Chile Travel Guide
What you need to know before traveling to Chile
What are the most important things to consider before visiting Chile? From language to Chile’s history, culture and cuisine, our destination experts share an overview.
Language of Chile
As your travel in Chile, you will find that English is not widely spoken in areas outside of tourist establishments. Please do not assume or expect local people to speak English on your Chile tours. However, most locals are warm and welcoming people who will try out some rudimentary English and make an effort to communicate with you as best as possible.
Cash and Credit Cards
The national currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP), and one peso is equal to 100 centavos.
In Chile, you can change money at a bank or currency exchange office. Many local stores also offer currency facilities although the rates are not as favorable. Exchanging your money at the airport is not recommended as the rates can be quite unfavorable. Except in remote destinations where you may need US dollars, Euros are generally accepted everywhere.
Visa is the most widely accepted credit card in South America, followed by MasterCard. American Express and Diners Club cards are sometimes accepted in Chile . Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, major shops and restaurants. ATMs are found in every city and town, and are usually open 24/7.
In most restaurants, you can include a tip in the invoice. However, while traveling in remote destinations, it is advisable to carry some cash with you.
Our destination experts are happy to advise you further and plan an unforgettable and private Chile vacation for you. Contact us for your bespoke Chile itinerary or explore our sample Chile vacations.
From the Blog
Popular Trips to Chile
Best Places To Visit
History
Watch centuries of history unfold before you on your private Chile tour. From distinct indigenous beginnings to Inca influence, the Mapuche, Spanish colonialism, and its present-day prosperity, discover Chile through its history!
Culture
A mix of indigenous and Spanish colonial influence, Chile is home to myriad cultural identities, including illustrious creative minds such as Pablo Neruda, the famous gauchos of Patagonia, and mystical Moai statues of Easter Island!
Cuisine
With over 2000 miles of Pacific coastline, Chile boasts some of the world’s best seafood. The country is famous for its exquisite wines such as Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs, as well as specialty dishes influenced by native and colonial heritage.
The Enchanting Travels Difference
What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
“I organized a customized trip to Patagonia and Santiago, Chile. Fabulous! Every detail was attended to. Initially, it took a few back-and-forth to get it right, but in the end, I could not have asked for better. I look forward to traveling with them again.”
March 2025 Rating 5/5
“I always do my research on countries before I travel. Then I look for a company who can get me where I want to go with the best possible situations. I found that with Enchanting Travel in my quest for a great trip to Chile July, 2025. The transfers between hotels and airports were always on time. Drivers were congenial as well as being knowledgeable and safe in their driving. The guides could not have been better. Accommodations were terrific and well located as well as being clean, comfortable, and having great and welcoming staff. The tour was well coordinated, just as I planned with tour consultant, Bo, beforehand. The liaisons during the tour were always prompt in answering any questions as well on checking every day to see if all was well. The tours were perfect in showing us all we needed to see and experience. An all around wonderful trip. You cannot go wrong choosing Enchanting Travels for your next adventure.”
July 2025 Rating 5/5
“We’re very appreciative of the efforts of Alison Felfoldi and Camila Corvalan at Enchanting Travels in arranging a recent trip for us to Iguazu Falls and Patagonia. Alison gently helped us set realistic itinerary expectations, listened to our excursion and lodging preferences, and developed plans for a trip that included hiking, horseback riding and boat tours. Each leg of the trip was seamless and relaxed, and was laid out clearly in the Trip Agent app. Camila checked with us daily during our trip. This was our 2nd time using Enchanting Travels, and we felt well taken care of both times.”
January 2025 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels curated a 10 day private tour of northern Chile and Argentina for me. The planning took in all my requests, but they made suggestions for what to cut out when not everything was possible. I had a local concierge during the tour always available by WhatsApp. When an airline postponed my flight twice and I lost a half day of touring, he took care of everything and all I had to do was keep in contact by WhatsApp and do what he told me to do. I never could have handled it all on my own. I experienced everything as planned. I highly recommend Enchanting Travels!”
November 2025 Rating 5/5
“I highly recommend Enchanting Travels. Service was outstanding from planning through execution, with great communication throughout. Our travel consultant was thorough and inventive, providing excellent options after our initial talk. Our trip coordinator was equally terrific, offering timely advice and local recommendations that truly bore fruit. We could always count on their responsive support both before and during our journey. We’ll use Enchanting Travels again.”
August 2025 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels provided a great trip to Chile July, 2025. The transfers between hotels and airports were always on time. Drivers were congenial as well as being knowledgeable and safe in their driving. The guides could not have been better. Accommodations were terrific and well located as well as being clean, comfortable, and having great and welcoming staff. The tours were perfect in showing us all we needed to see and experience. An all around wonderful trip.”
July 2025 Rating 5/5