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Published: 19-08-2022
Chile´s unique geography means the country is exceptionally long and narrow. That 4345 km length means Chile contains various climates and geographical regions. This, in turn, means that visitors have many great experiences. With the Andes on one side and the Pacific on the other, Chile offers a world-class list of things to see and do. And its blend of indigenous culture and Spanish and different European heritages combine for an excellent experience. Here are some practical travel tools for your trip to Chile.
Atacama Desert
Passport / Visa requirements
Being aware of any passport and visa issues is an excellent idea. Check with the embassy in your home country to ensure the requirements to enter Chile for your particular nationality. Your passport must be in good condition and valid for your stay. You do not need a visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or fewer (if traveling on a tourist passport). Upon arrival, you will receive a Tourist Card valid for up to 90 days, which you can extend for another 90 days by paying $100 US at the Chilean Immigration Office and which you must return upon departure. Failure to return this card may delay your release from Chile. If lost or stolen, you must replace the card at an International Police Office or the airport before leaving. You will face a fine if you remain longer than allowed, and you will not be able to leave Chile until the fine is paid. If applicable, pay the fine before your departure by going to the Chilean Immigration Office, or you may face significant delays.
Chilean Entrance Stamp
Travel Health
Medical care in Chile is generally good, though it may not meet U.S. or European standards in remote areas. Major hospitals accept credit cards.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas and includes COVID-19.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Chile to ensure the drug is legal in Chile. Always carry a sufficient supply of your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Dengue Fever (endemic to Easter Island but not found in continental Chile).
Air pollution is a concern in many parts of Chile, including Santiago, Rancagua, Talca, Chillan, Los Angeles, Temuco, Osorno, and Coyhaique, and is most severe in winter (May-August).
The ozone layer is skinny over parts of Chile. Protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation.
Chile Health Precautions
Booking Accommodation
Hotels in Chile range from backpackers’ hostels to 5-star luxury accommodations, depending on your budget. The standard of hotel accommodation is, in general, a good standard. Ask us at Va Expeditions for hotel costs for the category of your choice. Finding hotels and long-term accommodation options can be a complex process. We recommend these websites to find the best accommodation deals: www.booking.com, www.hotels.com, www.expedia.com, and Airbnb.
Viña Vik, Hotel and Vineyard
Flight Bookings
Chile´s biggest flag carriers, LATAM and Aero sky, offer regular airline deals if you book in advance, and they tend to be flexible with flight changes. You can also find many international flights to travel to Chile using sites like www.skyscanner.net, www.despegar.com or www.kayak.com.
Latam Flight
Rent a Car Options
The Pan Americana Highway and other highways are also relatively modern and well developed. This is generally also true for roads in the cities. Many of Chile’s rural roads, on the contrary, especially those that lead to the National Parks, are beautiful in terms of landscape but are mere gravel roads, especially in remote areas such as the extreme North, the Atacama Desert, the Andes Range in Central Chile and the rural regions in Southern Chile. Even the famous Carretera Austral is not more than a narrow gravel road in some parts. Carretera Austral is constantly improving, but it will take many years to be completely tarred. If you plan a more extended trip on rural roads, we recommend renting a pick-up or a 4×4 vehicle. Due to the poor road conditions, the car rental companies only allow driving the Carretera Austral with a Pick-Up or Jeep and some areas in the north. Hertz, First, and Budget are recommended car rental companies.
Car Hire
Climate
Chile is 2,653 miles long, has seven major climatic subtypes, and boasts a highly diverse geography. All of these factors mean the weather varies significantly from region to region. It's located in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning its seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. (For example, summer is December through February.) The northern regions of Chile only have two seasons, dry and wet, and contain the driest place in the whole world: the Atacama Desert. In Santiago, average temperatures range from a high of about 27°C in January and a low of about 13 °C in July. In the central regions, temperatures range from 28 °C in January to 14 °C in July. In the south, expect temperatures ranging from 13 °C in winter to 61 F and 16 °C in summer. It gets colder as you go south, so you will want to bring appropriate clothing if you plan on visiting Patagonia.
Snowy Alpaca
What To Expect
Language
The official language of Chile is Spanish, and few Chileans outside of the tourism industry speak more than rudimentary English -- so brush up on a few handy phrases before arriving. Chileans appreciate the effort; part of the fun of traveling is learning the local lingo.
Chilean Countryside Scene
Currency
The currency in Chile is the Chilean peso. ATMs & Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in Chile. Although many small businesses, cafes, markets, and spots outside of larger cities often don’t accept cards. ATMs are common in major towns and cities but might be more challenging to track down in the countryside. A Chilean ATM is a cajero automático, more commonly a Redbanc, advertised on a maroon-and-white sticker. Redbanc ATMs are compatible with various networks, including Visa/Cirrus and MasterCard/PLUS. Before traveling, be sure your ATM can be used overseas, and you know your daily withdrawal limit.
Chilean ATM
Plugs Sockets
In Chile, the power plugs are type C and L. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the normal frequency is 50 Hz. We recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers if you have different voltage appliances.
Plug In Socket Chile
Safety
Chile is not that different from any other country for tourists. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, which are the most common forms of crime on the streets of Chile. Santiago and Valparaiso have their crime hotspots, but most of Chile is highly safe to visit.
