Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Arica is a coastal city located in the northern region of Chile, known for its beautiful beaches and mild climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 220,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 800 CLP (Chilean Peso) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C plugs |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro provide reliable mobile coverage and packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Banco de Chile and Banco Santander are commonly used, with ATMs widely available for card access. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels in areas like El Morro. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies in central locations typically start from $30-50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Jach'Al and Hostel Aymara offer dormitory-style accommodations starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Visit the El Parque Batería area for beach access and vibrant nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The downtown area provides cafes and coworking spaces with reliable internet access. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Arica offers a collaborative environment and amenities like meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Rapa offers fast Wi-Fi and comfortable seating for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events hosted by local expat groups on social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Facebook group 'Expats in Arica' for meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use EasyTaxi and Uber for convenient transportation around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through local shops, approximately $5 to $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Lisera Beach is a beautiful spot just 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines operates flights to and from major cities in Chile. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Sky Airline provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Route 5 (Pan-American Highway) facilitates travel between cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal is located in the city center with connections to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are generally around $1, and cards can be purchased for travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to cities like Iquique and Tacna (Peru) for around $10. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Juan Noé offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Arica hosts classes in various styles throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Total Fitness offers memberships starting at $30 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express offers quick and affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa and Uber Eats have a variety of options for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish 'Charquicán', a hearty meat and potato stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like El Vegetariano offer diverse plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Miel offers delicious pastries and traditional Chilean desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central is a great place to find fresh produce and local delicacies at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Use MercadoLibre for various online shopping needs in Chile. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Retail chains like Jumbo offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife around Calle Sotomayor is lively with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Arica produces local craft beer and offers tasting tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café de la Plaza has a great selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy street food like completo (hot dog) and empanadas near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzería Il Pizzaiolo offers an array of Italian options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Morro de Arica for breathtaking views of the city and coastline. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo Nacional de Arica offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historic San Marcos Cathedral built in the 19th century. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Chapel of San Miguel on Morro is a must-see for its architecture and view. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria in February attracts thousands of visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The El Parque Batería area is rich in history and local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Arica hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit Plaza Colón for local crafts and food stalls. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music, especially folk and rock. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several urban spaces showcase vibrant murals depicting Arica's culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Paty’s Cocina offers classes focusing on traditional Chilean dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte de Arica showcases contemporary Chilean artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Customs House located near the port is a stunning example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local culture blends indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences visible in various forms. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional Lauca is a stunning national park approximately 2 hours away, great for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Pan de Azúcar National Park features stunning coastal scenery and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Playa Changa to La Lisera is ideal for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Morro de Arica offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and cityscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetland areas near the coastline attract diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches permit bonfires, particularly La Lisera beach at night. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos de Chile offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like RepaCom repair smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The community sports center hosts table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Chileno-Británico offers Spanish language courses for different levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal de Arica offers quiet zones for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Arica hosts workshops, art exhibits, and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local internet cafes often cater to gamers with high-speed connections. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Enjoy gaming at Casino Arica, which offers a variety of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% for corporations |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% on dividends |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules, benefits for foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the fiscal value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 0.2% of transaction value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads enjoy low taxation on foreign income according to specific tax treaties. |