Chile Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Santiago.

Geography:

Chile is situated in South America, bordered to the north by Peru, to the east by Bolivia and Argentina, to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by the Antarctic. The country exercises sovereignty over a number of islands off the coast, including the Juan Fernández Islands and Easter Island. Chile is 4,329km (2,690 miles) long and nowhere more than 180km (112 miles) wide.

The Andes and a more westerly coastal highland range run parallel with each other for much of the country's length. The coastal range forms high, sloped cliffs into the sea from the northern to the central area. Between the ranges runs a fertile valley, except in the north where transverse ranges join the two major ones, and in the far south where the sea has broken through the coastal range to form an assortment of archipelagos and channels.

Wide variations in soil and a vast difference in climate are reflected in an uneven population distribution, and in a wide range of occupations. The Atacama desert, the driest in the world, is in the northern part of the country, which is also the main mining area. The central zone is predominantly agricultural, and is often referred to as the breadbasket of Chile. This is where the two-thirds of the population reside. Below Concepción, there are large tracts of forested land, although the area also has some agriculture. Chile is prone to frequent powerful earthquakes as the Liquine-Ofqui Fault lies just under the northern Patagonian Andes and runs for 1000km (621 miles).

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Chile's main airline LATAM (www.latam.com), connects both Europe and the US with Chile. British Airways (www.ba.com) also flies to Santiago via Sao Paulo in Brazil (the second leg is operated by LATAM), Air France flies from London via Paris (www.airfrance.com), and Air Canada arrives from London via Toronto (www.aircanada.com).

The major airport is: Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport.

Air Travel Note

At the airport upon arrival in Chile, visitors are issued a tarjeta de turismo (tourist card) by the immigration authorities. Travellers must retain this document and present it to immigration upon leaving the country.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

From London - 17 hours (including stopover); New York - 10 hours 30 minutes.

Getting There By Road

Chile shares a northern crossable border with Peru and Bolivia, and Argentina is to the east. There are more than 30 border crossings accessible by road with Argentina, although in winter months many are closed due to snow (remember, the daunting Andes separate the two countries).

The two most commonly used border crossings by road are the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, also called Cristo Redentor, a breathtaking mountain pass in the Andes between Mendoza, Argentina and Santiago, Chile, reaching elevations of 3,200m (10,500ft) and including some intense switchbacks. The other popular crossing is the Pajaritos crossing (also known as Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré) between Villa La Angostura, Argentina and Osorno, Chile.

Getting There By Water

Shipping lines such as Compañía Chilena de Navegación Interoceánica (CCNI) (www.ccni.cl) and Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores (CSAV) (from New York and European ports) (www.csav.com) operate in Chile. The country's biggest port is San Antonio.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

There are frequent services between main cities. The southern part of the country relies heavily on air links and reservations are essential. Flights are operated by LATAM (www.latam.com), and by Sky Airline (www.skyairline.cl), as well as a number of air taxi companies such as Aerovías Dap (www.aeroviasdap.cl), which flies around the Magallanes region and Antarctica.

There are regular flights with LAN from Santiago to Easter Island (journey time - 5 hours). Flights fill up quickly so it's essential to book in advance throughout the year. An air taxi runs a summer service to the Juan Fernández Islands from Santiago, run by Aerolíneas ATA (www.aerolineaata.cl). Sky Airline flies south to Punta Arenas and north to Antofagasta amongst other routes.

Bike

You can find quality bicycles with front suspension and decent brakes in adventure activity destinations such as the Lake District and San Pedro de Atacama. Leisurely biking around Chile’s wine regions is a great way to enjoy the countryside.

Bike Santiago (www.bikesantiago.cl) is the capital's bikeshare scheme.

Breakdown Services

Get 24-hour roadside assistance by calling +56 600 464 4040.

Car Hire

Drivers must be over 22 years old, although some car hire companies make exceptions for drivers as young as 18 upon request. Self-drive cars are available at the airport and in major city centres. A 20% tax is added and a credit card is required as guarantee. The Automóvil Club de Chile in Santiago can supply road maps (tel: +56 600 464 4040; www.automovilclub.cl).

Coach

Long-distance bus travel in Chile has a great reputation for punctuality, efficiency and comfort, and prices are a bargain compared to North American and European standards. Most major cities have a central bus terminal with destinations, schedules and fares prominently displayed. The majority of highways are paved (except for large parts of the Carretera Austral). Long-distance buses generally have toilet facilities and often serve coffee, tea and meals on board. Cama service means that the seat will recline greatly, semi-cama, not so much.

Chile's biggest bus company is TurBus (tel: 600 660 6600, in Chile only; www.turbus.cl), offering services throughout the country. Its main competitor is Pullman (tel: 600 320 3200, in Chile only; www.pullman.cl), which also has extensive routes.

A bus service specifically aimed at backpackers is Pachamama by Bus (tel: +56 2 688 8018; www.pachamamabybus.com). It's a hop-on, hop-off service with two long routes exploring the north and south respectively, visiting many out-of-the-way national parks and other attractions.

