Visas
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and most other Western countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Before arrival, you must complete a Single Entry Form (FUI — Formulario Único de Ingreso) online and have proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds (around USD 46 per day). On arrival you receive a tourist card valid for 90 days, extendable for a further 90 days at the immigration office for a fee of around USD 100. Keep the tourist card — you need it when you leave.
Currency
The currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Notes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 pesos. ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, but in remote areas — Easter Island, the Carretera Austral, small Patagonian towns — there may be no ATM at all. Carry cash before heading into the backcountry. Credit cards are widely accepted in Santiago and larger cities; less so in rural areas.
US dollars are rarely accepted in shops or restaurants, but foreign visitors are exempt from 19% VAT (IVA) if they pay in USD at participating hotels.
Language
Spanish is the national language. Chilean Spanish is spoken quickly, with strong regional slang and a tendency to drop consonants at the end of syllables — even other Spanish speakers sometimes struggle. English is spoken in the tourist industry in Santiago, the Atacama, and Patagonia, but don't count on it elsewhere.
Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are the South American type L (three-prong round), or two-round-pin type C. Bring an adaptor if your devices use flat pins.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter Chile (unless arriving from a yellow fever zone). The country has good medical infrastructure in cities. Altitude sickness is a real risk if you ascend quickly into the altiplano of northern Chile — the El Tatio geysers near San Pedro de Atacama sit at 4,300 metres. Tap water is safe to drink in most cities. In remote areas, treat or filter before drinking.
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to hike or engage in adventure activities.
Communications
Mobile coverage (4G/LTE) is good in cities and along main highways, but absent in many remote areas — the Carretera Austral has long gaps without signal. Chilean SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy; Entel has the widest network. Free WiFi is common in hostels, cafes, and many public spaces.
Safety
Chile is one of the safer countries in South America for travellers. Street crime (bag snatching, pickpocketing) does occur in Santiago, particularly around the bus and metro stations and in tourist areas. Use common sense with your belongings. The main natural hazard is earthquakes — Chile is one of the most seismically active countries on earth. Familiarise yourself with basic earthquake safety procedures.
Business hours
Private offices and government agencies are typically open weekdays 8:30am–6pm, with a lunch break from noon–2pm. Banks open 9am–2pm on weekdays. Supermarkets and malls are generally open Monday–Saturday 10am–8pm, often later; many now open on Sundays.