Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Coquimbo is a coastal city located in northern Chile, known for its beaches and maritime industry. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 40 Mbps, with better connections available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CLP ≈ 0.0013 USD; the Chilean Peso (CLP) is the local currency. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended for travelers. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/L sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Entel are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; local banks include BancoEstado. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, hostels, and Airbnb, with prices varying by area. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local services are available for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Blanca is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | La Serena beach area is favored by tourists for its accessibility and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center offers a range of cafes and coworking spaces that are suit for remote work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces like 'Co-Work Coquimbo' provide excellent environments for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Puerto is popular for its relaxed atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local community boards for digital nomad meetups and coworking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats provide information about gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, providing reliable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available along the beachfront areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Herradura Beach is very popular and close to the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines operates regional flights around Chile. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Copa Airlines connect to major international airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Route 5, the Pan-American Highway, connects Coquimbo to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | La Serena is the closest train hub with connections to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available, with no formal public transport passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Coquimbo to nearby cities like La Serena and Ovalle. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Pablo is the primary healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | La Casa del Yoga offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Fit is a popular gym with modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats operate in Coquimbo for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Ceviche' for a taste of the coastal cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Vegano en Coquimbo' cater specifically to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados Ortiz is famous for its artisanal ice-cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Feria El Llano are great for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a widely used platform for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Lider and Unimarc offer grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Diego de Almagro Avenue has several popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery 'BrewHouse Coquimbo' offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wineries in the Elqui Valley are popular for wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the local empanadas from street vendors near the port. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Café del Mar' offer diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Historical Lighthouse of Coquimbo is an iconic structure. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Enjoy the Museo de Arqueología y Historia Francisco de Aguirre. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historic Plaza de Armas in La Serena. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Templo de San Pedro is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival del Cielo, a kite festival, takes place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Barrio Inglés area has charming colonial architecture to explore. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de La Serena hosts various cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Feria Artesanal is a great place to buy local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like 'Pueblo Joven' often host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals are common throughout the city, especially in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn local cuisine at 'Cocina con Amor' culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte La Serena hosts various exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Regional Museum of La Serena showcases local history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Coquimbo’s maritime heritage is celebrated through its architecture and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Elqui Valley is known for its stunning landscapes and star-gazing opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | La Serena National Park offers trails and coastal scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Coastal Walkway provides scenic views and bike paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Cruz del Teral viewpoint offers stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the city are ideal for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near coastal parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Chilexpress and Correos de Chile operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops such as Reparación Express offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports clubs often have tables; check at local gyms. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Chileno Británico offers language classes for different levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública de Coquimbo provides cozy reading and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda hosts cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out local gaming shops for console gaming opportunities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Enjoy gaming at Enjoy Coquimbo Casino, a popular entertainment venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,750 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $70,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $111,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate in Chile. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% on dividends for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Chilean residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific rules apply for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 8% standard rate applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Chile offers opportunities with its foreign investment-friendly environment. |