- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Chile Guide (PDF)
Expats looking to do business in Chile will find that it's one of the least bureaucratic states in South America. The country is among the best-managed economies in the region and is known for being open to foreign investment.
Many international companies have looked at Chile as the starting point for expanding their business into South America and have chosen Santiago as the headquarters for their regional operations.
It's important to understand business culture when working in Chile; here are some useful facts.
Fast facts
Business hours
The business day usually runs from 8.30am or 9am to 6pm or 7pm, Monday to Friday, though hours are often extended. There is a one- or two-hour lunch break between 1pm and 3pm. Banking hours are weekdays from 9am to 2pm and expats must plan their time accordingly.
Annual leave
The summer months of January and February are when most people go on holiday. It’s important to keep this in mind when scheduling meetings in Chile as it may be difficult to conduct business during these months.
Business language
The language of business in Chile is Spanish, although many executives will also speak English.
Business dress
Business dress in Chile is formal and conservative. Men should wear a suit and tie for formal business meetings. Women tend to wear business suits and generally avoid wearing bright colours or excessive jewellery. Outside of major cities business dress tends to be less formal.
Gifts
Gifts are not expected until a relationship is formed and are not usually exchanged at a first meeting. If invited to a Chilean’s house, flowers, wine or chocolates are appropriate. Gifts are normally opened straight away.
Gender equality
Women have made strides in achieving gender equality in Chilean business and politics, more so than in many South American countries. That said, there is still an element of machismo evident in the business culture.
Greetings
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are appropriate when greeting Chilean business associates. Expats should use a person’s title and last name when greeting them. If unfamiliar with their title, it's best to use "Señor" or "Señora".
Business cards
When exchanged, business people should take a moment to look at a business card rather than simply pocketing it.
Business culture in Chile
Chile has a well-educated population with a high literacy rate. As such, expats doing business in Chile will likely be working with highly qualified individuals, many of whom would have been educated abroad, travel internationally and can speak English.
Hierarchy
Business culture in Chile is formal and conservative. Appearance is important, as are status and respect. Business structures are hierarchical and decisions are made at the top, so it’s helpful to hold meetings with top-level executives first. When speaking Spanish, formal language and pronouns should be used when addressing colleagues and superiors.
Time
It often takes time to get down to business and start working, so Chileans have been known to extend their work hours. Expats should also be patient if they ask for something to be done and when waiting for email responses – it may be better to discuss certain things in person.
Communication style
Chileans prefer to conduct business face to face and build long-lasting trustworthy personal relationships. Meetings will often start with polite social talk, asking about an associate’s personal life and family. Business is done between people rather than companies and, as such, concluding business in Chile could take some time. Expats should exercise patience and be prepared to invest time in building business relationships.
Networking
Because building relationships is so important in Chile, it can be beneficial to have a pituto, a network or a connection. Pitutos can help people get connected with others and share information.
Dos and don’ts of business in Chile
- Do be on time for meetings
- Do attempt to build personal relationships and be prepared for small talk before getting down to business with Chilean associates
- Do maintain eye contact when conversing with Chilean business associates
- Do always greet the most senior person first
- Don't talk about politics or human rights during business meetings
- Don't be offended if interrupted while talking in meetings; this is not considered rude but rather shows enthusiasm and interest in the conversation
- Don't use too many hand gestures when speaking to Chilean associates as many may be considered rude. In particular, don’t hit the left palm with the right fist, as this is considered an offensive gesture in Chile.
Further reading
►Find out more about working in Chile
Expat Interviews
"...despite the long hours, often not much gets done. There is a lot of chatting about what you did over the weekend, going out to buy something for breakfast, etc." Get some insights into doing business from Noëlle's interview.
"It did take some time to adapt to local way of doing business here. There are certain idiosyncrasies that you pick up while working with locals." Karim's interview gives some advice on adapting to business culture in Chile.
Are you an expat living in Chile?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Chile. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.