Chile: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Chile
Business culture in Chile is generally formal and relationship-oriented. Personal connections and trust are important, and meetings may begin with polite conversation before moving to business matters. Initial introductions are usually accompanied by a firm handshake and eye contact. Titles and surnames are commonly used in formal settings, particularly when addressing senior figures.
Punctuality is expected for business meetings, although proceedings may not always begin precisely on time. Decision-making can be hierarchical, and final authority often rests with senior management. Patience and diplomacy are valued, and negotiations may proceed at a measured pace.
Dress in business environments tends to be conservative. Men typically wear suits and ties for formal meetings, while women opt for professional attire. Business cards are routinely exchanged and are usually presented without ceremony.
Spanish is the language of business. While English is increasingly spoken in international companies and in sectors such as finance and mining, it should not be assumed. Having documents translated into Spanish can be helpful.
Business lunches are common and can play an important role in building professional relationships. The tone is usually cordial and polite, with direct confrontation generally avoided.
Office Hours
Mon to Fri, 09:00 to 18:00.
Economy
Chile has one of the most stable and open economies in Latin America. Since the late 20th century, the country has pursued market-oriented reforms, trade liberalisation and fiscal discipline, helping it achieve steady growth and relatively low levels of corruption compared with many regional peers.
Mining remains the backbone of the economy, with Chile being the world's largest producer of copper. The sector plays a central role in government revenue and export earnings. Agriculture, fisheries and forestry are also significant, with Chilean fruit, wine and seafood widely exported. In recent years, services, technology and renewable energy have expanded steadily.
Chile maintains an extensive network of free trade agreements, linking it to major global markets. Its economic model has helped position the country as a regional business hub, though it remains sensitive to fluctuations in global commodity prices.
GDP
US$347.2 billion (2025).
Main exports
Copper and copper products, lithium, fresh fruit, wine, salmon and forestry products.
Main imports
Machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel and petroleum products, chemicals, and electronic goods.
Main trading partners
China, United States, Brazil, Japan and South Korea.
Keeping in Touch in Chile
Mobile Phone
Mobile phone coverage in Chile is generally good, particularly in cities and along major highways. Urban areas such as Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción have reliable 4G coverage, and 5G networks are expanding in larger cities. However, coverage can be limited in remote regions, especially in parts of Patagonia, high-altitude Andean areas and sections of the Atacama Desert.
Chile's main mobile network operators include Entel, Movistar and Claro. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports, shopping centres and authorised retailers, and are relatively inexpensive. A passport is required for SIM registration. Data packages are competitively priced, making a local SIM a cost-effective option for most visitors.
International roaming can be expensive, so travellers are advised to check charges with their home provider before arrival. Phones must be unlocked to use a local SIM card.
Internet
Wi-Fi is widely available in Chile, particularly in cities and tourist areas. Most hotels, hostels, cafés and restaurants provide free wireless internet access, and connection speeds are generally good in urban centres. Larger hotels and business facilities typically offer stable, high-speed connections.
In smaller towns and rural areas, Wi-Fi may be slower and less reliable. In remote regions such as Patagonia or high-altitude desert areas, internet access can be limited or intermittent.
Free public Wi-Fi is available in some public spaces, including certain city squares and transport hubs, but visitors should avoid accessing sensitive information on unsecured networks. Many travellers prefer to rely on mobile data for more consistent connectivity while travelling around the country.
Media
Chile has a diverse media environment that includes public and private television, radio and print outlets. Television remains a primary source of news and entertainment, with a range of national channels broadcasting news, cultural programming and international content.
Radio is widely listened to across the country, particularly during commuting hours and in rural areas. Newspapers and news websites provide coverage of national and regional affairs, and digital media consumption has grown significantly in recent years.
Internet access is generally open, and international news websites and social media platforms are accessible without restriction. Political debate is active, and media outlets reflect a range of viewpoints. Visitors will find that English-language print media is limited, though international news is easily accessed online.