Job Discussion Forums

cheesupleezu · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 8

Hi all,

So not a soul had an answer to my previous query but I hope this one pans out better.

I am leaving for Chile on Jan. 23rd. I am going to Calama first but I would like to try to start working in Santiago in March so I am in the process of sending out CVs. How much money do I need to survive before my first paycheck and is it difficult to find an apartment if you are yet to land a job?

Hope someone can help.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

So you'll be traveling until March? OK, I'll take a crack at answering your question, although not with specific dollar amounts--sorry!

You'll obviously need your travel budget until March. On top of that, you should bring enough for:

--rent for a month or two, until your paycheck comes (there are plenty of listings, but I don't remember the websites or phone #s). My rent in Providencia was about $110, utilities included. It was a shared furnished apartment.
--transportation around the city while you're job hunting
--food
--anything fun that you plan on doing once you arrive in Santiago
--a return plane ticket home, just in case (or quick access to enough money to pay for one)

My salary in Santiago varied each month (depending on hours and cancellations Evil or Very Mad

), but it ranged from $800 to $1000, and it was difficult to save very much. But then, I did a lot of weekend trips.

So... I'd suggest taking at least $2000 (i.e., two months' salary) and having an ATM card with access to emergency funding, like for a return ticket.

d

Dustyrosepetal · Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 8 Location: NS and NB Canada

I'm thinking of bringing about $4000 Can. I wnat to make sure that I have enough to live on till I get a job and also to buy furnature and stuff that I might need. I also wnat to have a little bit so that I can give it back to student loans (though i still have to figure out how to do that)

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

For student loans, I'd say it's best to leave that money in your account at home and access it online. You can pay online.

If you do bring the money with you, you can send it back home, but it can be a pain in the butt sometimes, depending on your banking arrangements in Chile.

d