Punta Arenas, Chile π¨π±
#1484
-53.162568, -70.907822
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Punta Arenas, located at the southern tip of Chile, is known for its charming streets and historical significance as a gateway to Antarctica. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 130,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Chilean Peso (CLP). 1 USD β 850 CLP. |
π° Tap Water | Tap water is drinkable and safe. |
π Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, using Type C sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Movistar and Entel, with prepaid plans available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banco de Chile and Banco Santander offer services. Credit cards are widely accepted. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb rentals, hostels, and local hotels such as Hotel Dreams del Estrecho. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short term stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels likeHostal del Estrecho and Ibis Budget are affordable options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | CoWork Punta Arenas offers a productive environment and good amenities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tercera Vida is a favorite among remote workers due to its cozy atmosphere and free WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for local Meetups on social media platforms; expat groups often organize casual networking events. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like Punta Arenas Expat Community are useful for finding social gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Punta Arenas, providing a reliable transportation option. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops like Frosen offer bikes for exploring the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Brava, about 20 minutes from the city center, is the nearest beach. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Sky Airline provides flights around Chile and to neighboring countries. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines connects Punta Arenas to major cities in South America. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | The southern highway connects Punta Arenas to other parts of Chile. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal in Punta Arenas serves as the transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public buses operate throughout the city but passes are not available; pay as you ride. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are available to cities like Puerto Natales for trips to Torres del Paine National Park. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital ClΓnico Magallanes is the primary healthcare facility in Punta Arenas. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga Punta Arenas offers various classes for locals and expats alike. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Health City is a popular gym with various fitness classes. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa Cienfuegos provides laundry services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is a popular food delivery app in Punta Arenas. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Patagonian lamb and seafood dishes are local specialties worth trying. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | CafΓ© de la Plaza offers vegan-friendly options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Dulce y Salado is known for its wide range of desserts and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Feria Libre offer fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is the main e-commerce platform operating in Chile. |
π Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Lider provides grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Costanera del Estrecho is a popular nightlife area with various bars. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa PatagΓ³nica showcases local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Bodega Huelmo offers a wide selection of Chilean wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Plaza de Armas serve delicious empanadas and local snacks. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like La Cuisine serve a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Monumento a Fernando de Magallanes is a key landmark worth seeing. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Regional de Magallanes showcases the region's history. |
π° Historical Sites | Cementerio Municipal is known for its unique architecture and history. |
π Religious Sites | Iglesia del Sara Bracho is a historic church in the city. |
π Annual Events | Fiesta de la Nieve celebrates winter with various activities and traditions. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Calle Bories is known for its vibrant local art and culture. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal offers local performances and shows. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Feria Artesanal is a market featuring local crafts and products. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music can often be found at local bars such as La Taberna. |
π¨ Street Art | Various murals around the city reflect local culture and style. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Patagonia Gourmet offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa de Arte del Sur features works by local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Palacio Sara Braun is an architectural highlight in Punta Arenas. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The city embraces its maritime heritage through various museums and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Torres del Paine National Park is approximately a 2.5-hour drive away. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Cabo de Hornos is a nearby national park that offers stunning landscapes. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along the Costanera offers scenic views and leisure options. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Cerro de la Cruz provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Estero de rΓo Grande offers unique opportunities for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Community parks like Parque MarΓa Behety allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos de Chile provide reliable shipping services in the city. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Sucursal Movistar offers mobile device repairs and service. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Casa de la Cultura occasionally hosts table tennis tournaments. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto Chileno ofrece clases de espaΓ±ol para extranjeros. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal provides quiet study areas and resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Braun-MenΓ©ndez hosts various cultural events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gamers Club Punta Arenas is a popular spot for video game enthusiasts. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Enjoy gaming at Casino Dreams Punta Arenas. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $72,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $56,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $102,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $78,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $128,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $96,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 27%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
π¦ Tax System | Chile operates on a worldwide income basis. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 19%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Chile has strict CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the cadastral value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 3% of the property's sale price. |