When to go: a country with every climate
Chile's seasons are reversed compared to the northern hemisphere: summer runs December to March, winter June to September. But geography matters more than the calendar: in the north (San Pedro de Atacama) the desert climate is hot by day and very cold at night year-round; central Chile (Santiago, Valparaiso) has dry, hot summers (up to 35°C/95°F) and mild, rainy winters; in Patagonia, summer (December-February) is really the only sensible window, and even then winds can be brutal.
Getting in: visas, the PDI slip and customs
Most travelers from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and Latin American countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days. On arrival you'll get a Tourist Card (formerly known as the "PDI slip"), a paper or digital record you should keep and, in theory, present when leaving; if you lose it, it can be sorted out at the Policia de Investigaciones (PDI) without much hassle. Chilean customs is strict about agricultural products, dairy, fresh fruit and honey: declare everything on the form to avoid fines of up to CLP 300,000.
Money: the Chilean peso and how to pay
The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP), with no practical use for decimals (1 USD hovers around 950-1,000 CLP, fluctuating). International credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, even at taxis and markets, but carry cash for rural Patagonia or the north. ATMs (Banco Estado, Santander, BCI) usually charge a flat withdrawal fee of about CLP 5,000-8,000, so it pays to withdraw larger amounts less often.
Getting around: flights, buses and the bip! card
For long distances, flying is the most efficient option: LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSmart cover routes like Santiago-Punta Arenas or Santiago-Calama (for Atacama) from about USD 40-90 if booked ahead. For medium distances, intercity buses (Turbus, Pullman Bus) are comfortable and punctual, offering "semi-cama" (more reclined) or "cama" (nearly flat) seats for long overnight trips. In Santiago, the metro and Red system buses can only be paid with the bip! card, sold and topped up at metro stations for around CLP 1,550 for the card plus the fare balance.
Safety: earthquakes and pickpockets
Chile is seismically active: minor tremors are common and barely register with locals. If a strong earthquake hits, move away from windows, take cover under sturdy furniture or in a structural doorway, and avoid elevators; if there's a tsunami warning on the coast, head to high ground immediately, following the evacuation signage. As for everyday crime, the main risk is pickpocketing on the Santiago metro and around Cerro Concepcion/Cerro Alegre in Valparaiso: keep your backpack in front of you and avoid flashing expensive phones on the street.
SIM cards, language and daily costs
- SIM/eSIM: Entel, Movistar and WOM sell prepaid SIMs at the airport from CLP 5,000-10,000 with several GB of data; international eSIMs that activate before you fly are also an option.
- Language: Chilean Spanish is fast and full of local slang ("cachai", "bacan", "al tiro", "fome"); it's not textbook Spanish, so don't worry if it's hard to follow at first.
- Outlets: Type C and L, 220V; 110V devices (US) need a step-down transformer adapter.
- Tap water: safe to drink in most cities, though bottled water is recommended in San Pedro de Atacama due to high mineral content.
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants, not mandatory but very much expected.
- Rough daily budget: tight backpacker from USD 35-45; mid-range traveler USD 70-120, including lodging, food and local transport.