Money and payments
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most of the independent commerce of major cities and in all chain stores, no matter where they are.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but is generally expected.
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Americas · South AmericaOutline guideCountry in South America
Photo: Natalia Reyes Escobar, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chile is a country in South America. Chile occupies a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Chile.
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most of the independent commerce of major cities and in all chain stores, no matter where they are.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but is generally expected.
Spanish
Spanish is the official language in the country and is spoken everywhere. Chileans use a distinct dialect called Castellano de Chile with a variety of differences in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and slang usage.
A basic prepaid cellular phone usually costs about 15,000 pesos, most frequently charged with 10,000 pesos worth of prepaid minutes.
Mobile networks
Tap water is safe to drink.
Having relatively good standards in medicine throughout the country, it is not difficult to stay healthy. However, one will usually find more refined resources at a private medical facility.
Covered in the guide
Although the Roman Catholic Church has historically played a major role in Chilean society, Chile has become increasingly secular since the mid-20th century.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital and largest city of the country.
Chile's second largest city is a city rich in culture, history and beauty.
tourist center in Northern Chile.
a charming city, with beautiful, well-preserved neocolonial architecture, and extensive beaches.
one of the southernmost cities of the world, it is an important starting point for trips to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands.
visitors come in large numbers to use the town as a stepping stone to the amazing surrounding landscapes.
is called the "City of Rivers", the "Pearl of the South", and the "Beer Capital of Chile".
known for its bohemian culture, brightly colored houses, and beautiful seaside views, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
the largest island of the country.
includes the San Rafael Glacier, accessible only by boat or plane
the Lago Chungará, one of the world's highest lakes, overseen by the mighty Volcán Parinacota.
Chile's premier surfing destination.
well known for its jungles and endemic flora
the mountains, lakes and glaciers, including the Towers of Paine.
a wine and pisco producing area, also known for its astronomical observatories.
breathtaking desert landscape with impressive sand dunes and rock formations.
Places in Chile on the World Heritage List.
Inca road system
Listed 2014
Rapa Nui National Park
Listed 1995
Sewell
Listed 2006
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
Listed 2005
Churches of Chiloé
Listed 2000
Chinchorro culture
Chinchorro mummies
Listed 2021
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
Listed 2003
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
Listed 2021
EDNI-020-P Teniente Club
EDNI-152-K Family residential building
EDNI-150 Singles residential building
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Visit the driest desert in the world, archeological ruins and the Andean highlands.
The heart of the country, you can visit the main cities, famous vineyards and some of the best ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere
The land of the Mapuches, lakes, rivers and the mythology-rich Chiloé Island.
Fjords, ice caps, lakes and forests.
Robinson Crusoe Island and other islands
A lonely island over 3,500 km from the coast of Chile, home of one of the most mysterious civilizations in the world.
Public transport and paid services in Chile.
By bus
The bus system is sophisticated and provides a cheap and comfortable way to get from town to town. Local companies will usually stop at many stations along the way.
By train
Tren Central, the passenger section of the government railway company, regularly operates trains between Santiago and Chillán, as well as occasional night service between Santiago and Temuco, which…
By colectivo
A mix between a micro and a taxi. These small cars have routes and get around quicker and more comfortably. Fares are similar to those on the Micro, and depend on the hour. Cash only.
By metro
A metropolitan railway system operating in metropolitan areas of Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción. A reliable way to move around in the city.
By car
Chilean roads are generally good compared to most of Latin America. Expressways are virtually always well-maintained, paved, painted, signed, and largely free of potholes, cracks, litter and debris.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Chile.
Finding apps for Chile…
Other ways to travel:By microBy thumbOn foot and navigation
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Santiago · International · SCL
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Santiago
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 30° | 29° | 27° | 23° | 19° | 15° | 14° | 16° | 19° | 22° | 26° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 14° | 14° | 12° | 9° | 6° | 3° | 3° | 3° | 5° | 7° | 10° | 13° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 44 | 63 | 47 | 40 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| Humidity | 31% | 33% | 31% | 33% | 40% | 49% | 53% | 52% | 49% | 42% | 34% | 30% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$55
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$145
Per person, per day
Luxury
$380
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $220 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $30 | $70 |
| Local transport | $5 | $15 | $35 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $55 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Chile due to crime, unrest, and health. Crime Petty crime is common in Chile. Common crimes include mugging, pickpocketing, and theft. Violent crimes also occur, including assaults, homicide, carjackings, and residential break-ins. Unrest Large-scale demonstrations may occur in Santiago and other cities in Chile. Demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. Demonstrations often result in disruptions to transportation, including public buses and Santiago metro services. Health The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Travelers’ Health Notice for Andes virus (Hantavirus) in the region. The risk for most travelers is extremely low.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
This travel advice page also covers Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Heavy rain and severe mudslides in eastern Santiago The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) has declared a Red Alert in the following areas of Santiago due to heavy rain and severe mudslides affecting the Andean and pre-Andean areas in the eastern sector of the Metropolitan Region: San José de Maipo Puente Alto Pirque La Florida Peñalolén La Reina Las Condes Lo Barnechea Vitacura Colina Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Check for updates and safety alerts from Chilean civil protection @Senapred and local officials. If you need consular assistance contact the British Embassy on +56 (0) 22 370 4100 and select the option for consular assistance. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. If you have onward travel plans within the region, check travel advice for all destinations you plan to travel through. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Chile.
Nature & adventureChile is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world – no other country is as elongated but narrow as Chile.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsBecause only Santiago has a good public transport network, and there is only very little of the passenger rail network, driving is a must if you want to see the beauty of Chile.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureFjords or fiords are long narrow inlets of the ocean often with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier. The two countries that are most known for their fjords are Norway and Canada, with New Zealand, Chile,…
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsDriving a car gives a traveller more independence and flexibility than scheduled transportation, such as air travel, rail travel, or bus travel, and may be faster or more comfortable than cycling.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesCabo Froward (Cape Froward) is the southernmost point of the South American mainland. It is located on the Strait of Magellan south of Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesLa Carretera Austral is a road in Chile, part of the region of Patagonia (Chile). It runs for 1240 km from Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O'Higgins in the south.
Wikivoyage
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