[capken]

Using an agent is a good idea when you have no lay of the land. There are safe and less safe areas here, knowing the difference is what an agent does for you. Also, if you do not speak the language negotiating can be extremely difficult, a local agent can iron all those out. For me the fee was only around $125 USD, which is reasonable for the work they do upfront and the ongoing support they can give you on the backend.

[andrewcooke]

for $125 i agree it's not worth arguing about, and also support is reassuring. but if someone does want to save some money it's worth knowing that you don't find apts at that price in unsafe areas. santiago is very divided (physically) by class.