Welcome to Chile 😊

Quick Facts About Chile

Money and Finances

The currency in Chile is the Chilean peso (CLP). The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 pesos, while the notes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 pesos.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Chile, especially in urban areas. Some smaller towns may have limited access to ATMs, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand when traveling to more remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Chile, especially Visa and Mastercard. American Express is also accepted, but to a lesser extent. It's important to note that some smaller shops and restaurants may only accept cash, so it's always a good idea to have some Chilean pesos on hand.

Internet and Phones

In Chile, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is 14.2 Mbps and 23.5 Mbps, respectively. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Chile are Movistar, Entel, and Claro. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around CLP 20,000 per month. SIM cards are widely available and generally compatible with most devices.

Dialling to Chile

To call Chile from another country, dial +56 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes used when dialling within Chile are 2 for Santiago and the Central Zone, 32 for Valparaíso and the Central Coast, and 22 for Rancagua and the South Zone.

Transport Around Chile

Air Travel

Chile has several international airports, including Santiago International Airport and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. These airports offer flights to and from major cities in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.

Train Travel

Unfortunately, Chile does not have an extensive inter-city train network. However, there are some tourist-oriented trains that operate to popular destinations, such as the San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni train. Tickets for these trains can be quite expensive, around $200 USD or more, and travel times can vary depending on the route.

Metro / Local Trains

Chile has a modern and efficient metro system in its capital city, Santiago. The system consists of six lines and covers most major areas of the city. Ticket prices start at around $0.80 USD and go up depending on the distance traveled.

Buses

Bus travel is the most popular mode of inter-city travel in Chile. Prices for tickets can range from $5 USD to $50 USD depending on the distance and comfort level. Travel times can also vary depending on the route, but generally range from a few hours to a full day.

Rideshare

Chile has several popular rideshare companies, including Uber and Cabify. Prices for rides can vary depending on the distance and time of day, but generally are competitive with taxi prices.

Driving by Car

Driving in Chile can be challenging due to the aggressive driving habits of locals and varying road conditions. The speed limit on highways is generally 100 km/h (62 mph) and Chile drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Chile, tipping is not customary and is not expected. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, and it is common to use formal titles such as señor (Mr.) and señora (Mrs.) when addressing people you don't know. Close friends and family members may use informal terms like amigo or amiga. Chileans are generally friendly and outgoing, but it is recommended to avoid discussing politics or religion with strangers as these topics can be sensitive. Men and women usually address each other in the same way as they do with people of the same gender.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Chile has a public and a private healthcare system. The public system is available to all citizens and provides free healthcare, but the waiting times can be long. The private system provides faster access to healthcare, but it can be expensive. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. The average cost for a visit to a doctor in Chile is about $50-$100 USD.

COVID Situation

Chile had one of the highest rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Latin America, but the situation has greatly improved since the beginning of the year. As of September 2021, there are approximately 1,000 new cases and 20 deaths daily.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks for travelers to Chile include altitude sickness in areas such as the Atacama Desert, food poisoning from contaminated food and water, and sunburn or heatstroke from intense sun exposure. There is also a risk of contracting Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in some regions.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Chile, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol consumption is generally allowed, but there are some restrictions on where alcohol can be sold or consumed. In some regions, there are also bans on alcohol sales during certain hours or on certain days.

Recreational Drugs

Chile has strict laws on the use of recreational drugs, including cannabis and other party drugs. Possession and use of these drugs can lead to fines and, in some cases, even imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws in Chile that affect pre-marital relationships. However, the Catholic Church has significant influence in the country, and pre-marital sex may be frowned upon by some.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Chile has made important progress in recent years in terms of LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal, but civil unions are recognized and same-sex couples have rights such as inheritance and social security benefits. However, discrimination and hate crimes against the LGBTQ community still occur.

Firearms / Guns

Chile has relatively permissive laws on gun ownership compared to other countries in the region. However, there are still strict regulations on the use and possession of firearms, and a license is required to own a gun.

Regions in Chile

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Chile, browse through each to see what to visit.

2 Popular Travel Destinations in Chile