Travel tips: Chile

Heading out from home? We’ve gathered some tips to make sure your trip is the smoothest it can be.

About Chile

Chile (/ˈtʃɪli/; Spanish: [ˈtʃile]), officially the Republic of Chile (Spanish: República de Chile), is a South American country occupying a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far south. Chilean territory includes the Pacific islands of Juan Fernández, Salas y Gómez, Desventuradas, and Easter Island in Oceania. 

Using debit and credit card

Do I need cash in Chile, or can I use my card everywhere?

Cards are widely accepted in Chile, but small stores and vendors only take cash.

What currency do they use here?

The currency here is Chilean peso. The symbol is $ or CLP.

Which ATM’s can I use for free?

Free withdrawals at these ATMs.

• Scotiabank 

If I want cash, how much should I take out of an ATM?

40 000 CLP should be enough for a few days, since you can use your card for nearly everything.

Should I choose local currency or Euros when paying?

If you’re asked to choose between local currency and Euros, always choose local currency.

Staying connected

Can I roam, or should I get a local SIM?

Most EU mobile plans will charge you for roaming.

Wifi is readily available, especially in coffee shops.

If you want to get a local SIM card, you can learn about your options here.

Useful things to know

How does tipping work?

It is common to leave a 10% tip.

How much does a 0.5L beer cost?

€ 2,70

How much does an average meal cost?

€ 7,40

What’s the emergency number?

There are different numbers for the different services here.

• Police: 133
• Ambulance: 131
• Fire: 132

What type of plug do they use?

This one! It’s the standard two pin plug.

What side of the road do they drive on?

They drive on the right side of the road here.

How do I navigate my way around?

Google and Apple Maps both work well here.

Otherwise, we recommend Rome2Rio as the best way to find out how to get anywhere. It even tells you the cost of each option.

Any other good tips?

Try the traditional dried and salted horsemeat, Charqui de caballo.

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If you’ve been to Chile 🇨🇱 share your experience! The following would be really useful for others to know:

• Which ATMs are free to use? 
• What card should I use and where?
• Any other info you think may be useful.

Share your experience with us in the comments below!