As a digital nomad, expatriate, or general traveler, you may wonder is Chile is the best travel destination. So, let’s get to know Chile. Hello, Vagabonds! Welcome to the Atypical Vagabond. Here, I will discuss information on Countries’ tourism and immigration policies for expatriates.
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A strong desire for freedom often arises in a busy world of daily routines and societal pressures. We become fascinated by the exciting appeal of unfamiliar places, the mysterious call of undiscovered destinations, and the life-changing influence of travel. In these instances, we awaken the spirit of the unconventional traveler — the wanderer who desires to explore the world and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal freedom.
Is Chile the best travel destination?
The first country I will be highlighting is Chile. Located south of Peru and West of Argentina, Chile has 2888 miles of coastland. The Pacific Ocean is the main body of water abutting this coastland. The landmass is approximately twice that of Montana.
The primary language spoken is Chilean Spanish. Many native Spanish speakers from other countries have difficulties communicating with Chileans. While there is a gulf with sharing, the ability to convey thoughts is surmountable.
The government in Chile is a Republic. In 1980, the current constitution was ratified in a national referendum. The first two decades of the new Republic had a transition from the previous Pinochet dictatorship. Since 2000, Chileans have embraced a much stronger democratic process. Issues within the current constitution created economic progress for the wealthy and less opportunity for those without money. As a result, Chileans voted to rewrite their constitution. In Spring 2021, they will vote on ratifying a new Constitution.
My wish for this blog is an absence of political debate. However, it is relevant to discuss the current events involving Chile’s constitution. Depending upon how the politics surrounding this issue could affect those intending to expatriate to Chile.
ECONOMY
Copper mining was Chile’s primary export. Chile has had booms and busts tied to copper mining. More recently, Chile has become a significant exporter of agricultural products. Grapes, fish, wine, and wood are Chilean main international exports. The major export partners are the United States, China, and Japan.
The primary import need of Chile is petroleum products. This need is obviously for transportation in Chile. The three major import partners are the United States, China, and Brazil. Thus, gasoline in Chile is expensive.
Cultural Attractions and Climate
There are a total of 16 different regions in Chile. Each area has unique cultural attractions and climates. The climates vary significantly between latitudes. I will examine these specific attractions when discussing each providence. Chilean temperatures range from the arid Atacama Desert, the semi-arid wine country, the wet river region of Valdivia to the cold alpine areas in the Andes and southern Antarctic areas.
Transportation
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago is where international travelers arrive. Here you can rent a car, catch a taxi or bus. Navigating to the rental car lot is tricky. The airport has a shuttle from the terminal to the rental car lot. If Santiago isn’t your final destination, you can fly to nearly all 125 Chilean airports. Traveling to Arturo Merino Benítez Airport would facilitate travel to any region in Chile.
While technically illegal Uber/Lyft drivers can be found in Chile. I highly suggest not using these apps from the airport because taxis are relatively cheap.
Expenses – Healthcare, Internet, Hotels, and Food
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The medical facilities in Chile are some of the best in South America. The WHO ranks Chile’s healthcare system at 33rd out of 190 countries. If you plan to live in Chile for an extended time, prepare to spend around 7% of your income each month on health insurance.
As with most international travel, you can use your compatible cell phones in Chile. If your cell carrier requires a SIM card, you can swap out SIM cards to get phone and data coverage. Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport has booths selling SIM cards and cell phones. These items will be more expensive, but the option is there if needed.
Cell Phone Providers
Movistar, Claro, Entel, and Virgen are the primary cell providers. At the airport, I paid around $15 for a 1 GB plan. Waiting to travel into Santiago, one could buy a similar cell plan for $5. This plan lasted me three weeks of travel.
Hotels in Chile can range between $50-250 per night. The most expensive lodging is in remote locations with high-end accommodations. Median-priced accommodations are around $125-$150 per night. In some regions, the only housing is in hostels. Airbnb is also a great way of finding great lodging. For those looking at traveling through Patagonia, they should expect to do some camping.
In Chile, you won’t find a Costco or IKEA. Supermarkets such as Lider (Walmart-owned), Superbodega Acuenta (Walmart-owned), or Jumbo are in bigger cities. There are also markets and smaller neighborhood stores to get groceries in smaller towns. Tottus (Flabella owned) is another supermarket. Flabella was awarded a contract to put in an IKEA in 2021 and should open up later this year.
Every restaurant I visited was delicious. Most meals ranged in price from $5 to $15 per meal.
If you have information that I can, feel free to leave a comment below. Feel free to ask any questions, and I’ll answer them.
Unesco World Heritage Site
Beyond its stunning landscapes, Chile boasts a rich cultural tapestry that further enhances its appeal. Santiago, the capital city, pulsates with energy, offering a vibrant urban experience infused with history and art. Explore Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colorful hillsides and bohemian charm. The warmth of Chilean hospitality resonates in its local markets, where traditional crafts and culinary delights provide an authentic taste of the country’s soul. From indigenous traditions to contemporary art scenes, Chile’s cultural offerings enrich the travel experience, contributing to its allure as a top-notch destination. Therefore, this is one reason you might consider Chile the best travel destination.
Atypical Last Thoughts
Getting to know more about the countries you visit will help enrich your experience when you visit. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will better understand the country of Chile.
Furthermore, Chile’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation adds an ethical dimension to its attractiveness. It is another aspect of why Chile should be considered as a best travel destination. The dedication to preserving its natural wonders, such as the Torres del Paine National Park, reflects a conscious effort to ensure that future generations can also revel in the country’s breathtaking landscapes. The thriving ecotourism initiatives underscore Chile’s commitment to responsible travel, making it not only a beautiful destination but also one that aligns with the growing global consciousness towards sustainable exploration. In the grand symphony of travel destinations, Chile’s harmonious blend of nature, culture, and sustainability positions it as a strong contender for the title of the best travel destination.
If you are considering traveling to Chile, you will want to consider your international cell phone plan. When you go there, you will need access to maps to get you from one town to the next.
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