Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Chile. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Chilean Peso ($)
Best SIM Provider
Entel
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cards accepted
⚠️ Important Entry Restrictions
- SAG agricultural inspection: Chile has extremely strict biosecurity. ALL fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, honey, and plant...
View full entry requirements
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Remote Worker Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos)
12-month visa for remote workers. Must prove monthly income of at least $1,500 USD and health insurance.
Official applicationExtension info: Tourist stays of 90 days can be extended once for an additional 90 days at the Departamento de Extranjería in Santiago. You can also do a border crossing to Argentina to reset your 90-day clock.
Medication Restrictions
General prescription medications
Carry medications in original packaging with prescription or doctor's note. Reasonable personal supply (30-90 days) typically allowed.
Essential Apps
UberWorks in Santiago and major cities
CabifyStrong presence in Santiago
DiDiOften cheaper fares
Notes for Visitors
- Uber and Cabify work with international cards and phone numbers
- Santiago's metro (Bip! card) is efficient and cheap — buy the card at any station
- Many shops close for lunch in smaller cities (1-3 PM)
SIM Cards & Internet
Get a local SIM for best rates. Entel has the best nationwide coverage including Patagonia. WOM offers the best value. Data is affordable — 10GB for ~$5-8 USD.
- eSIM works well with Airalo, Saily
- Entel has best coverage in Patagonia and remote areas
- WiFi widely available in cafes and restaurants in cities
WiFi Reliability
Good in Santiago and major cities. Expect 20-50 Mbps in cafes. Patagonia and rural areas have limited connectivity.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Chile is very card-friendly in cities — Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere including small shops and transit. Cash still useful for ferias (open-air markets), rural areas, and some small restaurants. Always carry some pesos.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs inside banks (BancoEstado, Santander, BCI). Max withdrawal typically 200,000 CLP (~$200 USD). Decline the dynamic currency conversion — always choose pesos. Banco Estado ATMs tend to have the lowest foreign fees.
Tipping Culture
Restaurants: 10% is standard and usually added to the bill as 'propina sugerida' — you can decline or adjust. Cafes: rounding up. Hotels: 1,000-2,000 CLP per bag. Taxis: round up. Tour guides: 5,000-10,000 CLP.
- Chile uses periods for thousands and commas for decimals — $10.000 means ten thousand pesos
- US dollars are not widely accepted — always pay in CLP
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Buses to city center every 10-15 min. Comfortable and reliable.
Available from designated pickup areas at SCL. Fixed pricing.
Pre-booked shared or private transfers. Meet at arrivals.
Local Transport
Clean, fast, and covers most of the city. Buy a Bip! card for metro + buses.
Convenient and safe across major cities
Extensive network. Bip! card required — no cash accepted on buses.
Shared taxis on fixed routes. Very local, very cheap.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Chile requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 120 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
22
Renting a car in Chile
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 22, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Chile across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Santiago and major cities are generally safe for solo female travelers
- Use Uber/Cabify at night rather than walking alone
- Valparaíso hills can be poorly lit at night — stick to main streets
- Tourist areas like Providencia and Las Condes feel very safe
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Chile legalized same-sex marriage in 2022. Santiago has an active LGBTQ+ scene, especially in Bellavista and Barrio Italia. Smaller cities and rural areas are more conservative.
- Santiago's Bellavista neighborhood is the main LGBTQ+ hub
- Pride events are held annually in Santiago and Valparaíso
- Rural areas and smaller cities are more conservative
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Santiago is improving with accessible metro stations and newer buildings. Historic areas and Valparaíso's steep hills are challenging. Patagonia parks have limited accessible infrastructure.
- Santiago Metro has elevators at most stations
- Newer malls and buildings are generally accessible
- Valparaíso's hills and cobblestones are very challenging for wheelchairs
- National parks have limited accessible trails
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Santiago Metro during rush hours
- La Vega Central market
- Cerro Santa Lucía and Cerro San Cristóbal
- Valparaíso tourist areas and ascensores
- Bus terminals
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Fake Police
People impersonating police asking to check your wallet or documents on the street.
