Internet & Communication
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
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police (Carabineros) | 133 |
| Fire Department (Bomberos) | 132 |
| Ambulance (SAMU) | 131 |
| German Embassy Santiago | +56 2 2463 2500 |
Useful Apps
| App | Purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Uber | City transport | Cheaper and safer than taxis. Works in Santiago, Valparaíso, Temuco, Punta Arenas |
| recorrido.cl | Bus tickets | Compares all bus companies, online booking |
| Google Translate | Translation | Download offline package for Spanish! |
| maps.me | Offline maps | Essential for the Carretera Austral and Patagonia (no network!) |
| Star Walk 2 | Star identification | Perfect for Atacama nights — hold phone to the sky |
| Waze | Navigation | More popular than Google Maps in Chile. Live traffic data |
| XE Currency | Currency converter | Convert CLP without headaches |