Coquimbo, Chile 🇨🇱
#1486
-29.953185, -71.33795
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Coquimbo is a coastal city in northern Chile known for its beaches and vibrant port. It serves as a gateway to the historical city of La Serena and is famous for its architecture and marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 849 CLP (Chilean Peso). Major banks include Banco de Chile, Banco Estado, and BCI. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's advisable to use bottled water for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/L sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Entel, Movistar, and CLARO, offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. Many expats use international accounts like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and hostels. Prices range from $15/night in hostels to $70/night in mid-range hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate services provide options; prices start around $30/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Hostal El Faro' offer beds starting from $15/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work Coquimbo, offering flexible desk options and good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mar, known for its relaxed ambiance and ocean views. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out meetups on platforms like Meetup.com for local tech and digital nomad gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Coquimbo' organize regular meet-ups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Coquimbo and is popular among locals and expats. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through local companies; prices start at $10/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Herradura Beach, known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery, only 15 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines provides connections to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and Copa Airlines serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Route 5 (Pan-American Highway) for travel towards Santiago and south. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Terminal Rodoviario de Coquimbo is the main bus terminal, connecting to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes available for local transit; prices vary based on routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to La Serena and other regions are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Coquimbo, providing general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Coquimbo offers various classes, with prices around $10/class. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio World Class, with a monthly membership starting at $30. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápido offers affordable laundry services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Domicilios.com are popular for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pastel de Jaiba, a crab pie that's a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café La Plaza offers a variety of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería San Rafael, famous for its artisanal ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Coquimbo, a local market offering fresh produce and food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi provides grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La calle Prat is popular with locals for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Micropolis, a local microbrewery offering tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enoteca El Camino offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vendors at La Caleta provide delicious seafood street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taste of Italy serves a variety of Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Faro de La Serena, an iconic lighthouse, and the historical port. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Gabriel Gonzalez Videla showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | La serena's colonial architecture is a must-see. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia Santo Domingo is a notable church in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Feria de las Artesanía showcases local crafts and traditions in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Barrio Inglés is a charming neighborhood with English-inspired architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Coquimbo hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Coquimbo offers local crafts and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events frequently occur at local bars and festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | El Muro showcases vibrant murals throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at 'Cocinando con Chilo' focus on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte 'Casa de las Artes' features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio de La Gobernación is a beautiful historical building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Coquimbo is known for its mix of indigenous, Spanish, and foreign influences seen in its culture and food. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Dunas de Tambillo provides stunning views and is great for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Fray Jorge National Park offers unique flora and fauna, about 45 minutes away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along Avenida Costanera is perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cerro La Virgen provides panoramic views of the city and ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | La Laguna de Chungara is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Las Tacas beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Chile provides reliable mailing services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MundoCel offers electronic repair and tech services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Visit Centro Deportivo La Serena for ping pong and other sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Chileno offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal de Coquimbo provides quiet spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Palace provides cultural events and community spaces. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Geek City gaming lounge offers video games and a social atmosphere. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Enjoy gaming at Enjoy Coquimbo Casino with various gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $76,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the municipal valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% standard rate applies on property purchases. |