What to consider when receving your property (“Pre-Entrega” Checklist)

If you have been living in Chile a little while longer, you probably decided to invest in a house or in an apartment. There are many projects in the city, with different price ranges, sizes and location. So, if you are thinking of staying here the long term, it might be a good decision to buy your own property.

If you have already bought it (Congrats!!!!) and are waiting to receive your new place, then it is very important that you CHECK every detail of it IN and OUT during the “Pre- Entrega”.

What happens is that the construction company writes down all the problems you found, from bad paint jobs, to water leaks and crooked doors, and then they will fix them before you officially get your key. It is very common; we actually had our shower plumbing missing, and ended up with a pool when we turned it on the first time!!

These tips apply more for a new property. But in Case it is a used place, this process is even more important, and it should be done with an inspector before you even decide on buying the place.

Besides the finishing details, here are some more practical and functioning points that you MUST check: (Pre- Entrega Check List)

–Electrical: turn on all electrical appliances at full throttle and check that the breakers don´t fall.

-Heating: Turn on the heater system. With hot water (floor or ceiling) within an hour if it is a strong leak you might see sign of leakage. If not make a note to ask the person in charge about the guarantees.

-Water: Leave all the faucets, showers and bath tub running, to make sure there are no leaks. Fill bath tubs completely to make sure they are correctly sealed. Empty them at once, to make sure they drain properly.

– Kitchen: Check the appliances. Turn on Oven and kitchen. Check cabinet doors to see if they open properly, and if they are aligned.

-Floors: If they are ceramic floors, use your hand or a wooden stick to tap on each of the tiles to find out if they are properly placed. A hollow sound means they were installed incorrectly and they have to be replaced.

-Windows: Check that they open, close or slide correctly. With PVC window frames make sure they don´t have cracks.

-Hot water: Turn on to make sure it works. Plug in all electrical water heaters in case it is necessary to double check. 

Have in mind, that with a new apartment you have three years to claim problems to the construction company: from finishing details, to more complex facilities issues.

Hope this was useful for the new property owners! =) 

 

What to do in Santiago? 15th – 28th February

Once again we share with you an updated list of some of the activities happening around the city. Summer is almost over (Tear…) but,  don´t worry the warm weather will be here for a little while longer (Happy!!) 

Like we said before, February is a slow month, so start getting ready for March because the city comes back to live and full of events. 

Until next Time! 

Click here for the list —- >> What to do in Santiago?.

 

What to do guide in Santiago? 1st – 15th Feb

Hi fellow expats and non expats!

It´s that time of the month again, we got you the updated guide of activities in Santiago from the 1st to the 15th of February. Our pick of the most interesting events in town.

Make sure to check out our other regular posts Expat Living posts (Job finding, interviews, networking, and others). Also, our Foodie posts on Thursdays, for great tips on where to eat out, and on Fridays our Weekend getaway posts, for where to travel around Chile.

Hope you are enjoying the summer, we sure are!!

Check it out here >>> What to do in Santiago?.

How to write a CV for Chilean Market?

This is a topic that we are frequently asked. Nowadays, international assignments have changed and in a lot of cases, both partners of a couple are workers. So, for the success of the expatriation, it is important that both of them find a job and continue their career development.

To write a CV seems something easy, but a lot of people lose the opportunity to get an interview because they are not accurate in their CVs. Here you will find some tips:

– Extension: This is a very important point, please don´t write a bible! Think that recruiters receive hundreds of CV per job search. Ideally one or two pages. It needs to have the most relevant information according to the job search that you are applying for.

– Format: We recommend to use a simple format that facilitates the reading. No grammar errors, no colours, simple font.

– Contact data: Please put in a handy place your contact data, especially email address and telephone. In the telephone, please put the complete number including the code area. If the recruiter is in another country, they could not know how to dial. Civil status is something optional. The age in European and Americans CVs are not included. In Latin America, to be honest, is something that sometimes is asked in the CV. Up to you. Regarding the RUT, a lot of recruiters recommend not to put the RUT number, but being a foreigners if you have a RUT, I recommend to put the number or what visa you have. If the recruiter is to close and don´t find this information, maybe he/she will discharge you because thinks that it is too complicate to hire you.