Prevention: Real police won't ask to see your wallet. Ask for ID and offer to go to the nearest police station.
Mustard/Bird Dropping Trick
Someone squirts a substance on you, then an 'helpful' person offers to clean it while pickpocketing.
Prevention: Walk away immediately. Clean yourself in a shop or bathroom.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxis or drivers taking longer routes, especially from the airport.
Prevention: Use Uber/Cabify or official airport transfers. If using a taxi, confirm the meter is on.
Phone Cover Scam
Someone places a paper or item over your phone on the table, then picks it up with your phone underneath.
Prevention: Keep your phone in your pocket or hand when approached by strangers at cafes or restaurants.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Chile's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
14-29°C (57-84°F)
Low rainfall
Summer continues, warm
Mar – May
9-22°C (48-72°F)
Medium rainfall
Autumn, pleasant temperatures
Jun – Aug
4-14°C (39-57°F)
High rainfall
Coldest month, ski season in the Andes
Sep – Nov
9-22°C (48-72°F)
Low rainfall
Spring, warming up
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink.
Taste can differ from home, and some people prefer filtered or bottled water anyway. A refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
C, L
Chile uses Type C and Type L plugs. Type C (Europlug) works for most European travelers. US/UK/AU travelers need an adapter.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English spoken in tourist areas and upscale Santiago neighborhoods. Limited in rural areas and outside the capital.
Essential Phrases
Hola
Hello
OH-lah
Gracias
Thank you
GRAH-see-ahs
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah
Buena onda
Good vibes / cool
BWEH-nah OHN-dah
¿Cachai?
You know? (Chilean slang)
kah-CHAI
La cuenta, por favor
The bill, please
lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Santiago has a growing vegan scene with dedicated restaurants in Bellavista and Barrio Italia. Outside the capital, options are limited — Chilean cuisine is meat-heavy. Ask for 'sin carne, sin lácteos' (no meat, no dairy).
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian options available in most restaurants — empanadas de queso, pastel de choclo (corn pie), and salads are common. Specify 'sin carne' as soups often have meat stock.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Challenging due to bread culture. Rice and corn dishes are safe bets. Santiago has some gluten-free bakeries. Say 'sin gluten' — awareness is growing but not universal.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires standard international export certificates and localized agricultural agency validation desk check-ins.
Timeline
10-15 days before travel
Quarantine Risk
None
Regulatory Framework
Local agency signoff (ICA, SENASA, AGROCALIDAD, SAG).
Key Constraints
Requires external parasite treatment (ticks/fleas) within 10-15 days of departure. Vaccination logs must show clear serial numbers.
Pet Culture
Exploding urban nomad support. Major rental hubs packed with local pet culture, leash laws, and pet fashion.
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Cultural Tips
Chileans greet with a single kiss on the right cheek, even for first meetings
'Once' (OHN-seh) is the evening tea/snack tradition around 5-8 PM — don't skip it
Punctuality is flexible for social events but expected in business
Chileans are proud of their wine — try Carménère, Chile's signature grape
The pisco debate is real — never tell a Chilean that pisco is Peruvian
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is standard and usually pre-added to the bill. You can adjust up or down.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Chilean Spanish is notoriously fast with lots of slang — 'cachai?' means 'you know?'
Bread is sacred. Chileans eat more bread per capita than almost any country.
Completo (Chilean hot dog) is a loaded masterpiece — avocado, tomato, mayo, sauerkraut.
If someone invites you to an 'asado,' clear your schedule — it's an all-day event.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating distances — Chile is 4,300 km long, flights are often necessary
Not carrying cash for ferias and small vendors
Visiting Patagonia without booking accommodation months ahead in peak season
Expecting warm weather in the south — Patagonia can be cold even in summer
Not trying Carménère wine — it's Chile's signature and excellent
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Chile
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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