You do not need a visa to travel to Chile. However, you must have a valid Dutch or Belgian passport that is still valid for at least 6 months after your return. Upon arrival, you will receive a stamp in your passport allowing you to stay in Chile for a maximum of 90 days. In addition, you will receive a printed piece of paper, the Tarjeta Única Migratoria from the PDI (Policía de Investigaciones), which proves that you are in the country as a tourist. Keep this card well, because you often have to show it at accommodations to get tax exemption.

To visit Easter Island, you must register online about two weeks before arrival. The confirmation of your registration should be either printed with you or saved on your phone.

It is possible to extend your 90 days by crossing the grans with neighboring Argentina. Upon returning to Chile, you normally get another 90 days in Chile. Customs is free to deviate from this, but we know of no cases where this has happened.

No vaccinations are required for Chile. However, it is recommended to get DTP and Hepatitus A, especially if you also plan to travel to more northern countries. We also recommend bringing mosquito repellents with DEET. The latter, by the way, can also be purchased in Chile.

Note: About vaccinations we are only allowed to advise. Always get advice on required vaccinations well in advance of your trip. Read our travel vaccination page for more information.

The best time to visit Chile is generally the Chilean summer, from November through March. During these months, temperatures are pleasant and many regions are easily accessible. However, there are important regional differences in climate, so the best travel time can vary from one area to another. Below is an overview of the climate and the ideal travel period for each region.

Central Chile

Central Chile, which includes Santiago and Valparaíso, has a Mediterranean climate. This means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best travel time is from September through April, when the days are sunny and pleasant. During this time you can enjoy the outdoors, such as visiting vineyards and exploring national parks.

Southern Chile

Southern Chile, including Patagonia and the lake region, has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and plenty of rainfall during the year. It is best to visit this region between November and March, when temperatures are slightly higher and days are longer. This is the ideal time to hike in Torres del Paine or explore the glaciers and fjords.

Northern Chile: San Pedro de Atacama

In San Pedro de Atacama, in the middle of the driest desert in the world, the weather is sunny and dry all year round. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30°C, but cool off considerably at night, especially in the winter months (May to September). The best travel time is from March through November, when temperatures are comfortable and the scenery is at its most beautiful.

Northern Chile: Putre and Lauca

Putre and Lauca National Park are located in the Andes Mountains, at high altitudes. Here there is a mountain climate with cooler temperatures and sometimes snow, even in summer. During the day it can be pleasant, but at night it gets cold. The best travel time is from April to November, when it is generally drier and conditions are better for trekking and exploring the area.

Easter Island

Easter Island has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. The summer months (December to February) are warm and ideal for enjoying the outdoors and beaches, while winter (June to August) is slightly cooler and quieter. The best travel time is from October to April, with pleasant temperatures and little rain.

Tip: also read our general information on Chile

If you get above 2,500 meters in Chile (for some people this is even lower) you can suffer from altitude sickness. This usually occurs within 24 to 72 hours of reaching a new altitude. Headache is one of the most common symptoms. Shakiness and a general feeling of discomfort are also common. To prevent altitude sickness, it is important to get used to the altitude slowly. Therefore, when putting together trips, a gradual build-up is often ensured.

Tips for altitude sickness:

• Easy acclimatization: Take time to get used to the altitude and avoid strenuous efforts in the first few days.
• Drink plenty of water: Make sure you stay well hydrated, but avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can worsen your dehydration.
• Eat light: Choose small, light meals that are easy to digest.
• Go lower: If symptoms persist or get worse, descend to a lower altitude. This is often the quickest solution.
• Use medications: In consultation with a physician, consider preventive medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox) to reduce symptoms.
• Listen to your body: Don’t force anything and take symptoms seriously. Altitude sickness can become serious if not addressed in time.

With these precautions, you can enjoy the mountains in Chile to the fullest!

During our summer time, in most of Chile it is 6 hours earlier than in the Netherlands. In winter time, the time difference is only 4 hours. The latter differs from the rest of the continent, where the time difference is greater. For the Magallanes region, in the southernmost tip of Chile, the time difference during our summer time is 5 hours and during winter time also 4 hours.

If you visit Easter Island, the time difference is greater: during our summer time it is 8 hours earlier there and in our winter time it is 6 hours earlier.