– Brief summary: We recommend to include  a paragraph with a summary. Maybe you can copy what you have in Linkedin. It is very helpful for recruiters to find at the beginning of the CV the most relevant information. Think about key words of your profile. 3 or 4 lines.

– Experience: Start with the most recent experience. Be very accurate. Put company name, job title, dates (start and end date) and a summary of the main responsibilities and achievements. Your story has to be understood with a fast look.

– Education: we see that in Chilean market, the education is very important. Check if your career is available in Chile or if there is any equivalency. Maybe between brackets, you can but the chilean correlation. Or clarify the years of study (maybe you study an university career and Chile that name refers to a technician career).

– Language: if you speak English, this is a very good point for Chilean Market. Put this information in a visible place. If the job ad is in English, send the English version. It is also important that you have an Spanish version.

– Salary: don´t put the salary in the CV. Unless it is requested.

– References: Think about 3 persons that can refer you is requested. If you have someone in Chilean market, it is very appreciated.

If you need tips on how to look for a job, you can read our previous post.

Global Mobility Services, our main sponsor, can advise you how to look for a job in Chile in the most effective way: CV preparation, interviews and job search strategy:info@gmobilityservices.com.

 

 

 

Online groceries! what a pleasure!

We are all running with the groceries for holidays celebration. It is so tiring and supermarkets are all full. That´s why we decided to share this list of online supermarkets. Be careful, make your order with time, in some pages you should do it one or two days before the day you need it. Especially, if you don´t have a lot of availability and you want your order the delivery at special time range. Normally, you can select morning, afternoon or all day.

1) Jumbo

2) Lider

3) Telermercados: This is online an online supermarket

4) La Vega Virtual: only for fruits and vegetables

 

Another tip! If you live close to a supermarket, you can tip (around CLP 2.000) the packer and they can walk you home with the shopping cart. This is useful if you don´t have a car.

 

 

Haaaaave you met Ted?

 

How I met your mother´s fans will understand this introductory line.. In real life it is not so easy to meet people like Barney and Ted do it in How I met using that simple introductory technique.

One of the main challenges when you moved to other country is to develop your social network. Making friends abroad can be an intimidating experience and sometimes is difficult to know how to start. The sooner you start knowing people, the better and quicker you will start adapting to your new reality. Creating a solid network will help you to understand better the new culture, share experiences (both good and bad), have an emotional support and, of course, have a good time.

Below you can find some tips to meet people:

• Before moving, read information about Santiago in expats web pages or blogs (like Inside Santiago!).
• Check among friends if they know someone living in Santiago that can introduce you: Review facebook and Linkedin.
•  Register in Expat forums. Internations is one of the biggest expat network, there is a Santiago community, which has events almost every month. It is one of the best way to meet people.
• If you are not a native Spanish speaker, start taking Spanish lessons in an Institute with a group of people. Apart from meeting  people, it is critical to start settling in Chile.
• Enrol yourself in a social club. You can find social clubs in our Where to live section.
• Register in a sport activity: gym, runners club, golf, tennis, football, etc… Don´t miss our getting fit: outdoor and indoor mood post!
• If you have kids, invite kids their age over to play – you’ll get to know their parents.
• Become a member of business or professional associations.
• If you met neighbors, invite them for a drink or small party.
• Hang out in pub and bars. For example, California Cantina.
• Voluntary work: Completing voluntary work for charities is a further ideal method of making friends abroad while simultaneously contributing to a good cause. Before, check if your visa allows you to do charity work.
• If you have a baby, you can register into a mommy playgroup (we are planning to dedicate a post to this subject).
• Every two Wednesdays, check our What to do in Santiago section, you will find different activities and also could be a good way to meet people.

What worked for you? Share your experience with us!

