Plan
your Chile adventure with essential travel information, from visa
rules and safety tips to the best time to visit. Discover key facts,
cultural insights, and practical advice for exploring this
extraordinary South American destination.
Country: Chile
Continent / Region: South America
Capital City: Santiago
Government Type: Presidential Republic
Population: Approx. 19.5 million
Official Language(s): Spanish
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~10% (higher in Santiago)
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT−3 / GMT−4 (varies by region & season)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type C/L – 220V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 133 (Police), 131 (Ambulance), 132 (Fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 14–15 hours (direct to Santiago)
Best Time/Months to Travel: October–March (spring/summer)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: 90 days; free entry
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; consider Hepatitis A & Typhoid
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Chile):
Average Daily Costs: £30 / £60 / £150+
Tipping Culture: 10% common (often added to bills)
Public Transport Options: Metro, buses, taxis, domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: CLP 700–800 (metro)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good 4G; Entel, Movistar, Claro, WOM
Main Climate Type: Diverse — desert, Mediterranean, alpine, Patagonian
Average Temperature: Varies drastically from north to south
Major Cities: Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción, Antofagasta, Puerto Montt
Natural Attractions: Atacama Desert, Patagonia, volcanoes, lakes, glaciers
Popular Destinations: Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Torres del Paine, Easter Island, Valparaíso, Lake District
Main Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic (large secular population)
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Empanadas, pastel de choclo, seafood dishes, asado, ceviche, Chilean wine
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Torres del Paine, Easter Island moai, Atacama salt flats, Villarrica Volcano
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe; varies by urban area
Common Scams: Taxi overcharging, street pickpockets
Health Risks: Altitude in northern deserts; strong sun UV
Recommended Clinics: Good private hospitals in Santiago & major cities
Insurance Recommendation: Essential — especially for Patagonia trekking
Internet Speed: Very good 4G/5G in cities
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Torres del Paine, Atacama Desert, Easter Island moai, Santiago viewpoints, Valparaíso street art
Unique Experiences: Stargazing in Atacama, Patagonia glacier trekking, hot springs, wine tours in Casablanca & Colchagua Valleys
Hidden Gems: Chiloé Island, Marble Caves, Pucón hot springs, Carretera Austral, Cochamó Valley
Popular Areas to Stay: Santiago Bellavista/Providencia, Valparaíso hills, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Natales (Patagonia)
Average Hotel Prices: £25 / £60 / £150+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Santiago Bellavista, Lastarria, Valparaíso bars, beach clubs in Viña del Mar
Local Drinks: Chilean wine, pisco sour, craft beer
Entertainment: Live music, coastal nightlife, wine bars, cultural cafés
Car Rental: Useful for Patagonia & Lake District
Domestic Flights: Common for long distances
Buses: Modern long-distance coaches
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Uber and Cabify widely used
Best Markets: Santiago Central Market, Pueblito Los Dominicos, Valparaíso artisan shops
Popular Souvenirs: Lapis lazuli jewellery, alpaca wool items, wine, copper crafts
Local SIM Card Providers: Entel, Movistar, Claro, WOM
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Safe in most cities; bottled water recommended in remote regions
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Chile stretches over 4,300 km from north to south — yet is only 175 km wide on average.