Iquique, Chile 🇨🇱
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Iquique is a coastal city in northern Chile, known for its beaches and historic architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 800 CLP; Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Electrical voltage is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and L sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Entel, Movistar, and Claro offering various prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco de Chile and Banco del Estado have good services; accept local and international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Multiple options are available such as Airbnb, local hostels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casona, offering dorms and private rooms starting from $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work Iquique, located in downtown Iquique, provides great working facilities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Iquique, well-known for its Wi-Fi and cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular tech meetups organized by Iquique Tech Community. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The English-speaking community hosts regular gatherings via social media groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and DiDi operate in Iquique for convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at Ciclo Iquique for exploring the coastal surroundings. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cavancha Beach, just a few minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sky Airline services various regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines for international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main connection via Ruta 5, facilitating travel to Antofagasta and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Iquique's main bus terminal connects to numerous destinations within Chile. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The local bus system relies on prepaid cards available at local kiosks. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to cities like Arica and Antofagasta are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. Ernesto Torres Galdames provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Iquique offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Fitness Iquique is popular among locals and expats, offering flexible membership plans. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Duoc offers fast wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa and Uber Eats are popular for local deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'mariscal', a local seafood dish, at Mercado Central. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Buddha offers diverse vegan and vegetarian choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería y Pastelería La Cumbre famous for their alfajores. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado del Pueblo for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is the main online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services via apps like Rappi. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Balsas is a popular area with multiple bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Cordillera offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino y Mare offers a variety of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | El Asador offers delicious street food including anticuchos. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Donde Verónica (Italian) is well-regarded for authentic pizzas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Historic Plaza Prat, featuring colonial architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Regional de Iquique showcases the region's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Corbeta Esmeralda Museum is a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Catedral de Iquique represents impressive architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de Iquique, a vibrant festival occurs in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Baquedano Street is known for its bohemian vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Iquique hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Iquique's main market sells handicrafts and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like Bar El Visión host live music often. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals downtown in the urban art district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at Aventura Gourmet. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte La Casa features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Customs House is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Iquique's history as a nitrate export hub is part of its charm. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Dragon offers hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Parque Nacional Ricardo Elliot is accessible for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths ideal for biking and walking along the beaches. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Playa Brava offers gorgeous sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bahía de Iquique is a hotspot for observing marine birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cavancha Beach has designated areas suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Chilean Post and DHL offer reliable services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Movistar and local shops provide tech repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at various community centers like Centro Deportivo Iquique. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Chileno-Británico offers Spanish language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal provides a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Iquique hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameSpace is a popular venue for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Enjoy gaming at Enjoy Iquique Casino. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 1.5% applied during property purchases. |