Familiy in Santiago for Christmas? Our fav restaurants to take guest for chilean food

My Family enjoying December in the south of Chile. Frutillar 2013 =)

 

Christmas is just around the corner, and so is the craziness of the season: gifts, cooking, decorations, airports. For some of us, it means family visits to Santiago, which also translates into sightseeing, eating out and having a full house. Craaazy!

When my family is here on visit, I always try to take them out to enjoy good Chilean food. You can´t go wrong with machas, patagonic lamb or a good Carmenere; guests always love their taste.

Because of the cold Pacific Ocean, chilean seafood has a richer taste so order a plate of “salad from the sea” which has locos, oysters, shrimp, and other sea treats. Have in mind that some are very strong like the hedgehog (erizo), which is not for everyone.

If you are looking for a more gourmet Chilean meal, we recommend you try any of these restaurants. They are on the pricy side, but are nice choices to take family members who have traveled far to visit.

1) Mestizo:

Located inside the Parque Bicentenario, Mestizo has a wow factor architecture and environment. Guests are very surprised by the building, and by the fact that you can eat while looking at the green plants and small pond in the park. The food is also good, they have a traditional chilean food menu but with a modern twist. As starters, try the machas which are big here, and the tuna tartar is also delicious. As main dish, I would recommend the salmon or the “Entraña” which is a special cut of beef.

2) Meson Patagonico

If you want to try the traditional ” cordero al palo” or lamb on a stick this is the spot where you must visit. Meson Patagonico is a rustic style restaurant, located in Lo Bernachea. The food is also rustic, with a comforty feeling and not gourmet. As starters, you must try the “Centolla” or king crab, which is absolutely juicy (The best I have ever tried, and that is saying a lot) An as a main dish, order lamb for the whole table and share side dishes.

4) Miraolas

When the weather is warm and sunny, Miraolas is a good choice for having lunch. They have two restaurants in Vitacura, one is located in Paseo El Mañio, and has a nice terrace to enjoy dining outside. Miraolas has a traditional Chilean menu, with plenty of fresh fishes and seafood. As starter, enjoy oysters or a seafood salad. As main dish, I would recommend asking for the freshest catch of the day and having that made with a sauce of your choice.

3) Aqui esta coco

Aqui Esta Coco is the restaurant of a famous Chilean chef: Jorge “Coco” Pacheco; it has been opened for more than 40 years. By our Chilean friends, it is considered to be a typical Chilean restaurant with really good food, we agree with them. As starter, order the grilled jumbo shrimp and the machas. They have many options for starters, so we preferred to order many of them for sharing instead of having main dishes.

 

 

Getting fit #2: indoor mood

As soon as I arrived to  Santiago, my first concern was to find the best gym for me to continue my weekly training. I discovered great spots which are very recommendable according to every one needs. So if you are an indoor mood person, find below the best gym  options.

 

Baltus Gym:

This Gym is a sport and social club where you can train yourself and also spend the day. You will find one branch in Vitacura and another in Las Condes neighbourhood.  It´s very exclusive and also expensive, but incredibly well placed and for sure it is included in the top 3 best gyms in Santiago. In it´s web page you will find all activities schedule.

http://www.balthus.cl/

 

Hard Candy gym:

This gym is part of Hard Candy fitness corporate, which is owned by Madonna. It is the only branch in South America , placed in Las Condes neighbourhood, in the middle of Araucano park. Great place to train yourself, and it has a lot of different classes for example to enjoy dancing like Madonna, doing yoga and also pilates. It isn´t as expensive as Baltus, and it has 2 swimming pools, one for training and the other one to relax. Find complete schedule and more information in webpage

http://www.hardcandyfitness.cl

http://www.hardcandyfitness.com/

 

O2 gym:

This spot has 4 branches located in Lo Barnechea, Las Condes, El Golf  and San Carlos de Apoquindo neighbourhood.  It´s a very good choice for specific trainings and it offers a great swimming pool. It also has a spa. Check more in O2 webpage below.

http://www.o2fit.cl

 

Energy gym:

If you choose this gym company, you will find yours according where you live. Also Hard Candy takes part of this company, but as a premium brand. There is one in Vitacura neigbourhood, very well placed. It offers good prices and large variety of classes. For more information please check webpage below.

http://www.energy.cl/

 

Sportlife:

 

This gym company has been opened in Santiago for 20 years. It is one of the biggest with a lot of branches in all over Chile. For sure you will find your own according to where you decide to live or already are living. It has good prices and it offers great different options for your training.

