🇨🇱 Travel facts Chile
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to Chile — entry, tipping, plug, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | Santiago de Chile |
|---|---|
| Language | Spanish |
| Currency | Chilean Peso (CLP) |
| Timezone | UTC-3 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 14–16 hours |
| Emergency number | 133 · Police 133 · Emergency 131 |
| Plug | Type C/L · 220 V / 50 Hz |
| EU / Schengen | not an EU country · not Schengen |
Do I need a visa for Chile?
Passport required; visa-free for up to 90 days.
Keep the tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) upon entry — it will be required upon exit. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much tip should I give in Chile?
10% — often listed as 'servicio' on the bill, check if included.
Taxi: Round up.
Which plug adapter do I need in Chile?
No adapter needed — Type C / L (220 V / 50 Hz), German plugs fit.
Flat Euro plugs usually fit; adapter recommended for Schuko plugs.
Can you drink tap water in Chile?
Partly — varies regionally, when in doubt, drink bottled water.
Drinkable in cities; very mineral-rich in the Atacama — bottled water is more pleasant.
What can I bring back from Chile to Germany?
Non-EU country: When returning to Germany, goods up to €430 (by air travel), 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits are duty-free.
Will my mobile phone work in Chile?
No EU roaming — pre-book an eSIM or buy a cheap local SIM on-site.
Card or cash — how do you pay in Chile?
Peso (CLP); card payments are very common, cash for markets and rural areas.
What should I know about health in Chile?
Travel health insurance with repatriation recommended; check vaccination/health advice with the German Federal Foreign Office or tropical institute.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and security information may change at short notice — the binding source is the German Federal Foreign Office (Chile travel advice) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
