Dating in Santiago: Best Free Sites & Apps for English Speakers

Santiago’s dating scene for newcomers

Santiago is where most of Chile’s international residents end up. The capital concentrates the head offices of banks, mining and energy companies, the regional headquarters of multinationals, the main universities and a busy start-up ecosystem, helped for years by the government’s Start-Up Chile programme. The Andes, often snow-capped, tower over the city on clear days.

Chileans are often described as friendly but reserved at first, more so than in some other Latin American countries. Chilean Spanish is fast and full of slang (you will soon hear “po”, “cachai” and “pololo” or “polola” for boyfriend or girlfriend), so even fluent Spanish speakers need a little time to tune in. Once you are part of a group, though, people are loyal and hospitable, and a lot of dating happens through friends and shared plans, the famous “carrete” or night out.

Which platform for which goal

All the sites in our Chile ranking are Chilean versions in Spanish. A clear profile in simple Spanish works better than a long one in English.

• Serious, based on personality: be2, with a questionnaire and suggested matches.
• Graduates and professionals: Solteros con Nivel (Academic Singles), well suited to people working in Las Condes and Providencia.
• Over 40: Amor40 (40sDating).
• Over 50 and 60: Solteros50 (Singles50) and NuevoAmor50 (50sDating) for over-50s, Amor60 (60sDating) for over-60s.
• General dating: Fuego de Vida, an all-round option.

Registration is free on these sites; check what the free account includes before you subscribe. To start free and in English, Tinder, Bumble and Badoo let you match and chat at no cost, and all three are busy in Santiago.

Neighbourhoods and places to meet

Providencia is central, walkable and popular with expats, with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants. Las Condes and the business district nicknamed “Sanhattan” are where many international employees work, with after-work bars and terraces. Bellavista, at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal, is the classic nightlife area, and Lastarria has a more cultural feel, with small theatres, bookshops and wine bars.

Ñuñoa, around Plaza Ñuñoa, and Barrio Italia are favourites of young professionals and creatives, with independent shops, craft beer and relaxed terraces. For a free date, ride the funicular or walk up Cerro San Cristóbal, or stroll in Parque Bicentenario in Vitacura.

Hiking clubs, ski trips to the resorts above the city in winter, wine tours in the nearby valleys, language exchanges and Meetup and InterNations groups make it easy to build a social life alongside the apps.

Safety tips

Santiago is a big city, and pickpocketing and phone theft are common in busy areas. Keep your phone out of sight in the street, meet first dates in public places, use app-based rides at night and let a friend know your plans. Never transfer money to someone you have only met online.

Which site fits you in Santiago?

Santiago has a dating option for every stage of life. Your Spanish and your goal decide where to start.

Tom, 32, mining engineer posted to an office in Las Condes

Long days, good English at work, basic Spanish. Solteros con Nivel (Academic Singles) introduces him to other graduates looking for something serious. Free tip: a weekend hike in the hills above the city is a classic Chilean date.

Laura, 27, start-up founder in Providencia

She wants someone compatible but has little time. be2 does the pre-selection with its personality test. Free tip: the walk up Cerro San Cristóbal at sunset costs nothing.

Matías, 23, exchange student in Ñuñoa

Here for a semester and wants to meet people. Tinder and Badoo are free and busy. Free tip: the terraces around Plaza Ñuñoa are relaxed and affordable.

Isabel, 63, retired teacher in Vitacura

She wants companionship and someone to travel with. Amor60 (60sDating) and Solteros50 (Singles50) suit her age group. Free tip: a walk in Parque Bicentenario makes a calm first meeting.

Dating in Santiago: FAQ

Do I need Spanish to date in Santiago?

In expat circles and on the free apps you can manage in English, but most Chileans prefer Spanish, and the local dating sites are in Spanish only. Learning some Chilean slang helps a lot.

Which dating apps are free in Santiago?

Tinder, Bumble and Badoo let you match and chat for free. Our ranked sites have free registration and paid options.

Where do singles go out in Santiago?

Bellavista, Lastarria, Providencia, Ñuñoa and Barrio Italia are the main areas for bars and restaurants.

What does “pololo” mean?

It is the Chilean word for boyfriend (“polola” for girlfriend). Being “pololos” means you are officially a couple.