Chile
From the driest desert on earth to glaciers in the far south: your complete guide to Chile.
Our Guide to Chile
-
Flair
Full of contrasts, seriously safe, and perfect for nature lovers.
-
Best time to visit
Oct. to Mar. (center & south) or year-round (north).
-
Trip length
At least three weeks to cover the north-to-south highlights.
-
Currency
Chilean Peso (cards are widely accepted).
-
Tipping
10% is standard and often added to the bill as "Propina."
-
Getting around
Long-distance buses are excellent; for bigger distances, domestic flights save a lot of time.
Where is Chile located?
Chile sits in the southwestern corner of South America and is one of the world’s most narrow, elongated countries. On average it’s only about 180 km wide — but it stretches an impressive 4,270 km from top to bottom.
In terms of area, Chile is almost twice the size of Germany, yet with just under 20 million people, it has a much smaller population.
To the west, Chile borders Argentina, to the north Bolivia and Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chile a safe country to travel to?
Yes, Chile is generally a safe travel destination and one of the safest countries in South America.
That said, it depends a lot on where you are. In Santiago and other major cities, stick to the tourist areas — there are poorer neighborhoods where you really don’t want to wander around alone.
Southern Chile has a significantly higher standard of living than the north, so places like Patagonia feel very safe — you can walk the streets even at night without any worries.
The north of the country is a different story, so be considerably more cautious there.
As a general rule — same as anywhere in South America — wear as little jewelry as possible and always keep your valuables close to you.
What language do they speak in Chile?
The official language is Spanish — but Chileans have a well-earned reputation for speaking a pretty hard-to-follow dialect. Even fluent Spanish speakers need a bit of time to tune their ear.
English won’t get you very far outside tourist areas, as only a small fraction of the population speaks it. That said, you can get by surprisingly well with gestures and a smile.
In the south, you’ll also hear German spoken in some communities — a legacy of the German settlers who established themselves there generations ago.
Chile also has several indigenous languages, including that of the Mapuche.
Is Chile expensive?
Yes — compared to the rest of South America, Chile is a relatively expensive destination. Supermarkets are actually slightly pricier than in many Western European countries.
That said, accommodation and eating out are more affordable. A dinner at a restaurant will typically run you under 10 euros, and a double room in a decent hotel costs around 60 euros.
Getting around is where you’ll save the most — a bus or metro ride usually costs only about 50 cents.
In our article on travel costs in Chile, we’ve put together detailed tips on the subject.
What currency is used in Chile?
Chile’s official currency is the Chilean peso. The exchange rate hovers around 850 pesos to the euro.
You can pay by card pretty much everywhere, but always carry some cash — especially for buses.
ATM withdrawals in Chile can be expensive, as most banks charge a high fee on their end.
The exception: some Scotiabank ATMs don’t charge a local fee. Ask at your accommodation where to find the nearest one — it’s worth the extra walk.
