Why we love Chile
Chile doesn’t do things by halves. Stretching between ice and desert, it’s a country of vast skies and sharp edges. Trek through Patagonia’s glaciers, climb the dunes of the Atacama, or trace the coast where the Pacific meets the Andes. Nowhere else packs in this kind of drama – and this guide shares the essentials to know before you go.
Entry Requirements
British and American travellers do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days, but your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. On arrival you will receive a ‘Tarjeta de Turismo’ (Tourist Card), which you must present again when leaving the country – keep it safe throughout your trip.
Travellers entering Chile via Santiago Airport must also complete the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) Affidavit, declaring any animal or plant products to protect Chile’s ecosystems. This can be done on your phone or via a paper form provided at the airport. Once completed, you must have it available to display or deliver to SAG Official for control. All luggage is screened by X-ray, so please make sure you don’t bring any forbidden products to avoid any problems.
We recommend checking the Chilean Immigration Department website or calling 600 626 4222 for up-to-date guidance.
If you are travelling with children under 18 years old, check over the documents you will need to show upon entry on the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Health and safety
We are not certified to give medical advice, but we recommend you consult your doctor about your vaccination history and discuss any further vaccinations you may need for your trip. We recommend this website for travel vaccination information and advice on bringing medication into the country.
Getting around
Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover large distances, particularly for reaching Patagonia or the Atacama Desert. We’re able to arrange your transfers for you, just let us know your flight number, and we’ll plan the route and let you know the cost! For multi-stop trips, we can also arrange your transfers between hotels/regions.
Taxis are widely available in cities, though ride-sharing apps are often more reliable and sometimes cheaper.
Santiago’s metro is modern and efficient, while buses operate in most towns and cities.
Baggage and packing tips
Chile’s climate varies dramatically from one end of the country to the other, so what you pack will depend on where and when you’re travelling. We always recommend keeping overnight essentials and any medication in your hand luggage – especially if you have onward connections.
Here’s a region-by-region guide to help you pack smartly:
Atacama Desert (San Pedro & North)
Climate: Hot and dry days with chilly nights, especially at altitude.
Pack: Breathable layers, a warm jacket for evenings, a sunhat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for exploring desert trails.
Central Chile (Santiago, Valparaíso, Wine Country)
Climate: Mediterranean – warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.
Pack: Lightweight clothing for summer, an extra layer for evenings, and a rain jacket if travelling in winter (May–August).
Patagonia & Torres del Paine
Climate: Cool year-round with unpredictable winds and rainfall. Summer (Oct–Mar) is the best time for hiking.
Pack: Waterproof jacket, thermal layers, gloves, a beanie, and good quality walking boots.
Lake District
Climate: Similar to Patagonia but milder, with lush green landscapes and regular rainfall.
Pack: Waterproof layers, comfortable walking shoes, and warm clothes for cool evenings.
Laws and customs
Chile is warm and welcoming, but respect for local laws and traditions is important, please check out the government guidelines before you visit. A few key points are:
– Avoid bringing restricted foods or plants into the country as luggage is screened by X-ray on arrival.
– Carry identification with you at all times, a photocopy of your passport is sufficient.
– Dress modestly and be considerate whilst at religious sites and ceremonies and always ask permission before photographing, especially in rural or indigenous communities.
– Treat national parks and reserves with care: stick to marked trails and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Tipping
Tipping in Chile is not mandatory but appreciated for good service:
Restaurants and cafes: We suggest adding around ten per cent service charge to the bill – it is customary to accept this or add a little more for exceptional service.
Guided tours: Consider tipping $5–10 for a driver (depending on half or full day) and $10–20 for your guide.
Money matters
The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit cards are widely accepted in major towns and cities, but cash is useful for smaller purchases, tipping or when travelling to more remote regions. ATMs are widely available.
Practicalities
Plug type: Chile uses plug types C (two round pins) and L (three round pins) and operates on a 220V supply voltage at 50Hz. Bring an appropriate adapter.
Flights and time zones: The average flight from London to Santiago takes approximately 14.5 hours. Chile has two time zones: mainland Chile is GMT -3, and Easter Island is GMT -5. We can arrange your transfers between the airport and hotels or between regions – simply share your flight details.
Language: Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in Chile, though you might hear Mapudungun spoken by the Mapuche people. In tourist areas and major cities English is spoken to some extent, but here are a few useful Spanish phrases:
Hello – Hola
Thank you – Gracias
Please – Por favor
Yes / No – Sí / No
How much is this? – ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
Excuse me / Sorry – Perdón / Disculpe
I need help – Necesito ayuda
Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?
Food and drink
Chilean cuisine blends Spanish traditions with indigenous Mapuche influences, alongside flavours introduced by European immigrants:
Choripán: A grilled sausage in bread, often served with pebre, a spicy salsa.
Cazuela: A hearty stew made with beef or chicken, potatoes and pumpkin.
Empanadas de Pino: Pastries filled with minced beef, onions and olives.
Pastel de Choclo: A sweetcorn-topped pie with meat and onions beneath.
Chile’s wine regions produce some of the best reds in the world – don’t miss a glass of Carmenère. In cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, fine-dining restaurants showcase contemporary Chilean cuisine, offering seasonal tasting menus paired with local wines.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities such as Santiago, but we recommend bottled or filtered water in rural areas and while hiking in the mountains.
Keep connected
Most travellers use a local Chilean SIM or an e-SIM to stay connected. SIM cards are available at major airports and in mobile shops in larger cities. The main providers in Chile are Entel, Movistar and WOM. Alternatively, we recommend purchasing an e-SIM in advance through services like Airalo, which lets you get online as soon as you land.