Cities & Hotspots

Three different urban answers: Santiago for mountain-city infrastructure, Montevideo for a slower coastal capital, and Lima for food, business and Pacific access.

  • SantiagoOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • MontevideoOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • LimaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

March to May or September to November Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Santiago can experience winter inversion and wildfire smoke; Lima is grey and damp but usually not smoky; Montevideo is generally easier outdoors. Check the city reading.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Clinica Alemana, Hospital Británico and Clínica Delgado are familiar private starting points across the main hubs. Emergency numbers vary by country: confirm locally before arrival.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Entel, Movistar and Claro are common network choices. Uber and Cabify cover rides in many cities; PedidosYa and Rappi cover delivery.

  • Mobile networksEntel, Movistar and Claro appear across the region, but the best network is city-specific. Buy local SIMs through official shops for registration.
  • Ride appsUber and Cabify are useful in Santiago, Montevideo and Lima; DiDi and local taxis matter by city.
  • Food deliveryPedidosYa, Rappi and Uber Eats coverage varies by country and district.
  • PaymentsCards are common in formal areas, but local bank transfers, cash and WhatsApp still matter for housing and services.
  • Home internetFibre quality can be excellent in central districts, but building wiring and coastal/outer areas need exact checks.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • ChileServicio Nacional de Migraciones handles Chile residence processes; RUT/RUN access shapes banking and contracts.
  • UruguayResidency, cedula and tax residence are separate concepts. Uruguay can be attractive but paperwork still needs proper handling.
  • PeruMigraciones handles residence and carnet processes; Lima admin is easier than trying to manage everything from a beach town.
  • TaxSII in Chile, DGI in Uruguay and SUNAT in Peru all matter if you stay long enough or earn locally.
  • Admin habitKeep passport, entry documents, lease, local ID/tax numbers where issued and appointment records organised.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

People comparing South American cities by climate, time zone, language and long-term livability.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.