There is something magical about southern Chile. The lakes, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, forests, and beautiful countryside attract people from all over the world. For many, it looks like the perfect place to escape the congestion, expense, and fast pace of life they have grown tired of back home.
And in many ways, it is.
My husband Jim and I moved to Chile in 2013. We have spent more than 13 years building a life here in the Los Lagos Region, and we have experienced the good, the bad, and everything in between.
We wouldn't trade our life here for the one we left behind. But if there is one thing I have learned, it is that living somewhere is very different from visiting.
There are things about southern Chile that you simply don't appreciate until you actually live here. Some are wonderful surprises. Others can be frustrating, particularly if you arrive expecting everything to work the way it did in your home country.
If you are considering moving to southern Chile, here are some things I think you should understand before making the decision.
1. The Weather Is More Than Just a Little Rain
People know that southern Chile gets rain. What many don't understand is just how much that rain can influence everyday life.
The Los Lagos Region has a temperate, rainy oceanic climate, particularly along the coast and around Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, and the surrounding countryside. Winters are wet, with gray skies and often chilly though the green grass and evergreen trees in the forest keep it from becoming to dreary! Rain can continue for days, and sometimes it seems as though the sun has disappeared altogether.
Summer is a different story. The days are longer, temperatures are generally comfortable, and the countryside is spectacular. There is a reason so many people fall in love with this part of Chile during the summer months.
But don't make the mistake of visiting in January and assuming that is what life will be like all year.
You need to think about heating, insulation, drainage, roofing, and keeping your home dry. A house that looks beautiful during the summer can become a very different proposition during a long, wet winter.
Mold and dampness are real concerns, particularly in poorly insulated homes. Heating is not an optional luxury in many parts of southern Chile.
If you are buying property, pay attention to how the house is constructed especially the insulation, how it is heated, and how it handles moisture. Chilean homes are notorious for being under insulated and drafty which can make for a sick, miserable winter. These things matter much more than how attractive the kitchen looks.
2. Distances Are Greater Than They Look on a Map
Southern Chile is a large region, and the distances between towns, services, and attractions can be considerable.
You might find a beautiful rural property that looks conveniently located on a map, only to discover that the nearest supermarket, hospital, or hardware store is a considerable drive away.
Road conditions also vary. Major highways are generally quite good, but rural roads can be gravel, dirt, or poorly maintained. Heavy rain can create additional problems, and some properties have access roads that require a suitable vehicle.
Public transportation is available in many towns, but it becomes increasingly limited as you move into the countryside.
If you plan to live outside a major town, having reliable transportation is important. You should also consider the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the time required to run ordinary errands.
Before purchasing property, drive the route yourself. Don't simply rely on what the real estate listing says about its location.
You also need to consider the distance between Chile and your former home. Flying back to the USA on a regular basis can be pricey and a minimum of an 8 hour flight each way. For us, we make it back about once a year now that we have grandchildren.
3. Everything Doesn't Happen on Your Schedule
One of the biggest adjustments for people arriving from the United States, Canada, or Europe is learning that things don't always happen as quickly as they expect.
Getting paperwork completed, arranging installations, dealing with contractors, making appointments, or waiting for repairs can require patience.
Sometimes you will be given a date or a time, and things won't happen quite as planned. You may have to make several trips to an office to accomplish something that you thought would take one visit.
This isn't necessarily a reflection of poor service. It is simply part of learning how things work in another country. Chileans aren't as driven as Americans are so the work may proceed at a slower pace.
You also need to become comfortable with the fact that some services and products aren't readily available everywhere. You may have to travel to a larger town, order something in advance, or find an alternative.
My advice is simple: build some flexibility into your expectations. If you move to Chile expecting everything to operate exactly as it did back home, you are going to spend a lot of time frustrated.
4. Learning Spanish Is Not Optional If You Want to Integrate
You can get by with limited Spanish in some tourist areas and larger cities, but living here is another matter.
You will need Spanish to communicate with neighbors, deal with government offices, arrange services, purchase property, understand contracts, and handle everyday situations.
Even people who studied Spanish before moving often discover that understanding Chilean Spanish is a different experience.
Chileans speak quickly, use expressions you may not recognize, and frequently shorten words. You may understand your Spanish teacher perfectly well but struggle to follow an ordinary conversation at the local market.
Don't let that discourage you. Jim and I are not what I would consider fluent but we know enough to get done what we need and still have friendships with Chileans who don't speak English.
You don't need perfect Spanish before arriving, but you should be willing to learn. The more you communicate in Spanish, the easier everyday life becomes.
It also makes a tremendous difference in your ability to develop friendships and become part of the community.
5. Rural Living Is Wonderful, But It Comes With Responsibilities
One of the biggest attractions of southern Chile is the opportunity to own land and enjoy a more independent lifestyle.
There are beautiful rural properties throughout Los Lagos and the neighboring Aysén Region. Many people dream of having a garden, raising animals, growing their own food, or simply enjoying some space and privacy.
But rural living is not for everyone.
You may be responsible for your own water supply, septic system, road access, drainage, fencing, and property maintenance. Electricity and internet availability can vary significantly depending on the location.
Even something as simple as getting a delivery can become complicated when you live several kilometers down a rural road.
If you are considering an agricultural property, investigate water rights and water availability, electricity connections, legal access, and the condition of existing infrastructure before purchasing.