Check your closest and more information in webpage

http://www.sportlife.cl/

 

Smartfit:

This gym company is very new in Santiago, with only 4 spots. It´s a new and simple concept: very low prices, practical spaces and a great and relaxed environment. It´s the perfect equation according to them.

For more information, check webpage

http://www.smartfit.cl/

I hope this information will help you knowing your fitness options in Santiago. Wait for more about getting fit in our next posts!

see you!

Little France in Santiago: Boulangeries

We know that for some communities having good bread on the table is almost religious. Although, we really encourage trying the Chilean Marraqueta, we will recommend you some of the best bakeries in the city. In these boulangeries, you will find a variety of delicious products that you won´t see in a lot of places in town. Among others, Baguettes, croissants, eclairs, macarons, viennoiseries, madelaines.. Great pleasures!

Mettisage Boulangerie: Some friends who know about bread say that it is the best bakery in town. It is located in Vitacura Avenue. The baker learnt the techniques from a French baker. The bread is 100% artisanal. In the store, you have some tables and you can order something to enjoy there. Av. Vitacura 3187, Vitacura.

 

Erik Kayser: it is a french bakery, which has stores around the world. You can find it in El Golf area and in the new mall Vivo of Los Trapenses in Lo Barnechea. You also have tables in the stores.

Le Fournil: people said that a couple of years ago the quality was better, but in any case we like the bread of Le Fournil. You can find it in different locations and also has a restaurant menu. The one that is located in Plaza Mañio in Vitacura has outside tables, very nice to enjoy the warm weather.

Paul: it is also an original French bakery which has stores around the world. Just opened in Santiago! The first store is in Parque Arauco but in the future there will be more locations. Next location seems to be in the Golf area, great choice outside the mall. It also has a restaurant where you can taste gourmet dishes. The store is beautiful, you can feel in Paris! Nothing to envy to big cosmopolitan cities.

Au revoir!

 

 

How to look for a job in Chile?

 

We know that looking for a job can be a very uncertain and unpleasant experience, especially if you are adapting to a new country.

First of all, you must know where and how to look. Try to make new contacts that can get you closer to the right places. Remember that one of the fastest and most effective way to find a job is through recommendations, particularly in Chile. Do not miss the opportunity to announce that you are seeking employment in any social meeting; you will notice that there is always someone willing to help.

In many cases, Internet can be a great tool.

Latin America represents one of the regions with the highest annual growth rate in Linkedin at global level, and Chile is no exception. It is becoming more frequent the use of this social network as a personal profile and as a company page, which means that a lot of people are interesting in professional connecting and a many companies want to be in touch with more people.

Through the following video, Laetitia Saint Maur, international director of accounts and marketing solutions of LinkedIn gives you some tips for success in the job search through this social network: http://bit.ly/1eqZyp5.

In Linkedin, you can find job advs in the job section and also in the company page of different companies and consultant. There also some people that post jobs in their personal home page. Another good option is to request membership to different groups that can interesting for your career.

But Linkedin is not the only tool. You can also register yourself in the mail job portals:

• bumeran.cl
• laborum.cl
• trabajando.cl
• computrabajo.cl
• Opcionempleo.cl
• http://www.startupchile.org/

Offering for volunteering during an event or with a foundation can be a good way to meet people that can help you with the job search.

We recommend you to have an excel-sheet with all your contacts and jobs that you have applied to keep your record. Looking for a job is a job!

 

---

  Global Mobility Services can advise you to look for a job in Chile in the most effective way. We help you with the preparation of the CV, interviews and the job search strategy in accordance with Chilean labour market practices. info@gmobilityservices.com.