FAQ Chile
So, you’re planning on going to Chile? Exciting!
There is so much to think about when visiting any new country, from making sure you’ve got the right visa, to what to pack!
To help you focus on the excitement instead of the admin, our Chile Travel Specialists have offered their own personal advice for making your trip hassle-free and answered some of the most frequently asked questions from our travellers below.
Whilst we have done our best to cover as much as possible below, please feel free to get in touch if you find you’re still left looking for answers and we’ll gladly help!
Before departure
Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your departure. Find out more on our visa and passport page.
If you’re heading to Chile, it’s worth knowing that as long as you hold a valid British passport and your intended stay is no longer than 90 days, you won’t require a visa to enter the country.
Find out more on our visa and passport page.
Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.
What you’ll need will depend on your itinerary but some essential items to pack include comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and breathable layers.
It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Fit for Travel website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.
Departure
We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:
- Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
- Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
- Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
- Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
- Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
- Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
- Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!
Arrival
The primary language in Chile is Spanish. Here are a few key words and phrases to get you started:
Hola – Hello!
Buenos dias/tardes/noches – Good morning/afternoon/evening
Me llamo/llama – My name is.. (m)/(f) *Hint: two ‘ll’ is pronounced as a ‘y’ sound.
Adios – Goodbye
Hasta luego – See you later
Hasta pronto – See you soon
Necesito ir a el bano – I need to go to the bathroom
Donde esta el bano – Where is the bathroom?
Cuanto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
Me gustaria una cerveza/una ron por favor – I would like a beer/a rum please!
Una cerveza, por favour – One beer please!
Chilean cuisine is influenced by indigenous Mapuche culture, Spanish colonisation, and neighboring countries like Peru and Argentina. Some popular dishes include empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn and meat pie), and curanto (a seafood stew). Chile is also known for its excellent wine – cheers!
There are several aspects of Chilean culture that you may want to consider, including their emphasis on family, respect for authority, and appreciation for food and drink. Chileans also place a high value on punctuality and personal space. It is also important to be aware of the country’s history and politics, as well as their love for football and traditional music and dance.
Safety
Chile has a low level of crime and is considered a generally safe country to travel to. However, like in any destination, it is always important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in Chile are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same time zone, and should be your first contact in a case of emergency.
Tips and practical information
The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). You’ll find cash machines all over the country, with the exception of remote locations like Torres del Paine National Park which have no banks or cash machines at all. Make sure you have enough cash if you’re travelling to out-of-the-way destinations. The maximum withdrawal is 3 daily withdrawals of 300 pesos and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted throughout Chile.
In Chile, it is common to tip 10% of the total bill in restaurants and cafes. However, some establishments may include a “propina” (tip) charge in the bill, so it’s always a good idea to check before tipping. Tipping is not expected in other service industries like taxis, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
