Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Castro is a picturesque city located on the island of Chiloé, known for its colorful wooden houses and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 824 CLP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C / L sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are the main providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards are widely accepted, and banks like Banco de Chile and BancoEstado offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are popular choices. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Los Abetos offers dormitory-style lodging at affordable prices. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Historic center near Plaza de Armas. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas near the waterfront provide scenic views and more cafes for work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tierra de Fuego: A cozy space with fast internet and a friendly atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Mar offers free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups at local cafes are common; check local Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Chiloé Expats Facebook Group hosts regular events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify operates in the region, providing convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals for exploring the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cucao Beach is approximately 1 hour away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM and Sky Airline provide flights to and from Castro. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Regular flights operate from Santiago to Castro, managed by LATAM. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 5 runs along the coast, providing access to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses are the main transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate frequently, with no specific transport passes currently available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Castro to other cities on the Chiloé archipelago. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Castro is the primary healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Chiloé offers various classes in a serene setting. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Municipal de Castro is available for local fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Remanso offers laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and PedidosYa operate in Castro. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Curanto, a traditional Chiloé dish made with shellfish, meat, and potatoes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Vegano offers a range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería Don Manuel is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets at Plaza de Armas offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular in Chile and offers a variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Unimarc provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle San Martín has several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Chiloé serves local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar La Cava offers a selection of Chilean wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks around Plaza de Armas serve local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzería Tico offers Italian options in the heart of Castro. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Palafito de Castro: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Chiloé's unique architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Moderno was established to celebrate local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Iglesia San Francisco is one of the iconic wooden churches of Chiloé. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Nercón is a beautiful church famous for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival del Curanto takes place every February, celebrating local cuisine. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Waterfront area is vibrant with local artisans and cultural events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Castro hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Castro is a bustling market for local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes often host folk music nights showcasing Chiloé’s traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Castro features numerous murals reflecting local culture throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Chiloé Cooking School offers workshops on traditional recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Chiloé showcases works from regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic center has well-preserved wooden houses dating back to the 19th century. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional chilotano culture is expressed through vibrant local art and architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Chiloé National Park offers stunning landscapes and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chiloé National Park is within a short drive, offering extensive wilderness. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path offers scenic views ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Rilan provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Chiloé is home to diverse bird species; the wetlands are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas by Cucao Beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Chile offers reliable delivery services throughout the region. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tecnocom offers device repairs and support in Castro. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are available at local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Municipal offers a quiet space for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Castro hosts various cultural activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Maestros del Juego offers a space for gaming and eSports. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearby Casino de Cavancha is popular among locals for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% on corporate income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax applies based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% of the property value at the time of purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Potential benefits include reliefs on certain digital income. |