Documentation

Drivers need to carry their passport and it's recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit, although many car hire companies don't ask for this.

Getting Around By Rail

All tickets are bought from Central Station in Santiago or from the Metro Universidad de Chile. One major rail route heading south to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Limache is with Metro Valparaíso (tel: +56 32 252 7500; www.metro-valparaiso.cl). Fesub travels to the city of Concepción (tel: +56 41 286 8015; www.fesub.cl).

There aren’t any major rail services connecting the capital with the north of the country. A modernised system of southbound trains runs frequently from Santiago through Talca and Chillán to Temuco. Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado (tel: +56 225 855 050; www.efe.cl) has more information. Painfully slow services crawl to Talcahuano near Concepción and to Talco, stopping at Curicó and Parral.

Regulations

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and passenger. Smoking, using a mobile phone or a personal music player with headphones is prohibited for the driver. In towns and cities the limit is generally 60kph (37mph), and up to 100kph (62mph) on rural roads, if not indicated differently. The speed limit on highway throughout Chile is 120kph (75mph). It is recommended to follow these limits, since Chilean carabineros (policemen) often patrol with radar.

Getting Around By Road

Chile has a large network of good roads, with the exception of the fjord-filled south of the country which is not always connected to central Chile by road. Crossings have to be made at times through Argentina, and water transport also plays a part there.

There is around 80,000km (50,000 miles) of highway in the country, half of which is paved. Foreign drivers should feel comfortable driving in Chile, as in general, traffic rules are obeyed here more than in other Latin American countries – although you can often find horses, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the highways, so keep aware! Most highways are well-marked.

There is a toll for using the highway, with rates differing according to distance and section. Outside Santiago, you’re expected to pay in Chilean Pesos. In Santiago, the toll is automatically charged via the TAG-system - a little sensor that is fixed onto the windscreen of each car, mandatory for driving on Santiago’s city highways.

Road Classification

Chile is composed of a good mix of paved highways, gravel highways, and rural roads, with the best roads running between Puerto Montt up as far north as La Serena.

Road Quality

Chile generally has good roads and somewhat enforced speed limits. The Pan American Highway is in great shape and threads right down most of the country from north to south. It runs for over 3,455km (2,147 miles) from the Peruvian border to Puerto Montt.

Chile’s Carretera Austral, a (mostly) unpaved road running southwest down through Patagonia, covers 1,240km (771 miles) from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins. Although a bit of a rough road, it’s the best way to access the Aysen region and the southern part of Los Lagos.

It's advisable in more remote areas to carry plenty of water, spare petrol and an additional spare tyre; tyres should be hard-wearing. On gravel roads, the most common type of trouble is rocks hitting the windscreen, so when renting a car, it’s best to opt for the insurance which covers you for this.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Taxis are black with a yellow roof and an orange licence plate. In some tourist towns, such as Viña del Mar, taxis may cost twice as much as elsewhere.

Most should have meters, but, if you can, find out roughly what the fare should be before climbing in. Fares for long journeys should be agreed beforehand. Minicabs may not bear the standard colours but still carry the orange licence plate. Tipping is not expected.

Urban Travel

Santiago has South America’s most extensive metro network (www.metrosantiago.cl). It also has bus and shared colectivo (taxis with fixed routes) services, although the modernisation of the city's transport infrastructure seems to have overcome its teething problems. Metro fares increase at peak travelling times. You can pay for the metro and buses with a pre-paid bip! card (so-called because of the sound it makes when you push it up against the orange machine).

Taxis are plentiful, and can be flagged down in the streets. It's a safe city in general in which to use public transport although usual precautions should be taken. For long-distance travel within Chile, buses in are inexpensive and actually quite comfortable. Meal service, movies, and reclining seats make the journey an easy one.

Getting Around By Water

From Puerto Montt there are various ferry operators that travel south. The main one is Navimag (tel: +56 2 2869 9900; www.navimag.com). The most popular routes are from Puerto Montt to Chacabuco, running inland to the spectacular San Rafael glacier, and between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales.

Cargo boat services running from Valparaíso to Robinson Crusoe Island (part of the Juan Fernández Islands) occasionally have cabins available. Enquire in Valparaíso.

To experience the fjords of Chilean Patagonia on a personalized luxury ship, Nomads of the Seas (tel: +56 2 2414 4690; www.nomads.cl) provides memorable nature and fishing expeditions.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. 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 informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Chile's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Chile set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chilean Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport should have an 'expiry date' after the day you plan to leave Chile.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Chile for up to 90 days without a visa.

The Chilean immigration authorities will give you a tourist card ('tarjeta de turismo'), an A5-sized white form. Keep it safe and give it to immigration when you leave the country. If you lose it, Chilean police investigations (PDI) allows you to request a copy online (choose 'Duplicado de tarjeta de turismo'). You can also go to the nearest PDI office.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Chilean Government's entry requirements.