In Chilean cities times enough cabs you can hail, but in rural areas you will have to order a cab. Uber is popular. And rightly so. It’s competitively priced, safe and you never get ripped off. Uber is not officially legal, so regular cabs work with local authorities to make things difficult for Uber drivers. Therefore, watch out with Ubers in large public places such as the airport.

Public transportation in Chile is competitively priced but you must book in advance. This can usually be done online. There is only one passenger train service (between Santiago and Chillan) and most transportation is by road. The buses are spacious, with comfortable seats and usually air conditioning. Tip: bring a sweater or jacket on the bus, as it can sometimes be too cold. Generally, the bus stops where you want it to stop, just check with the driver beforehand.

Road safety is a concern. Make sure you drive properly lit. And always keep an eye out for sudden dangerous overtaking drivers from the other direction. Especially in rural areas, people drive fast and overtake a lot. The many shrines beside the road are silent witnesses to the many accidents. Also keep enough distance from cyclists, as they are especially vulnerable in the absence of bike lanes. Finally, people regularly walk (!) on the highway. It is often the shortest or only route home.

At equivalent intersections, the right has the right of way. At least, according to the law. In practice, in Chile the person on the largest (often through) road has and takes priority. So pay close attention to traffic from the right. And when people give a light signal when you stop in front of them (they are coming from the right), they mean that you may go ahead.

When driving, pay extra attention at pedestrian crossings. People rarely make eye contact here and cross without looking, assuming you will stop.

The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso. It is advisable to pay with the local currency as much as possible. ATM is possible almost everywhere, especially at airports and in all cities. Restaurants and hotels usually accept credit cards, with Visa, Mastercard, Diners and American Express widely accepted. If paying with your credit card doesn’t work, try paying as if it were a Debit card. This usually works flawlessly.

Just make sure you always have some cash with you. This is because in natural parks, such as Torres del Paine, there are no banks or ATMs available. Although the U.S. dollar is accepted in many places, it is better to pay with local currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.

Chile is relatively expensive, compared to the other countries on the South American continent (Argentina excepted). Buy mostly seasonal produce, which is often spot on. In summer, you can buy a kilo of cherries for a euro in the fruit regions. Meat is also good and not expensive.

You can just use your cell phone in Chile. However, check with your provider what the rates are for calling, texting and mobile internet before using it abroad. Also, make sure to turn off the “roaming” option on your phone so that you do not incur unforeseen costs “outside your European bundle” for internet use on your phone.

Are you traveling through remote areas? Then it is advisable to buy a local sim card, with good coverage, for tourists at the airport. The best coverage in these areas has provider Entel. But even it often fails in the parks and rural areas. Actually, all of Patagonia is a “remote area” so as with gas stations, if you have coverage, fill up!

If you want to make calls from the hotel room, ask for rates first. International calls are especially expensive. In cities and tourist spots, Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and often in restaurants and bars. Sometimes its use is free, sometimes for a fee.

The voltage in Chile is 220 volts. Plugs have three pins instead of two. You don’t need a world plug, because most of the plugs on your appliances will just fit most outlets. Only the European grounded plugs require an adapter. You can just buy those here.

Power outages do occur, especially in rural areas. Take this into account when you rent a Cabańa, for example. But fortunately, the power is often restored within a short time.

Chile is a very safe country to travel, but it is always wise to take precautions. Through the Foreign Affairs site, you can view the latest travel advisories and find information on what is important to keep in mind, such as petty crime, especially in larger cities like Santiago de Chile, Concepcion and Puerto Montt. Here you have neighborhoods where it is better not to go as a tourist. They are also often the neighborhoods you don’t want to visit as a tourist, but nevertheless, be well informed.

Make sure to withdraw money during the day and carry only small amounts of cash. A tip is to always keep 20 thousand pesos in your shoe when visiting a big city. Should you be robbed (which fortunately is rare) you will at least have enough money for a cab “home.

You can also find tips on the site about things like fuel availability, quality of drinking water, medical facilities and domestic flights. With a little preparation, you can enjoy your trip carefree!

There are almost no strict dress codes in Chile. Because of the sometimes sudden heat in summer, it makes sense to bring practical clothing and dress in layers. Think airy and cotton clothing. Rain gear and sturdy shoes for when you go out are also advisable. Of course, bring bathing suits and flip-flops for the beach. In the evening there are mosquitoes and it is useful to wear something with long sleeves or long pants and closed shoes. Dress respectfully when visiting a church.

