Castro, Chile 🇨🇱
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Castro is a picturesque town located on the island of Chiloé, known for its colorful wooden houses and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds about 25 Mbps, with some areas reaching up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 890 CLP; 1 USD ≈ 750 CLP. Major banks include Banco de Chile and Banco Estado. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and L sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Entel are the main mobile providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, Mastercard, and local debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb is popular for short-term rentals, with prices starting at around $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com list numerous options in Castro. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Tía, prices starting at $25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Espacio Cowork, a popular spot with good internet and a comfortable environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Plaza, with spacious seating and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups often organize events at local cafes, check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community events can be found on platforms like Meetup and Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify operates in the region offering reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are available at local shops, with daily rentals starting at CLP 5,000. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cochamó Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sky Airline offers flights connecting Castro to Santiago. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines offers connections to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 5 (Pan-American Highway) connects Castro with other major locations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no extensive rail network; buses serve as the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses offer single and round-trip tickets; no dedicated transit passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses range from CLP 10,000 to CLP 20,000 to travel to nearby towns like Ancud or Dalcahue. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Castro, providing necessary healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga Chiloé offers classes and holistic wellness options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Fitness Castro offers various fitness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Casa de la Abuela, providing affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is the go-to food delivery app. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Curanto, a traditional Chiloé dish made with meat and seafood. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Ruca, offering several vegan choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería y Pastelería La Unión, known for delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal, a great spot for fresh local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Lider offers online shopping in Castro. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Barrio El Caleuche has a variety of bars and pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Chiloé, known for their craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Zócalo Bar offers local wines and excellent tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks near the main square offering local fast food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria La Pérgola serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Church of San Francisco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Castro showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Palafitos (stilt houses) along the waterfront are iconic. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Francisco, known for its architectural beauty. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival de la Marea in January celebrates the local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Barrio Estero, known for its vibrant arts scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal, hosting local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Feria Artesanal, held every weekend showcasing local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events in local bars and cultural centers. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the city, particularly in the Barrio Estero. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Chiloé Culinary School offers cooking classes on local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Chiloé, promoting local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa del Gobernador, showcasing local history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Chiloé is known for its rich folklore and mythology. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Chiloé National Park, offering breathtaking landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chiloé National Park is only 1 hour's drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Pathways along the coast and through the forests in the area. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Castro offers stunning views over the town and the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Chiloé National Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beach for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Chilean Post (Correos de Chile) and DHL for reliable services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shop located in downtown Castro. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community center has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Centro de Idiomas Chiloé offers Spanish courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública de Castro provides reading and study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Castro hosting various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Cafe Chiloé has facilities for video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available in Castro; nearest is in Puerto Montt. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Chilean tax system based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 0.2% of the sale price. |