Travelling with children

Chile requires children travelling with only one parent, with a guardian or alone, to have permission from the non-travelling parent or parents. Parents travelling with children for tourism have faced difficulty leaving Chile at the end of their visit when only one parent is present. You must have 

• a written notarised authorisation from the non-travelling parent(s)  
• a birth certificate

If you're travelling with children aged 17 and under, check the website of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website in Spanish) for what documents you need to show.

British-Chilean dual nationality

British-Chilean dual nationals must enter and leave Chile using their Chilean passport. Chilean entry and exit requirements for dual nationals may change without notice. For further information check with the Chilean Embassy in the UK.

Travelling with dual national children

Before a dual national child aged 17 or under leaves Chile, you must get authorisation to travel from a Chilean notary  ('notaría') if the child is travelling:

• alone
• with only one parent or guardian
• with friends or relatives

If a child was born in Chile, they must have a Chilean passport to leave the country.

Travelling to Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

To enter Rapa Nui (Easter Island) you must:

• complete a Rapa Nui entry form
• show a return ticket
• show a reservation registered with SERNATUR, the national tourism service (select region 'Valparaiso' and comuna 'Rapa Nui' to refine your search for accommodation) or an invitation letter from the provincial delegation

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Chile guide.   

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Chile. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Chile

Terrorist attacks in Chile cannot be ruled out. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. 

There are occasional acts of domestic terrorism by anarchist groups, mostly in Santiago, including the use of small explosive devices. Groups mainly target banks (ATMs) and public transport. Keep bags with you at all times, and report any suspicious behaviour or unattended packages to local authorities. Since early April 2020, there has been an increase in attacks against security forces in the Araucanía region, particularly around Ruta 5. You should exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Political situation

There is a risk of violent protest in Santiago and other Chilean cities, particularly on Friday afternoons and evenings.

Even peaceful protests can become violent. The largest protests usually take place in central Santiago. Police can use tear gas and water cannons against protesters. 

Avoid all demonstrations. Under Chilean law, you can be deported if you're involved in or promote violent acts that could disturb social order or the system of government.

Nationwide protests often take place on significant dates, such as:

• 11 September (anniversary of the military coup)
• 29 March (Day of the Young Combatant)
• 1 May (Workers' Day)

Crime

Pickpocketing, mugging and thefts from vehicles are very common throughout Chile, including inside airports.

Taxi scams

Many foreign visitors have been scammed for large amounts of money by unlicensed taxi drivers, including in airport taxis.

Only book taxis at the desk inside the airport after collecting your luggage and before you enter the arrivals hall – see how to recognise official taxis (in Spanish). You should be able to book and pay in advance at these desks inside the airport. If you cannot pay beforehand, request an approximate amount for the journey at the taxi desk.   

Be wary of people impersonating authorised taxi drivers. There are criminals who dress up as authorised taxi drivers, including people inside the airport arrival hall wearing official-looking lanyards and jackets.

At Santiago airport, unofficial taxi drivers will try to take you to the car park to board a private vehicle. Official taxis should only be taken in the controlled platform located on the ground floor of both T1 and T2.

You should also insist on seeing the amount you are charged before you present your card for payment at the end of the ride.

Carefully review the amount being charged on portable credit card machines before paying, including the number of zeroes shown on the screen.  

If the taxi takes you to an ATM to withdraw cash for payment, do not let the driver near the ATM while you use it.

Read information about the official transportation options at Santiago airport:

• taxis
• buses
• transfers
• car rental (read the section 'Vehicle crime' below if you are planning on renting a car)

There are two companies operating in both terminals at the airport. Taxi Oficial Basico operates with black and yellow vehicles, and Taxi Oficial operates with blue vehicles.

Book taxis in advance rather than hailing one from the street, especially late at night. Keep in groups and avoid walking alone late at night.

Protecting your belongings

Keep your valuables and passport somewhere secure, such as in a hotel safe. Bags hanging on chairs or mobile phones on tables can be targeted by thieves, who may use distraction techniques or work in pairs. Take particular care:

• around tourist sites, and areas popular with tourists

• in cafes and restaurants

• at transport hubs, including at the airport, bus stations and ports

• in hotel lobbies during arrival and departure

• in service (petrol) stations and service station restaurants

When travelling by bus or coach, take care of your belongings when getting on and off. Keep your valuables with you, do not put them in storage compartments, especially for long journeys between regions. Be extremely wary of distractions at bus stations, where there are frequent thefts.  

Violent theft (muggings)

Muggings have happened in tourist areas in Santiago and Valparaiso, increasingly with weapons such as pistols and knives. Muggings can take place during the day and in plain sight of others. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in tourist areas or near official buildings. Muggers will target:

• tourists
• people carrying large amounts of money – leaving ATMs or currency exchanges, for example
• your passport (carrying a photocopy is enough)
• valuable watches or jewellery
• your mobile phone

Do not resist any attempted mugging.

