Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Iquique is a coastal city located in northern Chile, known for its beaches, historic architecture, and proximity to the Atacama Desert. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average fixed broadband speed is around 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 800 CLP (Chilean Pesos). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended due to local variances in quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and L sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers are Movistar, Claro, and Entel, offering inexpensive prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Western Union and local banks like BancoEstado and Banco de Chile are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and hotels, catering to both short and long-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most establishments accept cards; however, carry some cash for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies have various options for short stays, starting from around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Amarilla offers beds from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The downtown Iquique area near Baquedano Street is perfect for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Playa Brava area offers beachfront views and various coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Iquique is a great space with good amenities and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mundo offers a relaxed atmosphere and good Wi-Fi for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for community events or meetups on platforms like Meetup or Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Iquique Facebook group organizes social events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use 'Cabify' for reliable taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rental companies like Iquique Bikes offer options for cycling. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Cavancha is the closest and most popular beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines is the primary carrier for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca offers international flights connecting to multiple countries. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Highway 5 Norte connects Iquique to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is limited train service; buses are the main transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No metro system; local buses have affordable, pay-as-you-go fares. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently to cities like Arica and Antofagasta. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinica Iquique is a well-rated hospital for medical needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Iquique offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and GYM Iquique provide fitness facilities for all levels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Cavancha provides affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is the most popular food delivery service in Iquique. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss trying 'Paila Marina', a traditional seafood stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegano is a great restaurant specializing in plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Amor is famous for its delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza Iquique offers budget shopping and local food stands. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular for online shopping in Chile. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and local options provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Tierra de Fuego is a popular spot for nightlife and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Iquique offers local craft beer tastings and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar de Vino specializes in Chilean wines and is a must-visit. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out the food stalls near Plaza de Armas for local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurant La Trattoria serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic Clock Tower and Plaza Prat for historical significance. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Regional Museum of Iquique offers insights into the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old saltpeter offices of Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone are a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Catedral de Iquique is a prominent landmark worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Fiesta de Iquique celebrates local culture and features events across the city. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Exploring the waterfront district exposes you to local art and street performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Iquique offers live performances and events regularly. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central de Iquique is a vibrant market showcasing local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like El Tunel feature local and regional music acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Iquique has impressive street art, particularly in the core urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes on traditional Chilean cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Iquique showcases local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Admire the architecture of the historic buildings along Baquedano Avenue. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Iquique's history is rich in the saltpeter industry, which shaped its development. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The surrounding desert offers unique landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Salar del Huasco National Park is within reach for outdoor enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade is perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoint at El Morro for breathtaking views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches permit bonfires; check local regulations before heading out. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | CorreosChile offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Iquique Reparaciones handle tech repairs efficiently. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have tables set up for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Iquique offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | La Biblioteca Municipal is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Iquique hosts various community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Box offers a place for video game enthusiasts to gather. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Enjoy gaming at the Enjoy Iquique Casino, a popular entertainment venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $68,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $52,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% corporate tax rate is standard. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The withholding tax on dividends is 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Chilean residents are taxed based on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Chilean property tax is based on the cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1.5% during property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are various tax incentives for businesses and foreign investments. |