'Living in Chile' Retirement

Bob (69.234.96.74) - 07/24/05 18:39

I have been living in Thailand for about 7 years and am considering a move to S. America. Primarily I am interested in Chile and Argentina. I was told by the Chile Embassy that I could stay for 90 days. What happens after that? In Thailand I can stay for 90 days, but with the proper visa I can leave the country and then reenter for another 90 days.

I would like to learn as much as possible about expat life there, such as the location of expat hangouts, inexpensive places to live, nice restaurants, etc. Any knowledge you have would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Bob

Comment #1 Jeffrey (66.56.56.163) - 08/14/05 21:40

Hello Bob,

Good question.

Chile does not have a retirement visa, as does Thailand.

You could live in Chile on 90 day visas, and exit and reenter the country, but I don't know how if and whether they would stop you eventually.

There is a residence permit available for those who wish to work or do business, but this is for one year, and then renewable for another year.

Do you have a steady retirement income? If so, you can probably qualify to live in Argentina, and eventually (after 5 years) even get an Argentinian passport.

So, I would recommend Argentina if you are looking for that kind of stability.

Issues like this are what are discussed in the forum site:

www.RetireAway.com.

We do at this time have a Retirement in Chile section because there doesn't seem to be a standard visa way for people to retire in Chile. However, there is a Retirement in Argentina section.

If people out there can suggest a visa method to retire in Chile, or they are doing it, please post this info at www.RetireAway.com! There is a lot of interest in Chile out there, and it is a shame the government there does not seem to offer a retirement visa program.

Comment #2 george (209.91.185.54) - 09/12/05 11:35

I have investigated this issue. It is possible to obtain a visa to live in Chile. As I recall, it is good for either 2 or 3 years and then renewable. Chile does not give permanent visas to foreigners, but they are renewable. If you have a visa toi live in Chile, as I recal you cannot be out of the country for more than 30 days per year or you will lose your residency status. Check with a consulate. They can answer all your questions

Comment #3 george (209.91.185.54) - 09/12/05 11:43

An aside to my previous post...given the frequent financial disruption and often accompanying violence and closing of banks in Argentina....Chile is a better bet. It is without question the most stable of South American countries.

Comment #4 Alex (63.176.159.77) - 09/26/08 10:52

I would have to agree with george on this one. Although Argentina is a great country it has had some difficulties in it's economic and political situation. Argentina is however on the rise and restoring its place in the world today.

Comment #5 tom (63.176.159.198) - 10/08/08 14:05

what is vacationing like in chile?

Comment #6 Esteban (63.176.159.159) - 10/14/08 11:35

This site has loads of information on what to do while in Chile.

• Life In Chile

Comment #7 Michael (63.176.159.163) - 10/16/08 10:54

That website was very helpful Esteban.. Thank you for your help.

Comment #8 Stacie (63.176.159.113) - 10/22/08 16:14

Is Argentina ran by the same type of government that the US is run by? Like are there taxes, elections, local and federal authorities?

Comment #9 Gains (63.176.159.164) - 10/29/08 11:13

I have no idea on anything in Argentina.. Can someone give me some info before I visit there?

Comment #10 Billy (63.176.159.68) - 10/29/08 19:09

Yes... you apparently think that Argentina is in Chile! hahaha.. they might be neighbors, but Chile and Argentina are completely separate countries and cultures. Try asking about Argentina in an Argentina Forum... this one is supposed to be about Chile!

Comment #11 Sammy (63.176.159.199) - 11/10/08 13:16

But they also want to know about Argentina.. Since you know so much about the Country, why not help them out.

Comment #12 David (63.176.159.239) - 11/18/08 11:24

I am looking to move to Chile. Anybody have any pictures of some properties for sale?

Comment #13 Sammy (63.176.159.228) - 12/04/08 11:21

nothing billy? you have nothing to say to help with the topic at all do you.

Comment #14 gladys (66.17.89.66) - 12/04/08 13:47

Hello:

I am an experienced Registered Occupational Therapist who wants to live in Chile. Born in South America I speak, write, and read fluently both languages Spanish/English. Any suggestions about how to get started?. Tips on good mid size towns to live at?. I am of retirement age and will have steady income. Will prefer to rent than to buy anything. Cualquier ayuda sera bienvenida! Gracias!

Comment #15 kimmy (63.176.159.147) - 12/15/08 10:37

would like to know about schooling in Chile..

Comment #16 Ryan (63.176.159.249) - 12/31/08 02:55

Did you try doing a research on the web or with a realator from where you are interested in buying property, I say that would be your first step going about looking into property in a different country.

Comment #17 David (63.176.159.87) - 01/14/09 23:39

Ryan that was my next step. I did my research on google and found some good properties at some desent prices.

Comment #18 Karen (63.176.159.83) - 02/04/09 23:39

I need some information on Chile, for a paper I am writing. I would like to know some basic information, like how is the culture there, and what are some jobs that are in high demand here, and how is the cost of living, and also about how much value does their money have compared to the U.S. Dollar. These are just some of the information I am looking for, so if someone knows of a site or something I could go to, to get this info. that would be great.

Comment #19 gladys (66.17.89.66) - 02/05/09 17:14

Please remove comment # 14 Gladys 66.17.89.66 posted in december 08.

Thank you!

Gladys

Comment #20 Joshua (63.176.159.61) - 02/25/09 01:12

Why don't you want your post shown anymore?

Comment #21 Golden Girl (63.176.159.19) - 03/17/09 23:02

I was looking at the retireaway website in a post above and there was all kinds of information to help American retiree's find the countries which give you the best bang for their retirement bucks.

Comment #22 cwemoy (63.176.159.26) - 07/04/09 04:07

Billy is suggesting talking about Argentina in the country's forum. That is quite aside from the truth. The fact that they are neighbors means they have a lot in common; political ties, cultural differences and similarities and so on.

To say that Argentina is a better place to be compared to Chile is misguiding considering political stability and so forth. What if things turn around and you are in Chile? Will you relocate?

Comment #23 pale_o (63.176.159.54) - 07/10/09 07:10

I think there are basic universal rules like payment of tax, elections and so forth. The only variations would perhaps arise in the way individual governments are run. I also presume that there could be remarkable differences in culture, customs and taboos. The Chile government is headed by Michelle Bachelet. The capital city is Santiago the largest of major cities like Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, Talcahuano and Temuco

Comment #24 cwemoy (63.176.159.174) - 07/17/09 06:49

Bob, did you ever get what thou were looking for? It must have been pretty easy for you then. How is the experience wherever you are?

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