Vehicle crime

There has been an increase in criminals:

• targeting rental cars in major cities – they sometimes puncture the car's tyres, often while at traffic lights, distract the occupants when they notice the tyres and steal valuables
• following people from the airport on arrival and robbing them, sometimes at gunpoint
• targeting vehicles entering or leaving private residences while the gates are opening or closing
• carrying out carjackings in Santiago, especially in affluent areas – some armed carjackers target high-end vehicles on highways
• intercepting car locking systems when drivers remotely activate the lock
• targeting people parked at viewpoints and stealing belongings from their cars

Be aware of your surroundings in and around the airport, when driving and on arrival at your destination. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Wait for gates to fully close before leaving your vehicle.

If you're robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. If you're carjacked, local authorities say it is best to raise your hands and get out of the vehicle to avoid violence.

Drink spiking

People have been given 'spiked' drinks in nightclubs and bars, particularly in the Suecia and Bellavista areas of Santiago. These incidents leave victims open to theft or assault. Keep your drinks in sight and be wary of people offering to buy drinks for you.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry a printed copy of the photo page of your passport with you. 

Alcohol laws and bans

It's illegal to drink alcohol in public places including streets, roads, squares and promenades.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Using or possessing drugs is illegal and can lead to prison sentences.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Chile and are increasingly widely accepted socially, although much of Chilean society is conservative.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Fires in national parks

Open fires are illegal in national parks in Chile, outside permitted camping areas. Local authorities may revoke your tourist permit if you're caught starting a fire in a Chilean national park. You may be asked to leave the country voluntarily within 72 hours or face deportation. If your open fire starts a larger forest fire, you may also face criminal penalties and fines.

Hiking and mountaineering

If you're planning to go exploring or mountaineering, tell the local authorities before you set off. For further information on mountaineering, contact the Federación de Andinismo de Chile. For any other type of exploring, contact the Chilean Embassy in London to see if you need a permit. The rescue services in Chile are good, but you may have to pay if they help you.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Chile for 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

You must have your passport and proof of your tourist status, such as your tourist card ('tarjeta de turismo') or the entry stamp in your passport, with you in the vehicle.

See information about driving licences in Chile (in Spanish).

If you hire a car, get appropriate insurance. Windscreen repair can be expensive, so consider including windscreen damage cover.

You cannot get car insurance if you're driving on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). If you have an accident or do any damage to your vehicle there, you'll have to pay for the repairs yourself.

Driving conditions

Main roads in Chile are surfaced, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle in the countryside. Be prepared for a range of driving conditions, from snow and ice to hot sandy deserts. Between June and September, winter weather sometimes temporarily closes the Chile-Argentina border crossing high in the Andes, including the main Los Libertadores crossing between Santiago and Mendoza.

Toll roads are increasingly common.

Landmines

Landmine accidents mainly affect livestock and local people crossing borders at unauthorised points. Most minefields are near the borders with Peru and Bolivia in the extreme north of Chile (regions XV, I and II) and Argentina in the south (region XII). Although most minefields are clearly marked, some signs and fences are old and damaged and may be hard to spot. In some cases, minefields are laid right up to the edge of highways. Check with local authorities before travelling to more rural areas, stick to clearly marked roads and observe all warning signs.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

See extreme weather and natural hazards for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning.

Heavy rain and flooding 

When necessary, the Chilean National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) issues warnings for heavy rain which may impact travel plans. Road conditions may be hazardous, with increased risk of delays and accidents. If you travel, plan your journey carefully and allow extra time. Follow local news, weather updates and the SENAPRED website (in Spanish) for the latest information.

Forest fires

Chile often has severe forest fires which can be very destructive and spread rapidly. These fires have caused multiple deaths, as well as sometimes causing the closure of national parks and roads.

If you find yourself in or near the affected areas of any fires: 

• follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• notify friends and family of your safety
• review your personal security plans
• make evacuation plans that do not rely on British government assistance
• have travel documents up to date and easily accessible
• carry identification at all times, such as your passport or a copy of it

Earthquakes

Major earthquakes are a risk in Chile. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Take note of instructions in hotel rooms.

Building regulations require new structures to take account of earthquake risks. Safety measures are widely known and put into practice by national organisations and the local authorities.

Volcanic eruptions

A chain of volcanoes is active in the Puyehue and Los Lagos region (500 miles south of Santiago). There is a continuing risk of eruptions in Chaiten in southern Chile, Llaima in the Conguillo National Park and Lascar in northern Chile. Copahue, a volcano on the Argentina-Chile border, erupts periodically, causing local residents to be evacuated. Villarrica, a volcano near the popular tourist destinations of Pucon and Villarrica in the IX region of La Araucanía, is also active. 

If you're travelling to these areas, monitor local media reports and follow local authority volcano monitoring advice (in Spanish).

