The Land of "Los Andes", The San Marcos Cathedral

& Moai (gigantic stone figures)

Information on Relocating to Chile

• The capital city of Chile is Santiago with about 5.5 million people. The political centre is also in Santiago where the President resides. Chile is a Republic.

• Languages: The official language is Spanish, English and French can be heard amongst immigrant groups. The local TV programs are generally in Spanish. Cable and satellite TV is available and offer more options.

• Population: Chile has a population of about 16 million people - 95% are white and white-Amerindian, 3% Amerindian, 2% other.

• Expat areas: Santiago is the primary Expat location within Chile.

• Housing: In general, expatriates live all over Santiago and the suburbs. Apartments are the primary option in the city for single transferees and detached and semi-detached houses are available in the suburbs, the most popular neighborhoods being La Dehesa, Las Condes, Vitacura and Santa María de Manquehue. Families with children tend to live in the suburbs to be close to the international schools.

• Cost of housing: Housing in Santiago can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 800 for a small apartment in the city to US$ 4500 for a modern family house in the suburbs. The local currency is the Chilean Peso ($).

• Schools: There are quite a number of bilingual international schools in Santiago. The American school, Santiago College, follows the American calendar year and curricula. The “Nido de Aguila School” offers both the Chilean and the International Baccalaureate. “The Grange” is based on the British school system and “Newland” and “Craighouse” are two other options for bilingual tuition.

• Transportation: There are public transport facilities in Santiago. There is a subway running from East to West and North to South in the city, as well as buses and taxis.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday–Friday from 9.00 am – 2.00 pm.

• Shopping: Shops are open Monday-Friday from 8.00 am - 8.00 pm and from 10.00 am - 2.00 pm on Saturdays. Shopping malls are open all week and weekends from 10.00 am - 9.00 pm. Restaurants: lunch is served as from 12.00 pm and dinner as from 8.00 pm. Fast-food menus are served in many restaurants at all times.

• Climate: Warm with annual average temperatures of 14°C (57°F). Santiago boasts an ideal climate which explains why 80% of the population live here. Seasons are well defined with hot summers 30°C (86°F), cool falls and springs and short winters with low temperatures, only occasionally dipping below 0°C (32°F). Humidity is low and rainfall is restricted to the winter months.

• Culture: Chile’s cultural life has flourished since restoration of democracy in 1990. Local production has grown considerably making it an attractive country for international shows. There are currently about 100 museums throughout Chile as well as numerous theatres and concert halls. Movies are in their original language with Spanish subtitles. In Valparaíso you will find multi-colored houses dating from the 19th Century. “La Sebastiana”, Pablo Neruda’s museum filled with his collections is in Isla Negra, just an hour from Valparaíso and an hour and a half from Santiago.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year; Easter-Good Friday-(March/April); May 1st-Labor Day; May 21st–Naval Victories Day; May - June (date varies) -Corpus Christi; June 29th–St. Peter and St. Paul’s Day; August 15th–Ascension of the Virgin; September 18th–Independence Day; September 19th–Army Victories Day; October 12th–Columbus Day; November 1st–All Saints’ Day; December 8th–Immaculate Conception; December 25th-Christmas Day.