£1 CLP 1,231
Today
12:59 am
-3h from you
Weather in Chile
Chile
26°
Fog
Wed
10
26
Thu
11
26
Fri
10
26
Sat
11
26
Sun
11
29
SPF level in Chile
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Chile
Language in Chile
Tipping in Chile
Tipping is customary in Chile for good service. While not legally required, it is widely practiced, especially in the service industry. Bills in restaurants may already include "propina", but it is optional and can be adjusted.
Restaurant
10% is standard, you can adjust the amount based on the service.
Bar/Café
A small tip for good service is appreciated, usually around 10%.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common, but not mandatory.
Hotel Porter
CLP 500-1000 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
CLP 1000-2000 per night of stay.
Tour Guide
CLP 2000-5000, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Safety in Chile
Tips for British travellers
Chile is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your valuables and passport secure in a hotel safe and always carry a printed copy of your passport's photo page with you.
Avoid drinking alcohol in public places such as streets, squares, and promenades as this is illegal.
Be extremely vigilant of common distraction thefts in cafes, restaurants, and at transport hubs, where thieves may work in pairs.
Book official taxis in advance from inside the airport using a ridesharing app or the official booths to avoid scams with overcharging or card fraud.
Never leave bags unattended and be cautious of drink spiking in bars and nightclubs, especially in Santiago's Suecia and Bellavista areas.
Bonus tips:
If you rent a car, get appropriate insurance and consider including windscreen damage cover.
Inform local authorities before you go exploring or mountaineering as you may need a permit and could be charged for rescue services.
Driving in Chile
You can drive in Chile with a valid UK driving licence for a limited period, usually up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if you plan to drive for a longer period.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Chile drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
133
Ambulance
131
Fire
132
Save 133 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Chile
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type L
UK adapter needed?
Yes
In Chile, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Plugs types C and L are used. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Chile, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Smaller establishments may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Chile
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural regions. Banks typically have ATMs, and you may also find them in shopping malls and airports.
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a convenient way to get Chilean pesos. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Be aware of transaction fees charged by your bank and the local ATM provider.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Chile. Contact them before you travel to understand the costs to call/text/use data in Chile.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 10000 CLP (~£10)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Movistar, Entel, WOM
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Connecting to WiFi is a convenient way to stay online. Mobile data is available if you purchase a local SIM.
Health & vaccinations in Chile
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical care in Chile can be expensive. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations for Chile. Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Food and water hygiene are important to avoid stomach upsets. Drink bottled water and be cautious of street food. Consider bringing insect repellent.
Calling Chile
Country code
+56
To call Chile from the UK, dial 00 56 followed by the area code and the local number.
To call a Santiago number (area code 2) from the UK, you would dial 00 56 2 and then the local number.
The country code for Chile is 56. The exit code to dial out of the UK is 00. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
UK Embassy in Chile
British Embassy Santiago
Avenida Isidora Goyenechea 3322, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Airports in Chile
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.