This section has safety advice for regions of Chile. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Araucanía Region

There is ongoing civil unrest in the Araucanía Region, especially around Temuco. This includes attacks by groups of demonstrators against both people and property. Be cautious if you travel within the Araucanía Region. There is an ongoing state of emergency in the provinces of Biobío, Arauco, Cautín and Malleco because of a significant increase in violent incidents. The military are assisting regional police. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 131 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest recommended vaccinations for Chile or Easter Island
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Chile, including altitude sickness, which is a risk in parts of Chile. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

There are confirmed cases of dengue fever on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Chile

There are good health facilities in Santiago and other major cities, but private clinics and hospitals are expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

There is only one hospital on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and its facilities are limited. People suffering from serious illnesses or injuries are taken by air ambulance to mainland Chile for treatment. Make sure your travel insurance covers this.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Chile where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Chile.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Chile

Ambulance: 131

Fire: 132

Police: 133

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Chile
• dealing with a death in Chile
• being arrested or imprisoned in Chile
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO  

Help abroad   

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.  

Help in the UK   

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.   

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)   

Find out about call charges 

Get travel advice updates   

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.   

Follow and contact FCDO:  

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Chile on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	No
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Sometimes
Typhoid	Sometimes
Yellow Fever	No

Overview:

Getting access to quality medical care in Chile is possible in the larger cities such as Valparaiso and Santiago. Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive health insurance before travelling. Emergency services can be dialled free - call 131 for an ambulance. For medical emergencies, private services may deliver more modern equipment and a faster response. Clínicas (private hospitals) can be contacted directly in the case of a medical emergency. If bringing medication, then make sure to have a signed note from the doctor stating medical conditions.

Food Drink:

Standards of hygiene are generally reasonable in Chile, and should not cause visitors any undue concern. Tap water in the cities is fine to drink but it does have a high mineral content and may taste different to what you're used to. Bottled water is easily available should you prefer to stick to that. When it comes to eating out, use common sense – only eat food that has been freshly cooked and looks to have been prepared in hygienic conditions.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. When travelling to rural parts of Chile, care should be taken to avoid the hantavirus, a potentially fatal condition that is spread by rodents. In particular, avoid resting near tall grasses or haystacks, don't leave food sources lying around and make sure rustic cabins are well aired out and free from any sign of rodents.

Currency Information:

Chilean Peso (CLP; symbol CH$) = 100 centavos. The local symbol is simply $. Notes are in denominations of CH$20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of CH$500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1, although 5 and 1 are now very rare.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are commonly accepted in towns and cities, but bring cash if you are heading to smaller shops or rural areas.

ATMs:

ATMs are widely available.

Travellers Cheques:

Travellers' cheques are no longer popular.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1400.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local and foreign currencies is unlimited, however amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Foreign exchange transactions can be conducted through commercial banks, casas de cambio, or authorised shops, restaurants, hotels and clubs. Casas de cambio are open daily 0900-1900 (Mon-Sat) and 0900-1400 (Sun). Ask for bills in smaller denominations.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
CLP	CH$

Exchange Rates

447.86

705.38

840.10

678.28

Language

The official language is Spanish. Mapudungun is spoken by the Mapuche, while Rapa Nui is spoken by Easter Islanders. A small minority also speak Aymara.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Holy Saturday	2024-03-30 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Navy Day	2024-05-21 00:00:00	0
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul	2024-06-29 00:00:00	0
Assumption	2024-08-15 00:00:00	0
National Unity Day	2024-09-02 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-09-18 00:00:00	0
Army Day	2024-09-19 00:00:00	0
Discovery of Two Worlds Day	2024-10-12 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Immaculate Conception	2024-12-08 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Overview:

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Banned Imports:

Food (fruit, vegetables, meat and meat products) cannot be imported unless you have the appropriate documents and permits. Discard any uneaten food given to you by the airlines upon arrival.

Other banned items include used cars, drugs and pharmaceutical products.

Telephone:

Public phone boxes are unreliable, and visitors will find it cheaper to use phones in centros de llamadas (call centres) in towns, or at internet cafes.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in built-up areas, less so outside of the towns. It is also cheap and easy to buy your own if you are in the country for any length of time, although calls are not especially cheap.

Pre-paid SIM cards can be used in unblocked phones allowing cheaper calls within Chile. For all-round country coverage, Entel (www.entel.cl) and Movistar (www.movistar.cl) are Chile's largest networks.

Internet:

Internet cafés are open all hours in the main towns and tourist areas. Many hotels and hostels will have access to the internet which is relatively cheap at around US$1 for 30 minutes, while free Wi-Fi is also becoming increasingly popular, with many hotels offering this.

Post

The postal service, Correos de Chile (www.correos.cl), is reasonably reliable. Airmail to Europe and the USA takes anything from four days to a week.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0830-1900; Sat 0830-1300. The central post office in Santiago is located at Plaza de Armas 559. Post offices in villages are likely to have reduced opening hours.

Media:

Chile enjoys a reasonable level of press freedom, which is now enshrined in the constitution. There is, however, a heavy conservative tilt to the media, which has never quite redressed the imbalance of the Pinochet-era restrictions. The Santiago Times is the only English language daily in Chile whilst Spanish dailies include El Mercurio, La Tercera, conservative evening newspaper La Segunda, business newspaper El Diario, and government-run La Nación. The Patagonia Times concentrates on news in the country's south.

