Document checklist for Chile

• Visa (if applicable)
• Valid passport – must be active for at least six months from arrival and have two blank pages.
• Sufficient funds to cover your trip
• Return or onward ticket

Essential Chile travel information

Currency: Chilean peso is the currency. (CLP). A dollar is equal to 800 CLP.

Daily budget for one person: Allow daily funding of about CLP 56,000 ($70) for one individual.

Languages: Chilean Spanish is the legal language. A few other dialects are also used, including Rapa Nui by people from Easter Island and Mapudungun by the Mapuche people. A tiny population also speaks Aymara. Major towns like Santiago have a large English-speaking population.

Number of travelers per year: In terms of annual passengers, Chile received five million visitors in 2019, placing third in South America.

Socket type – Types C and L of sockets, 220V power source, and 50Hz frequency.

Time zone: Chile Summer Time is the time zone. (GMT-3).

The top 3 cities to visit: Santiago, Valparaiso, and San Pedro de Atacama, are the top 3 places to explore.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments: The Torres del Paine National Park, Easter Island, and Punta Arenas are the top three sites to visit. (Antarctica)

Visa information for Chile

The Chilean government doesn’t require a visa for travel, personal visits to friends and family, or attending conferences or workshops. This applies to residents of over 90 other nations as well. A limit of 90 days is permitted per entry. A passport is necessary, though, for some tourists.

The Chile Permanencia Transitoria 

The Chile Permanencia Transitoria, also known as a “temporary stay permit,” is required for some visitors. This permit is intended for quick travel for athletics, tourism, medical appointments, family visits, and business networking. It is valid for all kinds of ships, airplanes, land, or train transit vehicles owned by businesses involved in the foreign transportation of people or goods and is also intended for crew members.

Typical costs and budget for Chile

Meals – For three daily dinners, plan to spend about CLP 16,000 ($20).

Transport: Including long-distance vehicles, municipal transit can cost up to CLP 15,000 ($12) depending on your itinerary and level of service.

Hotel: A couple’s typical nightly cost in Chile is CLP 36,000 ($45). The ordinary expense of a weeklong trip for two individuals to Chile is CLP 641,000 ($800).

Transport and best ways to travel around Chile

You can travel to and from Chile in a variety of methods, including by boat, transport, rented automobile, or on the road. Chile has a sizable transit network. From Santiago Airport, boarding a bus into the city or even going straight to another location is simple. The most comfortable seat on long-distance buses can be reserved in preparation at bus terminals.

The capital’s subway system is compelling, and to travel, you must have a BIP card filled with a minimum of CLP 1,000. However, buses are not favored because city gridlock can be a hassle.

Flying domestically is a decent option if you have little time to travel around Chile because it is one of the most powerful nations in South America. Several daily trips, for instance, link Santiago with San Pedro de Atacama in the north and central Chile and Patagonia and Punta Arenas in the south.

You can take a canoe or shuttle to many locations in Chile, including Chiloé and the Southern Coast. If your final location is a southern port like Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, they are also a fantastic substitute for traveling. Navimag and Transmarchilay run the majority of the routes in the south. Renting a vehicle or camper trailer is very simple in Chile. You can hire a car with a passport, a credit card, and a foreign driving permit. The best way to see Chile is on a self-drive vacation, and the nation’s roads are typically in excellent shape.

Safety in Chile

Chile is regarded as one of the best nations in the region due to its meager crime rate. The majority of offenses are harmless and entail theft and pickpocketing. Although severe crimes are not common, they do happen. Take measures if you’re going at night or in a remote location.

Chile has been dealing with political turmoil and civil disturbance since October 2019. Mass demonstrations have occurred against living standards, inequality, and other societal problems.

It’s best to exit the area as soon as possible if you find yourself caught up in a demonstration and locate a secure location to wait it out. While most protests are nonviolent, clashes between demonstrators and municipal officials can turn violent.

Weather in Chile

Chile is generally enjoyed between December and February during the weather. The majority of fun activities take place between 15°C (60°F) and 32°C (90°F) when temps are warmer, and you can easily reach areas that are impassable in the winter. From the close of May through October, there is a wet season. When the wildlife is most active, you can enjoy up to 24 hours of daylight. The best period to explore Antarctica is between November and March. Your travel objectives will determine the ideal time for your visit, though! The finest seasons for hiking in Patagonia’s Torres Del Paine National Park are spring (September to November) and fall (March to May). Given that they are off-peak times, there are fewer tourists and a bounty of lovely spring flowers or autumn foliage.

Must do and see in Chile

Wine tasting: Some of the world’s most exceptional wines are produced in the Casablanca Valley, close to Valparaiso, home to some of the finest wineries.

Rapa Nui or Easter Island – Easter Island is known for its enigmatic Moai statues and rich cultural history, but it also boasts a variety of extinct volcanoes, the Rocky Mountains, beaches, and secret coves.

Cruise to Antarctica: Your journey to Antarctica from Chile takes you by Cape Horn and through the Chilean Fjords before entering the renowned Drake Passage. A life-changing encounter!

Hike in Patagonia: Patagonia is a particular area in southern Chile and Argentina that offers trekkers of all ability levels a variety of challenging and unexpected terrains and microclimates. The W-trek in Torres del Paine National Park and Lago del Desierto are two of the most well-known treks.

Typical Chile food to try

Empanadas: This pastry is stuffed with either meat or cheese and is more extensive in Chile than in Bolivia and Argentina.

Pastel de Choclo: it is a corn casserole with pork filling.

Asado: For fans of beef, try asado! A poultry, pig, or beef barbecue.

Vaccine information for Chile

Before making travel plans, it’s crucial to understand what standard vaccinations and COVID-19 precautions are needed to access Chile.