Practical A–Z

Visa

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for Chile (up to 90 days). Upon entry, you will receive a Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card) — a small slip that you must keep as it will be required upon departure. If lost, you must apply for a replacement at the Policía Internacional (free, but time-consuming).

Extension

The 90-day period can be extended once for another 90 days — at the Departamento de Extranjería in Santiago (approx. 100 USD fee). Alternative: Briefly exit to Argentina or Peru and re-enter — then you get a new 90 days.

Required Documents

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip
• Return Ticket: May be required upon entry
• Tarjeta de Turismo: Issued upon entry, show upon departure!
• ID card is NOT sufficient

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Since 2018, additional rules apply for entry to Easter Island: You must present a return ticket and proof of a hotel reservation or invitation from a registered resident. The stay is limited to 30 days.

Chilean Peso (CLP)

The Chilean Peso is the national currency. Exchange rate: approx. 1€ ≈ 1,000 CLP (fluctuates significantly). The high numbers can be confusing at first — just divide by 1,000, and you have roughly the Euro value.

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 Pesos. Bills: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 Pesos.

Withdrawing Money & Paying

• ATMs (Cajeros): Everywhere in cities. BancoEstado, Santander, and BCI have the densest network. Limit usually 200,000 CLP per withdrawal. Fees: Most Chilean banks charge a fee of about 5,000 CLP per withdrawal — BancoEstado ATMs are the cheapest.
• Credit Cards: Accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. In small shops, markets, and rural areas: cash only!
• Currency Exchange Offices (Casas de Cambio): In Santiago (especially on Agustinas Street) and tourist spots. Better rate than at the airport.

Money-Saving Tips

• Menú del día for lunch (5,000–8,000 CLP for starter + main course + drink)
• Wine in supermarkets instead of in restaurants (excellent quality from 3,000 CLP)
• Long-distance buses instead of domestic flights
• Free hiking trails in national parks
• DKB or N26 credit card with fee-free withdrawals

What to Buy in Chile

Chile has some unique souvenirs and products that are found nowhere else in the world:

Typical Souvenirs

• Lapis Lazuli: Chile's national stone — a deep blue semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan. Best in Isla Negra (in front of Neruda's house) or in lapis lazuli shops in Santiago (Calle Bellavista). Beware of fakes! Genuine lapis lazuli has golden pyrite inclusions and feels cool in the hand. Rings from 15,000 CLP, pendants from 10,000 CLP
• Chilean Wine: A few bottles of Carménère or Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maipo Valley make the perfect gift. In supermarkets from 3,000 CLP (3€!) for excellent quality. Note: Max. 2 bottles duty-free to Germany
• Pisco: A bottle of Alto del Carmen or Mistral Pisco (with a recipe for Pisco Sour!) is a wonderful gift. From 5,000 CLP
• Mapuche Textiles: Handwoven ponchos, blankets, and scarves with traditional patterns. Most authentic at the market in Temuco or with Mapuche communities in the lake district. Poncho from 30,000 CLP
• Merken (Ají): Chilean chili powder — smoky, moderately hot, perfect for marinades. Available in small jars at every market. 2,000–5,000 CLP
• Sal de Atacama: Pink desert salt from the Salar de Atacama — a gourmet souvenir. Available in San Pedro, small bag from 3,000 CLP
• Maqui Powder: The "superfood" from Chile — maqui berries have the highest antioxidant content of any known fruit. As a powder for smoothies, available in health food stores and markets
• Copper Crafts: Chile is the world's largest copper producer — copper jewelry, cups, and decorations are available everywhere. Beautiful pieces at the market in Los Dominicos (Santiago)

Shopping Malls

Santiago has huge, modern shopping malls that are also cultural meeting points: Costanera Center (the tallest building in South America — 300 m, "Sky Costanera" observation deck on the 62nd floor, 15,000 CLP), Parque Arauco, and Alto Las Condes. International brands are more expensive here than in Europe.

Markets

• Mercado Central, Santiago: Fish, seafood, and restaurants
• La Vega Central, Santiago: Fruits, vegetables, and cheap lunches
• Los Dominicos, Santiago: Handicrafts and souvenirs — the best souvenir market in the city
• Feria de Dalcahue, Chiloé: Sunday craft market with woolen goods and woodwork
• Feria Fluvial, Valdivia: Fish and seafood on the riverbank, with sea lions

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended are:

• Standard Vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (refresh)
• Hepatitis A: Recommended
• Hepatitis B: For longer stays
• Rabies: Only for travel to remote areas

Altitude Sickness (Mal de Altura)

The biggest health challenge in Chile — especially in the Atacama:

• San Pedro de Atacama: 2,440 m — mild symptoms possible (headaches, fatigue)
• Geysers del Tatio: 4,320 m — serious altitude sickness possible
• Lagunas Altiplánicas: 4,100–4,300 m — likewise

Prevention: On the first day in San Pedro, only light activities, drink plenty of water (3–4 liters/day), avoid alcohol and heavy meals, drink Mate-de-Coca tea. Excursions above 4,000 m only from the 2nd–3rd day. If you experience severe headaches, vomiting, or confusion, descend immediately!

Sun & UV Radiation

In the Atacama and Patagonia, UV radiation is extreme:

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ is mandatory, especially at high altitudes and in Patagonia (ozone hole!)
• Headwear: Hat or scarf, especially during hikes
• Sunglasses: UV-400 with side protection for the desert and glaciers

Medical Care

Chile has the best medical care in South America. In Santiago, Valparaíso, and larger cities, there are clinics at European standards. In Patagonia and the Atacama, care is more limited — travel health insurance with repatriation is highly recommended.