Television was introduced in 1957 and national broadcasters include Canal 13, which is part-owned by the Catholic church, UCV Televisión, Chilevisión (owned by Sebastián Piñera, the Chilean politician and businessman widely tipped to become the next president), TVN, Mega, RED TV and Telecanal. Although state-owned, National Television of Chile is not under direct government control. Radio stations include Radio Nacional de Chile, news-based national commercial network Radio Cooperativa and music-based Radio Horizonte. Santiago Radio is a fledgling English-language online station.

Get the sand between your toes in the Atacama Desert

Let the uniquely arid landscape of the Atacama Desert sweep you away with its broad, stark vistas of volcanoes, salt flats, aquamarine lakes and the abandoned homes of the indigenous Aymara people. The world's driest desert, there are areas of Atacama that haven't seen rain for more than 400 years.

Stare at the statues of Easter Island

A lonely volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is famous for its mysterious stone statues, or moais. Around 300 statues and other stonework form an almost unbroken ring around the coast, still puzzling scientists how and why they were made. Other sites to investigate include the volcano crater Rano Kau, the Orongo rock carvings and the museum in Hanga Roa.

Stargaze in Chile’s clear skies

Glimpse faraway galaxies at one of several powerful observatories situated in the northern Coquimbo region, which is famed for its remarkably clear skies. The best of the best is ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array), the world's largest astronomical project, on the Chajnator Plateau in northern Chile. Or set your sights on the powerful Schmidt Cassegrain telescope in the Collowara Observatory, atop Cerro Churqui near La Serena.

Go whale watching in Francisco Coloane Marine Park

Located in the historic 560km-long (350mile) Strait of Magellan, this is the only site in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica where humpback whales can be found feeding. Boat safaris are available from Punta Arenas, from December to April, during the summer months when these majestic cetaceans head north to warmer waters.

Get up close to the San Rafael Glacier

The star attraction of the superb San Rafael National Park is its eponymous glacier. Witness giant icebergs from a glacier cruise, or kayak out to accessible parts. Longer cruises follow a spectacular route through the Beagle Channel and around Cape Horn, passing glacial valleys, fjords and huge icebergs; with stop-off points en route, notably at Puerto Natales and Tierra del Fuego.

Discover Chile’s northern delights

Northern Chile offers a dazzling plethora of attractions: visit the fishing village of Los Choros to spot bottle-nosed dolphins and sea otters off shore. World surfing championships are held at Arica and Pichilemu, but Punta de Lobos is the best surf spot for beginners. Explore the eerie mining ghost town of Humberston; and see flamingos and rheas on the salt plains of the Parque Nacional Lauca.

Tackle Santiago’s lofty hills

Perched atop Cerro San Cristóbal is the giant statue of the Virgin Mary, a popular spot for city hikers to enjoy a spectacular panorama over Santiago's vast sprawl. Reward yourself for your efforts by stopping off at the foot of the hill in Barrio Bellavista, to visit the eccentric La Chascona, once the Santiago home of poet Pablo Neruda.

Quaff Chile’s fine wines

A short hop from Santiago lieChile's leading wine regions, with tasting tours available for keen oenophiles. The Rapel Valley has earned international recognition for its Carménère and Syrah wines. Concha y Toro, one of Chile's oldest winemakers, is famous for its Carménère. Further south of the capital are the Curicó and Maule valleys, also home to some of Chile's oldest and finest vineyards.

Remember Robinson Crusoe on the Juan Fernández Islands

Retrace the footsteps of the real-life Robinson Crusoe in the little known Juan Fernández Islands 650km (403 miles) west of Valparaíso, accessible by plane from Santiago. Scotsman Alexander Selkirk was marooned here in the early 18th century, forming the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe. Today, you can visit various sites, including Selkirk's cave and his hilltop lookout.

Trek through Torres del Paine

The jagged peaks of Torres del Paine are a defining sight of the far south. Its two trekking circuits, the Grande or the W, provide a taste of Patagonian wilderness; and catch the impressive Southern Ice Fields, a trip best made in summer. For the most southern trek in the world, take on the Dientes de Navarino, located further south on Isla Navarino.

Search for Valparaíso’s poetic spirit

One of the most atmospheric port cities in Latin America, Valparaiso is a place of sinuous hills, a labyrinth of precipitous streets and bright clapboard houses. Its slightly offbeat charms inspired Pablo Neruda. Chile's best-known Nobel Prize-winning poet, his home, La Sebastiana, is open to visitors. Colour, culture and bohemia sum up this coastal haven located just a little more than an hour from Santiago.

Marvel at Chile's lake district

Ideal for watersports, trekking and fly-fishing, this area is heaven for lovers of the great outdoors. The Llanada Grande Valley is great for fishing, as well as many family friendly activities. See millennia-old larch trees in the lush, temperate rainforests of Patagonia at Pumalín Park, a vast nature reserve. Huilo Huilo, an incredible biological reserve, has bundles of activities as well as great accommodation options.

