Chile Digital Nomad Tips

With a vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a surprisingly low cost of living, Chile is becoming a hotspot for digital nomads looking to stretch their budget. You can have an unforgettable experience while working remotely in this stunning South American country.

Getting to and Around in Chile

To kick off your journey, you’ll likely land at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), where budget airlines like JetSmart and Sky Airline offer domestic and regional flights. A taxi into the city center will cost around 20,000 to 25,000 pesos (approximately $25-$30), but you can save money by taking the Centropuerto bus for just 1,800 pesos ($2.25). It runs every 30 minutes and drops you at the Pajaritos Metro Station.

Once in Santiago, the Metro is your best bet for getting around. A single fare costs 1,250 pesos ($1.50), and you can buy a Bip! card for 1,500 pesos ($1.90) which you can load with credit for multiple trips. Venturing beyond the city? Long-distance buses like TurBus and Pullman offer comfortable rides to places like Valparaíso (around 8,000 pesos or $10) and the Atacama Desert from Santiago for roughly 30,000 pesos ($38).

Where to Stay

For budget accommodations in Santiago, consider staying in the Bellavista neighborhood, where hostels like Profit Hostel charge around 14,000 pesos ($17.50) per night for a dorm bed. For a more private experience, check out La Casa Roja, which offers private rooms from 40,000 pesos ($50). Both places have great atmospheres and are close to parks and nightlife.

If you’re looking for long-term stays, Airbnb can be a great option, offering entire apartments starting from 200,000 pesos ($250) per month in neighborhoods like Ñuñoa or Providencia. Be sure to read reviews carefully and check for Wi-Fi speed—essential for remote work. Staying in Airbnbs also gives you access to kitchens, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals.

What to Eat and Drink

Chilean cuisine is diverse and largely affordable, especially if you stick to local eateries. For breakfast, try the classic "completo" hot dog at Dominó (around 2,500 pesos or $3.15). For lunch, Mercado Central offers fresh seafood; grab a plate of "paila marina" (seafood stew) for around 7,000 pesos ($8.80). If you’re on the go, street vendors sell empanadas for about 1,500 pesos ($1.90)—a budget-friendly staple.

In the evenings, check out the bars in Bellavista, where you can sip "pisco sour" cocktails for around 5,000-6,000 pesos ($6.30-$7.50). For a cheaper alternative, grab a bottle of local wine from a supermarket—prices start at about 3,000 pesos ($3.80) for decent options. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip to La Vega Central, a bustling market where you can sample fresh fruits, vegetables, and local snacks at low prices.

Practical Tips for Digital Nomads

When working remotely in Chile, you’ll need reliable internet access and local SIM cards. Most cafes and co-working spaces offer Wi-Fi, but it’s wise to have a backup. You can purchase a SIM card from shops like Entel or Movistar for around 15,000 pesos ($19) that comes with data plans starting at 5,000 pesos ($6.30) for 2GB.

• Invest in a portable Wi-Fi device like the TP-Link M7350, which lets you connect multiple devices and costs around 30,000 pesos ($38).
• Wi-Fi is generally stable in Santiago, but if you venture to rural areas, consider downloading offline maps with Google Maps to navigate without data.
• Join local Facebook groups or platforms like Meetup to network with other digital nomads and find co-working spaces like WeWork in Santiago.
• Be aware of the high cost of living in Patagonia; for example, a hostel night in Puerto Natales can run up to 30,000 pesos ($38), so plan accordingly.