Traveling in Chile can be super affordable or quite pricey, depending on where you go. On a normal day, we spent around €40 per person, covering accommodation, meals, and public transportation, without major tours. 

For budget travelers, it’s possible to spend less by using public transport, staying in hostels or budget Airbnbs, and cooking at home. If you’re exploring tourist hotspots like San Pedro de Atacama, Torres del Paine, or Easter Island, expect to pay more, especially for entrance fees and excursions.

If you’re looking to travel on a tighter budget, consider volunteering opportunities through platforms like Worldpackers, where you can exchange work for free accommodation and meals, making long-term travel in Chile much more affordable!

The official language of Chile is Spanish. While the Spanish spoken in Chile has its own unique accent, fast pace, and local slang, it is still widely understood by Spanish speakers from other countries.

English is not as commonly spoken as in some other destinations, especially outside major tourist areas. In cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar, you may find English speakers in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, but in smaller town, basic Spanish phrases will be helpful. Here are some Spanish words to help you get by:

• Por favor: Please
• Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?
• Una mesa para dos, por favor: A table for two, please.
• Cuánto vale?: How much does it cost?

Many nationalities do not need a visa to visit Chile for tourism, with visa-free stays typically allowed for up to 90 days. This includes travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and Brazil.

Since it varies from country to country, we recommend checking Passport Index website, where you can select your passport and see all the countries you can travel to, with or without a visa.

Yes, Chile is considered safe for travelers! You should definitely be more cautious with your belongings and be aware of pickpockets, especially in Santiago. 

In any case, we always recommend getting travel insurance for your trip. Better safe than sorry! We use Heymondo and highly recommend it.

The best time to visit Chile depends on where you’re going and what you want to do, as the country stretches over 4,300 km (2,670 miles) from deserts in the north to glaciers in the south, creating huge climate variations.

Santiago & Central Chile: The best time to visit is March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. These seasons are also great for vineyard visits during grape harvest in March and April.

Patagonia & the South: If you’re planning to hike in Torres del Paine or explore Patagonia, the best time is December to March (summer) when the weather is warmer, and most trails are accessible. If you’re after snow sports, the ski season runs from June to September in resorts near Santiago.

Atacama Desert & the North: The Atacama Desert is a year-round destination, but March to November offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies for stargazing. December to February can be very hot during the day.

Easter Island: The best time to visit is September to April, with February being the liveliest due to the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival. The island enjoys warm weather year-round, but winter months (June–August) can be windier and rainier.

Chilean cuisine is a mix of fresh seafood, hearty stews, and traditional pastries. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Empanadas de Pino: A baked pastry filled with a mix of ground beef, onions, olives, raisins, and a boiled egg. A classic Chilean snack!
• Cazuela: A comforting homemade soup with beef or chicken, potatoes, pumpkin, rice, and corn. Perfect for cooler days.
• Completo: Chile’s take on a hot dog, topped with avocado, mayo, tomatoes, and sauerkraut. The “Italiano” version (with avocado, tomato, and mayo) is the most popular.
• Churrasco or Lomito: A thinly sliced beef or pork sandwich served with avocado, mayo, and tomato. Found in almost every Chilean fast-food spot.
• Pastel de Choclo: A corn pie filled with ground beef, chicken, olives, and boiled eggs. A mix of savory and sweet flavors, it’s a must-try Chilean classic.
• Mote con Huesillo: A refreshing summer drink made of dried peaches (huesillos) and cooked wheat (mote), soaked in sweet cinnamon water. Perfect for hot days!

• Chile is huge! Plan your itinerary accordingly, as traveling between different regions can take time.
• It’s advisable to have cash on hand as some places may not accept credit cards, especially in smaller towns.
• For a travel debit card with the best conversion & withdrawal fees, we recommend Wise.
• It’s customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants. Some bills may already include a “propina sugerida” (suggested tip).
• Smoking is banned indoors, and drinking alcohol in public spaces (like streets and parks) is illegal.
• Petty theft and phone snatching are common in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and avoid using your phone openly on busy streets.