Kayak through the Chiloé archipelago

The Chiloé islands, which are separated from Chile by the Chacao Channel, have a quirky range of attractions, including colourful old wooden churches, precarious waterfront houses on stilts, and a notable colony of penguins on the main island of Chiloe. Perhaps the most unforgettable experience, however, is a sunrise kayak ride through a petrified forest with one of several local agencies.

Hike up fiery Volcán Villarrica

One of the world's most active volcanoes, Volcán Villarrica near Pucón is safer than it sounds – it is also one of the world's most monitored, so you should have plenty of warning of any imminent eruption. You can hike up Villarrica in a day, with local tour operators running guided walks, and shoot back down on a thrilling toboggan ride.

Raft down the rapids

White-water rafting down the country's many rapids is a popular way to experience nature – at high speed. Specialist operators offer up to week-long trips down the Maipo near Santiago, the Trancura near Pucón, as well as the Bio-Bio River in Region VIII. For hard-core rafters looking for an adrenaline rush, however, the impressive Futaleufu River in the south is the ultimate challenge.

Haggle in La Vega Central Market

Raspberries, quinces, figs, peaches, persimmons, custard apples, wine, spices… if it's from Chile, you'll find it at Santiago's La Vega Central Market and Bazaar. Get there early for the best selection and to see the more than 500 enthusiastic vendors in full swing. It's loud, chaotic and crowded, which is all part of the authentic Chilean shopping scene.

Ski in the Darwin Mountain Range

World-class backcountry skiing can be found in the Darwin Mountain Range at Chile's southernmost tip, where the ski season runs from June to September. For the slightly less adventurous, the famous Portillo resort hosts many national ski teams. Portillo's powder snow is a perfect match for boarders. Other slopes in the area include Farellones-El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado.

Mingle with the penguins in Antarctica

Voyage to the world's last undiscovered wilderness, Antarctica, from Chile's southernmost city, Punta Arenas. Where else could you find penguins, vertiginous icebergs and live out the fantasy of being Scott of the Antarctic for a few days? Local tour operators in Punta Arenas can help get you there, offering everything from skiing and mountain climbing expeditions to luxury cruises.

Overview

Special purchases include textiles such as colourful hand-woven ponchos, vicuna rugs, alpaca jumpers and copper and silver work. Most small towns and villages throughout Chile will have a local market or stores which will offer handcrafts at prices much lower than what you’d find in Santiago. Negotiation of prices at markets is possible and can be attempted, although not aggressively. A genuine smile and a ‘please’ in Chile can go far when it comes to lowering prices.

Chile is particularly known for its lapis lazuli jewellery, but jade, amethyst, agate and onyx can all be purchased. Increasing numbers of small boutique stores selling well-crafted jewellery and handmade wares are cropping up in Cerros Alegre and Concepción in Valparaíso. Camping and other outdoor equipment can be bought in Santiago, although you are advised to buy essential equipment before arriving.

Big spenders should head to Alonso de Cordova Street and shopping malls such as Parque Arauco and Alto Las Condes in Santiago to pick up luxury brands. For an impressive array of wines from the local wine regions, look no further than the Wine Tasting Room located in Santiago’s hip W Hotel, which features thousands of bottles from around the world. A great souvenir that you can pick up anywhere in Chile is a bottle or two of pisco, Chile’s national alcoholic drink.

Foodies should definitely take back some of Chile’s traditional spices, including a smoked aji (pepper) called merken. High quality sea salts can be found all along the coast at incredibly low prices.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400. Large shopping malls are open daily 1000-2100.

As a general rule, most places are closed on Sundays and in rural areas, some shops could be closed for siesta after the lunch hour.

Overview

With its fertile landscape and temperate climate, Chile is blessed with an abundance of natural produce. Its cuisine is likewise fresh and hearty, less spicy than most of Latin America, and with a mix of Spanish, French and German influences.

Outside of Santiago, where international cuisine abounds, options are limited for vegetarians. Seafood, red meat (including excellent lamb), and chicken dominate the menu. For carnivores, a leisurely asado (barbeque) or curanto (shellfish stew) is an opportunity to participate in a cherished Chilean tradition.

With its long coastline, seafood is plentiful in Chile. The fish market at Angelmó, near Puerto Montt is renowned for its exotic produce; try congrio (conger eel), centolla (king crab) and, if you’re feeling adventurous, picorocos (barnacles) and erizos (sea urchin), which taste much better than they look.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

It is customary to add 10% to the bill. Some restaurants and bars automatically do this.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

Several luxury hotel chains have set up shop in Santiago and there are also various boutique hotels that meet exacting Western standards in the capital. Advance bookings are essential in resort areas during the high season. The cost of accommodation in Santiago is higher than in the provinces, with rates increasing during the summer holidays from January to March, particularly in coastal resorts.

Members of foreign motoring organisations can often obtain discounts at hotels by joining the Automóvil Club de Chile. A tax of 19% is levied on all hotel bills, except those paid in foreign currencies by visitors, for which an export bill is required.

Grading: Hotels in Chile are graded from 5 (luxurious rooms) to 2 stars (basic commodities).