A beautiful piece of land isn't necessarily a practical place to live.
And remember, you don't have to live on a farm to enjoy southern Chile. There are plenty of lovely towns and communities where you can enjoy the scenery without taking on all the responsibilities of rural property ownership.
6. Healthcare and Services Depend on Where You Live
Chile has both public and private healthcare systems, and understanding how they work should be part of your relocation planning.
In the Los Lagos Region, larger centers such as Puerto Montt and Osorno offer more extensive medical services than smaller towns and rural communities.
However, living in a small town or in the countryside may mean traveling for specialist appointments, diagnostic testing, or certain medical procedures.
You should research the healthcare facilities available in the area where you intend to live rather than assuming that every town has the same services.
The same applies to pharmacies, dentists, veterinarians, and other professional services.
For some people, being within a reasonable driving distance of a larger city is an important consideration, particularly as they get older.
This doesn't mean you need to live in a city. It simply means you should understand what is available and plan accordingly.
7. Shopping and Everyday Products Can Be Different
Chile has excellent supermarkets, shopping centers, hardware stores, and local markets, particularly in the larger cities.
You can find most everyday necessities, and Chile produces an abundance of wonderful food. Fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy products, and locally produced goods are readily available in many areas.
But don't expect to find every brand or specialty product you were accustomed to buying back home.
Some imported products can be expensive, and certain items may be difficult to find outside the larger urban centers. Amazon is available in most of Chile but you will pay import taxes and shipping and it may take a week or two to get to you.
You will probably discover new products and brands that you like just as much, if not more, than the ones you left behind.
One of the best things about living here is learning to shop locally and take advantage of what Chile produces.
It is also worth remembering that smaller towns have fewer shopping options. If you need something specific, you may have to plan ahead.
8. Internet and Utilities Need to Be Checked Before You Buy
Many people assume that because Chile has modern cities and good telecommunications infrastructure, reliable internet and utilities will be available everywhere.
That isn't necessarily the case.
Internet service varies considerably between urban and rural locations. Fiber-optic connections are available in many towns, but rural coverage can be limited.
Satellite internet, including Starlink, has made living in more remote areas much more practical for people who work online or need dependable communications.
Electricity is generally available throughout populated areas, but rural properties can have different connection arrangements and costs. Power interruptions can also occur, particularly during severe weather.
If you are purchasing rural property, investigate the actual services available at the property. Don't assume that a nearby house or town has the same connections.
For those planning an independent or off-grid lifestyle, solar power and alternative water systems can be practical solutions, but they require planning, investment, and ongoing maintenance.
9. Making Friends and Becoming Part of the Community Takes Time
This is something that doesn't get discussed nearly enough.
Moving to another country means leaving behind family, friends, familiar places, and the social connections you have spent years building.
You may be excited about your new life, but there will be times when you miss the people and conveniences you left behind.
Building friendships in Chile takes time. Getting involved in local activities, learning Spanish, shopping locally, and making an effort to meet people can make a tremendous difference.
Don't expect to arrive and immediately have the same social network you had back home.
There are other expats living throughout southern Chile, and connecting with them can be helpful. But I would also encourage you to get to know your Chilean neighbors and become involved in your local community.
Your experience will be much richer when you do.
10. Southern Chile Is Not One Big, Identical Place
Perhaps the most important thing I can tell anyone considering a move here is that southern Chile is incredibly diverse.
The lifestyle you will experience in Puerto Varas is not necessarily the same as living in Osorno, Frutillar, Chaitén, Coyhaique, or a small rural community.
The climate, infrastructure, employment opportunities, access to healthcare, transportation, and cost of living can vary considerably.
Even within the same region, two properties only a short distance apart can offer very different living conditions.
Some people want a small town with restaurants, shops, and services nearby. Others want a rural property with privacy and room to grow their own food. Some want to be close to the mountains and lakes, while others prefer the coast.
There is no single best place to live. It depends on what you want your life to look like.
Take the time to explore different areas before deciding where to settle.
So, Is Southern Chile Worth It?
Absolutely, but you need to come with realistic expectations.
There is a lot to love about living here. The natural beauty is extraordinary, the pace of life can be more relaxed, and there are opportunities to build a lifestyle that might be difficult or prohibitively expensive in other countries.
We have been here since 2013, and we still appreciate the things that first attracted us to Chile.
But we also understand that living here requires adjustments. You have to be willing to learn a different language, adapt to a different culture, accept that some things work differently, and occasionally learn to do things the Chilean way.
My biggest recommendation is to spend time here before making a permanent move. Visit during different seasons, explore more than one area, rent before buying, and take the time to understand what everyday life is really like.
Don't purchase a property simply because it looks beautiful in photographs. Don't choose a location based solely on a vacation experience. And don't assume that what works for someone else will necessarily work for you.
Moving to Chile can be a wonderful decision, but the best chance of success comes from doing your homework first.
Jim and I have learned a tremendous amount over the years, and we enjoy sharing that experience with others who are considering making Chile their new home.
If you are thinking about relocating to Chile, we invite you to explore the resources available through Chile Expat Family. We have written our Chile Relocation Guide books to help people understand the practical realities of making this move, and we also offer real estate services throughout southern Chile.
We hope our experience helps you make an informed decision about your own future.
Welcome to Chile!
Lori
Chile Expat Family