If you will be trekking or hiking in a national park or other area with altitude differences, read the blog on preparing for outdoor activities in Chile.

Chilean cuisine is a tasty adventure that takes you by the sea, mountains and valleys! Chile has an abundance of fresh produce from the land and sea, and it shows in their dishes. The Pacific Ocean offers a wealth of fish and seafood, which you taste in specialties such as ceviche: fresh pieces of raw fish marinated in lime, herbs and onion.

One of Chile’s national treasures is pastel de choclo. This comfort food consists of a delicious casserole of sweet corn dough filled with minced meat, chicken, boiled eggs, and olives. The dish has something of both sweet and savory, an explosion of flavor typical of Chilean cuisine. But keep in mind that, again, the taste depends on who prepares it and how it is prepared.

In addition to its rich cuisine, Chile is also famous for its wine. Chile’s valleys, particularly the Maipo and Colchagua valleys, have an excellent climate for growing wine. Wine lovers will enjoy famous Chilean grapes such as Carmenère (an almost forgotten French grape that found a new home in Chile) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you like a glass of red or white wine, there is always something special to taste at a local wine estate, with views of the Andes in the distance. The best wine (in our opinion) is Diablo, a series of different wines that are all equally amazing. And hey, we are not sponsored 🙂

A meal in Chile is often concluded with a glass of pisco sour, a refreshing cocktail made from pisco (a grape brandy), lemon juice and sugar syrup. Whether toasting to a great day of travel or enjoying an elaborate meal, the food and drink in Chile tells stories of tradition, passion and the beautiful landscapes where it all comes from.

Chile is not a traditional coffee country in the sense of growing coffee; its unique geographical conditions and climate are less suitable for coffee cultivation. Yet coffee culture does exist in Chile and is growing strongly, especially in cities such as Santiago and Valparaíso, where hip cafes and small coffee bars focus on specialty coffee, often imported from other South American countries. In these cafes, you’ll enjoy carefully brewed espressos and filter coffee made from high-quality beans. You can happily buy Colombian coffee beans in the larger supermarkets.

Along the road, the food in Chile is a bit of a one-size-fits-all. Just about every house sells Empenadas or Mote. If you like it, it’s delicious. But after a while, such a greasy bite starts to get a little boring. Fortunately, fruits and vegetables are widely grown in Chile and seasonal produce is very competitively priced.

Always make sure, the SD card of your camera or phone, has enough space to store all the beautiful photos you take during your vacation in Chile. In the unlikely event that you do not have enough memory space, you can buy an SD card in the cities.

Almost everywhere you are allowed to photograph and film. When it is not allowed or when you are not allowed to use flash, this is indicated with signs. If you want to photograph or film people, always ask permission first. Military institutions and airports may not be filmed or photographed.

Drones heavier than 750 grams must be registered with the DGAC. For lighter drones, registration is usually not required for recreational use. Drones may not fly higher than 130 meters (400 feet) above the ground.

Keep in mind that SLR cameras and anything more expensive than usual will not be available in photography stores. Everything is online. Even repair is not in the cards. A tip is to bring a cell phone with a good camera in addition to an SLR.

In restaurants and cafes it is customary to tip 10% if you are satisfied with the service. In most cases, the bill will be presented without a tip and you will be asked if you want to pay including a 10% tip. When in doubt you can ask if the tip goes to the whole team or just to the owner. In the latter case, we often refuse to tip ourselves.

If you are staying in a hotel, it is customary to give a small tip to the staff who help with your luggage or clean your room. With cab drivers, the amount is usually rounded up.

Chile celebrates several holidays that have both national and religious significance. These days provide an opportunity to experience Chilean culture, traditions and family ties. The holidays are often a combination of joyous celebrations, parades and family gatherings.

Important holidays in Chile:

• New Year’s Day (Jan. 1)
• Good Friday and Easter (April)
• National Holiday (Sept. 18): The main national holiday, commemorating independence from Spain. This is often celebrated with parades, traditional music, dancing and typical Chilean food.
• Day of the Peoples (Oct. 12): Honoring Chile’s indigenous cultures, a day of respect and recognition for the country’s original inhabitants.
• Christmas (Dec. 25)