Moving To Chile From The UK

Moving to Chile

Whether you are moving to Santiago, Concepción or Valparaíso, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to Chile Foreign citizens with a visa or work permit or Chilean citizens with more than five years abroad can import up to US$5,000 duty free. Chilean citizens who have been abroad for more than one year, can import belongings up to US$3,000 duty free.  Your local Britannia member will be able to provide you with detailed customs regulations. To import your household effects to Chile, you will need your passport, a detailed inventory, a customs declaration and a work permit or visa.
	Prohibitions and Restrictions In general it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & Tobacco
	Transit Times Sole use containers take on average 8 – 9 weeks, while crated consignments may take longer, on average 9 – 10 weeks when moving to Chile.
	Bar Coding All Groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Domestic Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Moving Motor Vehicles to Chile Duties can be very high, and are based on year, model, make and purchase value. Only returning Chilean citizens may import used vehicles. It is thus not recommended to import your motor vehicle to Chile.
	International FX When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers : International payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on the IFX website.

Moving to Chile with Britannia

Britannia can offer you a door to door service to Chile, and can either ship your effects by sole use container, or for smaller shipments in a wooden crate. We can also offer a door to door airfreight service to some destinations. Our agents in Valparaiso will arrange customs clearance and deliver and unpack the effects.

Additional removal services – If you require additional removal services when moving to Chile, Britannia is authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, and arrange international storage or pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to Chile, find out more about your moving costs, read about our international removals, and contact us for more information.

Living in Chile

Chile is one of the fastest growing economies in South America, and can not only boast political stability, safety, and a corruption-free government, but can also offer a great deal in terms of culture that combines South American and European influences. The picturesque capital, Santiago is one of the metropolitan centres of the South American continent, with a modern infrastructure and cosmopolitan culture. The coastal town, Valparaiso is an hour away from Santiago, and if you want to move even closer to Chile’s natural wonders, the south, with its labyrinths of fjords, islands, and peninsulas would be the perfect choice.

Chile is located in South America, occupying the long narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and borders Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Chile is one of the most prosperous and stable nations in Latin America, ranking high for human development, economic competitiveness, democratic development and freedom of press. It is also the first South American country to join the OECD, and is a member of the United Nations. While economic inequality is rather high, Chile can also boast an excellent and affordable health care system and a high quality education system with both public and private institutions.

Whether you’re moving to Chile to retire, experience a new lifestyle or for professional reasons, you’ll most probably find the transition rather easy. Chile’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes offer an exciting expat experience, and you’ll find the locals friendly and welcoming which will definitely make integration easier.

Interesting Facts About Chile

• Chile is the longest north-south country in the world, and while it is only 175 km broad, it is over 4000 km in length.
• Chile is one of the world’s largest importers of wine and salmon.
• Chileans call their country the “country of poets” (pais de poetas)
• There are over 1000 volcanoes in Chile, and a few of them are still active.
• The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile is often regarded as the driest desert in the world.

Tips About Moving to & Living in Chile

• If you want to stay in Chile for more than 90 days, you’ll need a visa. There are various types of visas to choose from depending on the reason of your stay. You can for example obtain a Special Work Card if you are planning to work, temporary residence, permanent residency or a Student Visa.
• Chile has a high quality and affordable health care system, with modern hospitals and well-trained doctors. Private health insurance is also easy to obtain.
• If you are moving to Chile with your children, you should also think about education opportunities. There are a number of international schools, especially in bigger cities, but if you are moving to Chile permanently, it might be better for your child to attend a local Chilean school.
• While compared to other Latin American countries, Chile could seem expensive, living and housing costs will still be lower than in Western Europe.