Chilean society is built on the back of social connections. These networks of relationships are formed amongst family, neighbors, co-workers, college buddies, and childhood friends.
Pituto is the Chilean slang for connections that come in handy in a variety of circumstances.
There is a saying in Chile, es mejor tener amigos que plata, which means “It is better to have friends than money.”
Do you need a new job? Pituto will help you find it through an old friend.
Want a private tour of the presidential palace? Pituto helps when your friend works there.
Having a hard time getting a reservation during the busy travel season? Don’t worry, pituto happens to have a cousin that works down there and can get you in.
Pituto is so pervasive that often times being on the outside is that much harder — for a gringo or a Chilean.
So just remember: friends are better than money in Chile.
hola Pepe….
creemos que después de haberlo vivido en carne propia siempre será mejor “tener buenos amigos, que tener plata”…
un abrazo…
@Marcelo y Sara – gracias amigos por enseñarme este principio.
Yes! That is so true. That must be why my Chilean friend finds it so strange that in Australia many of the conversations revolve around salaries and material possessions when you are just meeting people here. He finds money talk rude. 🙁
@Nina – I’m glad to here that Chileans are consistent around the world. Definitely shows that it is a part of the culture.
Good to hear!!I am relocating to Chile in June and was wondering if it was really that difficult to find work and living accomodations, I am 27 year old US Citizen and fully bilingual thanks to my Latin American background 🙂
@Ricardo – Living accommodations should be straight forward:
http://www.joeskitchen.com/chile/2008/06/04/how-to-find-an-apartment-in-santiago-chile/
You should be able to locate a job too:
http://joeskitchen.com/chile/blogcito/2006/08/%C2%BFbuscas-trabajo-en-chile/