Holidays & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
Chile follows a unique rhythm that differs from European habits:
| What | Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shops | Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–14:00 | Shopping malls longer: until 21:00 |
| Supermarkets | Daily 8:00–22:00 | Lider (Walmart), Jumbo, Unimarc — also open on Sundays |
| Banks | Mon–Fri 9:00–14:00 | Yes, really only until 14:00! ATMs 24h |
| Restaurants | Lunch 12:30–15:00, Dinner 19:30–23:00 | Chileans eat late! Many restaurants open in the evening only at 20:00 |
| Museums | Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 | Most closed on Mondays! |
| Post (Correos de Chile) | Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 | Postcards to Europe: 1,000–1,500 CLP, approx. 2–3 weeks |
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