In Chile, rushing around is considered a waste of time and coffees are sipped as lazily as evening wine.

It’s ‘the land where the earth ends’, a sliver of a country wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the rest of South America. Born from a harmonious blend of native Indian and Spanish descendants, the people are renowned as the happiest group on earth. And with their slow and steady pace, luscious culture and endless supply of good wine and food, it’s no wonder every Chilean has a smile on their face.

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Chile travel FAQs

  • Belgium: not required
  • Canada: not required
  • Germany: not required
  • Ireland: not required
  • Netherlands: not required
  • New Zealand: not required
  • South Africa: not required
  • Switzerland: not required
  • United Kingdom: not required
  • United States : not required

Australian citizens must pay a reciprocity tax when entering Chile via the international airport of Santiago. They have visa-free access when entering the country by other means. Most other nationalities have visa free access.

Chileans expect a tip for many services. Most restaurants have a 10% surcharge on the bill, but if the service was excellent you might even add a few extra pesos to that. Tipping hotels staff and porters is generally expected, but no tips are expected for taxi services.

Chile has good internet access in cities and urban areas. There is less service in rural and remote areas.

Chile has good mobile phone coverage in cities and urban areas, but you may not be able to use your phone when travelling to remote parts of the country. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.

Flush toilets are common in urban Chile, but in the countryside and remote places, you’ll find basic toilets of the squat variety. Soap and toilet paper isn’t always provided at these places, so you may like to carry some with you.

  • City bus fare = 350 CLP
  • Cup of coffee in a café = 400 CLP
  • Beer in a bar = 900 CLP
  • Simple lunch = 2,000 CLP
  • Dinner in a restaurant = 8,500 CLP

Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Chile. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.

Credit cards are accepted in city shops, large hotels and nice restaurants, however, you’ll need cash if you want to shop outside of major centres or buy from small local businesses.

ATMs are commonplace in Chile’s urban areas, but they are less common in remote and rural places. Be prepared by carrying cash with you when you venture out to the countryside.

Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.

For more information on insurance, please go to: http://www.peregrineadventures.com/how-we-can-help/our-services

For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Chile/public-holidays