Camping Caravaning

There are plenty of campsites throughout Chile, especially down south in Patagonia. Be sure to take proper equipment and bear in mind you should always aim to leave no trace when you move on. Some locals will happily allow visitors to set up camp in their garden or land upon polite request. Official camping sites can often be expensive.

Other

History

Although today Chile is a democracy with a stable economy, partly thanks to its strong trade ties with the US, its history hasn’t always been harmonious. A conquered nation, like its neighbours, Chile went through colonisation in the north at the hands of the Spaniard Pedro de Valdivia, who then founded the capital Santiago in 1541.

In the south, it took European conquerors more than 300 years to colonise the resisting Mapuche Indians. With civil unrest developing due to Spain’s firm trade control and domination of farm estates, Chile was finally liberated in 1818 thanks to the Argentine José de San Martín and Bernarndo O’Higgins. The latter ruled Chile for six years and established Catholicism as the nation’s religion.

The regime seed had been sown, right from Chile’s birth. Generals have led military coups over the years, but the most prominent was General Pinochet, whose rule lasted 17 years until 1990. Imposing his extreme right-wing policies, Pinochet overthrew elected President Salvador Allende, killing and torturing thousands of Marxist Allende’s supporters and forcing others into exile.

However, Pinochet brought economic stability and in the 1989 elections he stepped down as leader. Patricio Aylwin won with 55% of the votes and so began the slow path to democracy. Since then, ruling parties have tended to be socialist and Chile voted in its first female president, socialist Michelle Bachelet, in 2006. Her successor, Sebastián Piñera, was from the right-wing Coalition for Change party, but his presidency didn’t last long: in 2014, Bachelet regained the country’s top job.

Chile has taken some hard knocks. An earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale hit in 2010 caused mass devastation. Nearly six months later, the trapping of 33 miners from a San José copper mine, and their subsequent rescue after 69 days, became a global news story.

Chile staved off recession in 2009, becoming an OECD member that same year. It remains one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations despite slow economic growth, which has averaged less than 2 per cent since the leftist government of Michelle Bachelet took power in 2014. With presidential and congressional elections scheduled for November 2017, Bachelet's left-leaning coalition has a fight on its hands to retain power against the conservative opposition.

Did you know?
• The Atacama Desert, in northern Chile, is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, with some parts never having had any recorded rainfall.
• In the far south of the country lies the Cueva del Milodon, where 10,00 year-old remains were found of the huge, bearlike Mylodon, now extinct.
• Chile is one of the world’s biggest producers of edible seaweed, with the long, tubular cochayuyo one of its most popular varieties.

Religion

Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) majority with small but notable Mormon and Bahá'í Faith minorities.

Social Conventions

Chileans are often seen as more formal than others in South America. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting between men. On informal, social occasions, women usually greet friends with a single kiss on the cheek. It is very common to entertain at home and it is acceptable for invitees to give small presents as a token of thanks.

Most Chileans consider themselves Catholic, and undertake baptism and first communion although they may not practise as adults. People believe in marriage and even if they are not practising Catholics, a wedding will still take place in a church. Co-habitation does exist between younger couples although it is not very common; however it is accepted. Chile was one of the last countries in the world to make divorce legal in 2004. Chileans also adhere to Catholic death rites.

Best Time To Visit:

Due to its long coastline, clearly Chile’s weather is extremely diverse and unpredictable although it is seasonal in much of the country. Summer runs from December to February, and winter from June to August.

It is difficult to pinpoint temperatures ranges for the country as a whole as they’re so variable. There’s the dry, arid Atacama desert in the north where temperatures reach a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and can drop to -2°C (28°F). Chile’s central region has a Mediterranean feel with a cold, wet season from May to August, while it is usually always cool and damp in the south. Easter Island has its own humid sub-tropical temperatures, while much of the south, from Region VII down has a very high annual rainfall.

Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, La Serena and Coquimbo are the principal summer beach hubs in the north for local tourists, while Pucón in the south sees high tourism numbers from January to March. Due to its proximity to Santiago, Viña del Mar and Valparaíso beach areas see plenty of sunshine and beach bums during the summer, often filling up with neighbouring Argentinians. As Chile is in the southern hemisphere, the ski season takes place between June and August.

In terms of visiting Patagonia and south, the summer months from December to March are ideal as it is warmer for trekking and other outdoor activities. November and April are quieter times in terms of tourism but the weather is less dependable. It isn’t advisable to visit the south from the end of autumn to the end of winter - May to September - as many trails close due to bad weather and strong winds and waterways ice over. However, places in the north, such as the Atacama, can be visited all year round.

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Required Clothing

If visiting the cities, bring lightweight, natural fabrics that can wick away sweat easily. During the wet season, you’ll need to bring waterproofs – aim for breathable materials so you don’t overheat. More substantial waterproofs and warm weather clothing are often needed in the south and at altitude.

Dialing Code:

+56

Area(sq km):

756102

Population:

19.116.201

Population Density(per sq km):

23

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

131