Santiago is politically, financially and geographically central to Chile. The city’s importance to the Chilean economy as well as its prominence regionally make it the obvious choice for expats moving to Chile or even South America.

Situated just an hour from the coast and short drive to the Andes, Santiago is more than just the capital and economic centre of the country. This fast growing city and home to seven million people offers world class festivals, museums, parks and shopping experiences.

Chile is not the cheapest country in the region and Santiago definitely incurs a higher cost of living for expats than its regional counterparts. However, this is still lower than most North American and Western European cities and with a range of modern conveniences at your doorstep the slightly higher cost of living is completely understandable.

Santiago has been named an 'Alpha World City,' which reflects its importance both regionally and globally. With its effective transport network Santiago is one of South America's most modern cities. It has an expanding metro network, cheap public bus transport and an inner city highway network which links the eastern and western parts of the city in a short half hour drive. With a range of shopping malls and an impressive array of international cuisine and local restaurants, Santiago is an exciting city for expats to get to know.

Further adding to the long list of attributes that this city has to offer expats is a list of quality international schools and a range of hospital and medical facilities.

One of the charms of Santiago is the ease with which people can take a break from the city. Andes ski slopes and hiking trails are a short two to three hour drive east of the city and some of Chile's beautiful beaches are an hour to the west. Longer trips out of the city allow expats to explore glaciers in the south or the eerie moonscapes of the Atacama Desert in the north. With cheap flights throughout the region it's equally easy for expats to spend a weekend away watching tango dancing in Argentina or shopping for cheap leather jackets in Buenos Aires.