’s still smart to have an allocated budget and stick to it. Travelling in a foreign country can become expensive quickly, so it’s advisable to keep spending to a minimum if you’re a remote worker earning money there.
10. Enjoy the journey
Keep in mind that the aim of your journey is to gain exposure to new places and experiences. Make sure to savor every second of your voyage. Taking the time to explore your new environment and fully appreciate it may help you to discover untapped abilities and spur on your imagination, eventually leading to a surge in creativity and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Telecommuting and travelling gives the chance for anyone with a passion for exploration to accomplish their ambitions while still holding down a job. By putting together a good strategy, you can work and travel remotely and still accomplish all of your tasks.
FAQ
Is it legal to work in one country and live in another?
Yes. You do not need to be a permanent resident in order to be permitted to be employed in many countries. You must fulfill the tax and immigration regulations in order to remain legally in that place. Many nations have implemented visas specifically designed for digital nomads, permitting those who desire to do so to do business in the country while not being a registered resident.
How long can I work remotely outside the US?
If you are working remotely from a location outside of the United States, it is important to be aware of the laws of the country you are residing in. In most countries, you’re able to do your job from outside the country for up to three or six months, depending on the nation. If you do not stay beyond the time allowed on your visa, you won’t need any extra paperwork.
Where do I pay my taxes if I work remotely?
You need to submit your taxes in the place you officially reside in, which is the area where you primarily live. Digital nomads may be liable to pay the taxes of the country they are visiting if they are physically present in that country throughout the financial year.
Do I need a visa if I work remotely?
It may be necessary to obtain a digital nomad visa in order to work from a distance in numerous countries. The requirements to become eligible and the amount of time that one can stay in a country for a digital nomad visa differ per nation, but these documents permit individuals to work from a spot that is away from their home nation.
Can my employer see where I am working from?
Your boss may be able to determine your geographical location if you connect to the business’s private network (VPN) while logged on. You can conceal where you are by utilizing a private VPN while working.
How do I become a digital nomad?
Obtaining the status of a digital nomad can be achieved with the proper planning, such as compiling a record of tasks you have completed and obtaining relevant qualifications. One possible way to get the skills and knowledge needed to become a digital nomad is to begin freelancing through either online or contract-based roles.
Where can I travel and work remotely?
There are numerous work from home jobs to be had in Bali, Thailand and other countries across the globe. Fast internet, diverse lodging choices, and lots of collaborative workspaces permit people to go on vacation with their laptops and be productive in new and stimulating cities.
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