Chile Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Santiago
- Currency
- Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Best time to visit
- November to March for Patagonia (austral summer, trails open). March to May for wine harvest in the Central Valley. June to September for San Pedro de Atacama (clear skies, stargazing). Easter Island is year-round.
Visa requirements
Citizens of USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and most Western nations enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Getting around
Long, narrow Chile relies on domestic flights (LATAM, JetSmart, Sky) and comfortable long-distance buses to cover its length, with no significant intercity passenger rail. Santiago has a clean, efficient metro plus buses on the Red/Bip! card, and apps like Uber, Cabify and DiDi work well in cities.
Safety
One of South America's safer countries. Santiago has improved significantly. Watch for pickpockets in central Santiago markets and bus terminals. Patagonia and Torres del Paine are safe but require proper preparation for wilderness conditions and rapidly changing weather.
Tipping customs
A 10% tip (propina) is customary in restaurants and often suggested on the bill, though it remains optional. Taxi fares are typically rounded up rather than tipped, and small change for hotel porters and housekeeping is welcome.
Travel tips
Torres del Paine's W Trek or O Circuit are world-class — book campsites 6 months ahead. The Atacama night sky is among the world's clearest — book a stargazing tour. Carménère wine is Chile's signature grape variety. LATAM Airlines has good domestic connections.