Traveler's Guide to Chile

practical traveler's guide to Chile

Find practical information for traveling to Chile with our friends at the Santiago travel agency Chile Exceptional.

Entry formalities into the territory

For European Union nationals, there is no need for a visa for a tourist stay. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return to France. On your arrival, the international police will give you a residence permit valid for 90 days and renewable once. Keep it carefully, you will need it to leave Chilean territory.

Airport taxes are included in the ticket price. You are authorized to carry a maximum of US$10,000 with you when entering and leaving the territory. THE Chile authorizes you to arrive on its soil with a maximum of 400 cigarettes per person, 500 grams of pipe tobacco, 50 cigars and 2.5 L of alcohol. You must also declare your electronic equipment to customs. The amount of items purchased before passing Chilean customs must not exceed US$300.

When is the best time to travel to Chile?

THE Chile is a vast territory, stretching from Arica to Cape Horn, over 4,500 km. There are mainly two seasons recorded there. During the months of April to November, it is advisable to visit the north of the country with San Pedro de Atacama, the Calama desert, Arica and Putre.

On the contrary, the period from October to April is favorable for the center, Easter Island and all of Patagonia. The months of April and September to November are a good compromise because they allow, from a meteorological point of view, to visit the whole country.

What about the Weather?

chili-when-to-go-chica

Health tips

No compulsory vaccination is required when entering Chilean territory. However, as with any trip, it is recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B and possibly against typhoid.

There is no region prone to malaria. In terms of health, tap water is drinkable, but we recommend that you drink mineral water, which is found everywhere. If you go to northern Chile, particularly to the Atacama Desert, be careful of altitude sickness. This risk should not be taken lightly!

The budget

The currency used is the Chilean peso ($ or CLP). Today, the rate is 732 CLP for 1 euro. To change your currency, you can go to exchange houses or casas de cambio, your notes must be in good condition, otherwise they may be refused. To withdraw money, you can go through banks which are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can also withdraw from ATMs, but be careful because in remote areas there may not be any or they may be broken. The credit card is one of the payment methods used, however, we advise you to pay in cash. In terms of the cost of living, a lunch costs from $6,000CLP and a dinner $12,000CLP in a simple restaurant.

In a slightly more upscale restaurant or hotel, prices vary from $15,000 to $24,000 CLP per person, for a starter+main course+non-alcoholic drink or main course+dessert+non-alcoholic drink menu. It is customary to leave 10% propina or tip.

santiago-416-big

Security

Chile has a reputation as one of the safest countries in Latin America. However, it is necessary to take some precautions. Indeed, avoid showing external signs of wealth.

Leave your cash, passport, plane tickets and credit cards in hotel safes. Carry around with a minimum of currency and a photocopy of your passport. Do not leave your belongings unattended. If you lose your passport, go as quickly as possible to the Santiago consulate, which is located at Condell 65. The consulate can be reached at +56(2)24708000.

In the mountains, never go alone, without a guide in difficult places. For the more daring who leave alone, notify the carabinieri or Andean Rescue Corps, which can be reached at 136.

What to take in your suitcase?

In the mountains, the temperature decreases on average by 6.5 degrees every 1,000 m. UV radiation is much stronger and much more intense, so wear good sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses.

We therefore recommend that you bring both summer and winter clothes. In the center of the country, the climate is more temperate except at altitude. As a general rule, bring light, warm and waterproof clothing, as well as good walking shoes.