Chile Travel Guide

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.

Vaccinations and visa for Chile

There are no required vaccinations for Chile however, it is a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. These include: influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT). There have been a few reported cases on dengue in Chile and visitors are advised to wear long-sleeved clothes and full pants, and carry insect repellent, especially in affected areas.

No visa is required for visitors from the US, UK, Canada and Australia. However, there is a reciprocity fee of USD 132 and USD 117 for Canadian and Australian citizens respectively. This will be charged upon entry into Chile. The fee is payable only in cash or with VISA credit card and only upon arrival. Once this entry reciprocity fee is paid the receipt is attached to the passport and passengers can proceed to immigration control. The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa and is valid until expiry of passport. US and UK nationals do not have to pay the reciprocity fee. You will receive an entrance ticket upon arrival that you will need to keep and present at the hotel and also upon your departure from Chile.

Important notes:

• Special entry requirements apply for minors traveling alone or only with one parent. Please inform your travel consultant for such cases.
• Import of fresh food and plants is prohibited in Chile and can lead to heavy fines. Please enter all the food supplies you are carrying in your entry form.

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.