General Safety Situation

Chile is the safest travel destination in South America. The crime rate is significantly lower than in Brazil, Colombia, or Peru. Serious violent crime against tourists is very rare. Chile feels familiar and straightforward for European travelers — infrastructure, roads, public transport, and services are at a level closer to Southern Europe than most Latin American countries.

What to Watch Out For?

• Pickpocketing: The most common issue — especially in Santiago (metro during rush hours, Mercado Central, Barrio Bellavista at night), Valparaíso (certain Cerros, lower town at night), and busy tourist spots. Keep valuables close to your body, wear your backpack in front on the metro, do not display expensive cameras or phones openly
• Express Kidnappings: Very rare, but have occurred occasionally in Santiago. Use Uber instead of taxis at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Official taxis are black with yellow roofs
• Natural Hazards: The biggest danger in Chile! Earthquakes (possible at any time, on average several noticeable per month), volcanic eruptions (active volcanoes everywhere), tsunamis (coast — move to higher ground immediately after a strong earthquake!), sudden weather changes in Patagonia, and altitude sickness in the Atacama
• Patagonia: Nature is the danger — hypothermic wind (wind chill can drop the perceived temperature to −20°C), rapid weather changes (sun → snowstorm in 30 minutes), unmarked trails off the main routes. Good equipment and preparation are vital
• Atacama: Altitude sickness, extreme UV radiation (UV index over 11!), dehydration, cold nights. Always carry enough water, sun protection, and warm clothing
• Stray Dogs: Chile has many stray dogs (Perros callejeros). They are mostly peaceful and fed by locals, but keep your distance from packs, especially at night

Women Traveling Alone

Chile is for solo female travelers one of the safest countries in Latin America. Normal precautions as in Southern Europe are sufficient. Chilean society is relatively egalitarian, and machismo is less pronounced than in many neighboring countries. However: Catcalling (Piropos) does occur, but it is rarely aggressive. In the trekking community (W-Trek, Carretera Austral), many women travel alone — the atmosphere is supportive and respectful.

Practical Tips for Solo Travelers:

• Uber is safer than taxis — especially at night in Santiago
• Stay in hostels — you'll quickly find like-minded people for joint excursions
• For the W-Trek: In the refugios, you'll automatically meet other trekkers to team up with
• Get a Chilean phone number (SIM card at the airport) — important for Uber and emergencies
• The Erratic Rock Hostel in Puerto Natales organizes "trek groups" for solo travelers

Important Rules for National Parks

• Torres del Paine: No open fires! Camping only in designated areas. Take your trash with you. Drones prohibited. Reservation required
• Atacama: Do not walk on salt crusts (destroys the fragile ecosystem). Do not take stones or crystals. Take your trash with you
• All Parks: CONAF rangers check tickets and reservations. Fines for violations are high

Opening Hours

Chile follows a unique rhythm that differs from European habits:

Important for Travel Planning

• Fiestas Patrias (September 18–19): Everything closed, everything booked, everything more expensive. If you're in Chile during this time, book EVERYTHING (accommodations, buses, flights) well in advance. The atmosphere is fantastic, but the logistics are challenging
• Semana Santa (Easter): Many Chileans travel — roads and buses are full
• Chilean School Holidays: Mid-December to early March — peak season for the lake district and Patagonia
• Sundays: Many smaller shops and restaurants closed, especially outside Santiago. Supermarkets and malls remain open

Responsible Tourism

Chile has some of the most sensitive ecosystems in the world — from the hyper-arid Atacama to the glaciers of Patagonia. As travelers, we have the responsibility to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.

Dos & Don'ts

• Leave No Trace: Especially in Torres del Paine and the Atacama. Take ALL trash with you — even biodegradable (nothing decomposes in the Atacama, in Patagonia it takes decades)
• Stay on the Paths: In the Atacama, the salt crust is extremely fragile — a footprint is visible for millennia. Shortcuts in the national park are penalized
• No Fires: Open fires are strictly prohibited in Torres del Paine since the devastating fire of 2011/2012 (which destroyed 12,500 hectares). Use stoves only in designated areas
• Save Water: Water is precious in the Atacama — take short showers, drink tap water instead of buying plastic bottles
• Local Providers: Book tours with local Chilean agencies instead of international corporations — the money stays in the community
• Respect Mapuche Culture: Always ask for permission before photographing people. Visit Mapuche communities only if they offer tourism themselves

Chile's Conservation Revolution

In recent years, Chile has undergone a remarkable conservation turnaround: The foundation of Douglas and Kristine Tompkins (founders of The North Face and Esprit) has purchased over 800,000 hectares of land in Patagonia and donated it to the Chilean state as national parks — including the Parque Pumalín and the Ruta de los Parques (Route of the Parks), which connects 17 national parks over 2,800 km. It is the largest private land donation in history.

SIM Card & Mobile Data

A local SIM card is cheap and the best option:

• Providers: Entel (best network, especially in remote areas), Movistar, WOM (cheapest)
• Price: 5,000–15,000 CLP for a SIM with 5–20 GB, valid for 30 days
• Purchase: At Santiago airport (Entel and Movistar have counters), in any mobile phone shop or kiosk
• Network Coverage: 4G/LTE in all cities and most tourist areas. In Patagonia and on the Carretera Austral, coverage is patchy — Entel has the best coverage.

WLAN

Hotels, hostels, and most cafés/restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. The speed is good in Santiago and larger cities, sometimes limited in Patagonia and the Atacama.

Emergency Numbers

Useful Apps