South America
Chile
Well organised and safe-feeling by regional standards, but pricey for South America: Santiago, wine valleys, the Atacama desert and Patagonia. Long distances and fast, slang-heavy Spanish are the challenges.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa92 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyCLPUS$1 ≈ $982.01Details
- Price level48%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, L220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency133Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe in cities; Santiago's water is hard and mineral-heavy, so some people filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalitySantiago is open, with nightlife around Bellavista; attitudes are more conservative in rural areas and the south.Details
- Internet364 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 80 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors may drive with their home licence plus an IDP; rental companies and police checks may ask for both.
Where to go in Chile
11 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SantiagoCapital city | 3/5 | $1,220–1,830 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 65/100 |
| ValparaísoCity | 3/5 | $967–1,430 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 78/100 |
| San Pedro de AtacamaTown | 4/5 | $1,430–2,240 | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | 62/100 |
| Puerto NatalesTown | 4/5 | $1,320–2,040 | Nov–Mar | 59/100 |
| PucónMountain town | 4/5 | $1,120–1,730 | Dec–Mar | 75/100 |
| Easter IslandIsland | 5/5 | $2,040–3,050 | Nov–Apr | 42/100 |
| Puerto VarasTown | 4/5 | $1,120–1,730 | Dec–Mar | 71/100 |
| Viña del MarCity | 4/5 | $1,020–1,630 | Dec–Mar | 85/100 |
| ChiloéIsland | 4/5 | $967–1,530 | Dec–Mar | 78/100 |
| Punta ArenasCity | 4/5 | $1,220–1,830 | Nov–Mar | 70/100 |
| La SerenaCity | 4/5 | $1,120–1,730 | Dec–Mar | 80/100 |
When to visit Chile
Santiago and the central valleys: Sep–Nov and Mar–May. Patagonia: Nov–Mar. Atacama: year-round, with cold nights. Ski season: Jun–Sep.
Good to know
Entry
- Declare all food, plant and animal products on the SAG form; undeclared fruit or meat brings heavy fines.
- Entry generates a digital tourist card; keep it, as hotels ask for it with your passport to waive 19% VAT.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Undeclared fresh food, plants or animal products bring heavy fines at entry.
- Drinking alcohol in streets, parks and other public places is illegal.
Etiquette
- Friends greet with one cheek kiss
- Chilean Spanish is fast and full of slang ('po', 'cachai')
- Expect to be asked about the tip when paying by card
Tipping
Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% tip; the server or card machine asks if you want it included. Taxis aren't tipped.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
- Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG)
- EFE Trenes de Chile
- Speedtest Global Index: Chile
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.