Santiago, Chile’s capital is a thriving destination for digital nomads, offering fast internet, modern co-working spaces, and a vibrant city life. Neighborhoods like Providencia and Las Condes are popular for their safety, cafes, and work-friendly spots. The cost of living is moderate, with affordable accommodation options and excellent public transport. Santiago’s proximity to the Andes mountains and Pacific coast provides plenty of outdoor activities for a perfect work-life balance. The city also has a strong expat community and regular networking events for remote workers.
Nomad Score: 7/10 ・ Cost of living: $1400/month ・ Internet speed: 200 Mbps
▶ Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde – King Room with Balcony
▶ Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa – Large Twin or Doble Room
▶ Hostal Rio Amazonas – Double Room with Private Bathroom
▶ Hotel Cumbres Lastarria – Superior Double Room
▶ The Place – Junior Suite
This guide will help you navigate life in Santiago as a digital nomad, offering a mix of productive work environments, cultural experiences, and exciting outdoor adventures in one of South America’s most dynamic cities:
1. Internet and Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Santiago has fast and reliable internet, with most cafes, co-working spaces, and accommodations offering strong Wi-Fi connections. The city’s tech infrastructure is robust, making it ideal for remote workers.
- Mobile Plans: Major providers like Movistar, Claro, Entel, and WOM offer prepaid SIM cards with 4G coverage. These plans are affordable and widely available at airports, shopping malls, and kiosks around the city.
2. Co-working Spaces
Santiago’s co-working scene is vibrant and well-developed, offering a range of options for digital nomads:
- WeWork: Multiple locations throughout Santiago, particularly in Providencia and Las Condes, offering modern co-working environments and networking opportunities.
- COWO: A popular co-working space located in Providencia, offering flexible plans and a vibrant community of freelancers and entrepreneurs.
- Urban Station: Known for its central location and comfortable workspaces, offering day passes and memberships for remote workers.
- WORKPLACE: A co-working space located in Las Condes, ideal for professionals and digital nomads seeking a quiet and professional environment.
3. Cost of Living
- Accommodation: Santiago is affordable compared to other major global cities. A one-bedroom apartment in neighborhoods like Providencia or Las Condes costs between $600–$1,200 per month, while more budget-friendly areas like Ñuñoa offer cheaper options around $400–$700.
- Food: Eating out ranges from affordable local meals for $5–$10 at typical Chilean eateries to $20–$30 at upscale restaurants. Grocery shopping is affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices.
- Co-working: Monthly co-working memberships typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the location and amenities.
4. Where to Stay
- Providencia: A central, safe, and vibrant neighborhood with cafes, co-working spaces, and great public transport connections. It’s a popular spot for expats and digital nomads.
- Las Condes: An upscale area with modern apartments and proximity to Santiago’s financial district. This area offers a more polished, business-friendly atmosphere, but at a higher cost.
- Ñuñoa: A more affordable and residential neighborhood, Ñuñoa is quieter than Providencia and Las Condes but still offers easy access to cafes, co-working spaces, and the metro.
- Bellavista: Known for its bohemian vibe and nightlife, Bellavista is a lively neighborhood with plenty of cafes, art galleries, and cultural attractions. It’s perfect for those seeking a more creative and laid-back atmosphere.
5. Transportation
- Public Transport: Santiago’s public transport system is efficient and affordable, including an extensive metro network and buses. The Bip! Card is used for both buses and metro rides, with fares starting at $0.80.
- Taxis & Ridesharing: Taxis are readily available, but services like Uber and Cabify are more commonly used for their reliability and affordability.
- Bikes: Santiago has an expanding network of bike lanes, and bike-sharing programs like Bike Santiago are popular for getting around the city, especially in areas like Providencia and Ñuñoa.
- Walking: Many central neighborhoods are walkable, with wide streets and pedestrian-friendly zones, making it easy to explore on foot.
6. Work-Friendly Cafes
- Colmado Coffee: A cozy cafe in Providencia known for its great coffee, Wi-Fi, and comfortable atmosphere, making it a popular spot for remote workers.
- The White Rabbit: Located in Bellavista, this trendy cafe offers good coffee, plenty of seating, and a calm environment for working.
- Café del Parque: A spacious cafe with outdoor seating in Ñuñoa, ideal for remote work sessions and meetings.
- Wonderland Café: Situated near the Lastarria neighborhood, this cafe offers fast Wi-Fi and a creative, relaxed environment for freelancers.
7. Visa and Legal Information
- Visa: Citizens of many countries, including the U.S., EU, and Australia, can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days. For longer stays, Chile offers the Temporary Resident Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to live in the country while working for non-Chilean companies. Extensions and renewals are generally easy to process.
8. Networking and Community
Santiago has a strong and growing community of digital nomads and expats:
- Meetups: Platforms like Meetup.com host a range of events in Santiago, from tech and entrepreneurship gatherings to language exchanges and digital nomad meetups.
- Facebook Groups: Join groups like “Expats in Santiago” or “Digital Nomads Chile” to connect with fellow remote workers and get tips on living in the city.
- Startup Events: Santiago has a thriving startup scene with regular events, hackathons, and talks hosted at places like Start-Up Chile and various co-working spaces.
9. Local Attractions and Leisure
- Cerro San Cristóbal: A large hill in the middle of the city offering hiking trails, panoramic views of Santiago, and the famous Virgin Mary statue at the summit.
- Lastarria and Bellavista: These neighborhoods are known for their art galleries, museums, street performances, and vibrant nightlife. A great place to unwind after a workday.
- Day Trips to the Andes: Santiago’s proximity to the Andes mountains allows for easy day trips to ski resorts like Valle Nevado or nature hikes in the Cajón del Maipo region.
- Wine Tours: Chile is famous for its wine. You can take a short trip to nearby vineyards like Concha y Toro or head to the Casablanca Valley for a full-day wine tour.
10. Health and Safety
- Healthcare: Santiago offers high-quality healthcare, with modern private hospitals and clinics catering to expats. It’s recommended to have health insurance during your stay. The public healthcare system is also available, but many opt for private services for faster care.
- Safety: Santiago is generally a safe city, though it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or public transport, where petty crime like pickpocketing can occur. Stick to well-lit and populated areas at night.
Bonus Tips
- Weather: Santiago has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit is in the spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May) when temperatures are mild.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, and while many people in tourist areas speak English, learning basic Spanish phrases will help you navigate day-to-day life more easily.
- Weekend Getaways: Santiago is centrally located for exploring Chile’s diverse landscapes, from the beaches of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso to the Atacama Desert or Patagonia for longer trips.