Before coming to Chile, it’s very important to consider some tips that are described as follows. If you need more information, please write to us at [email protected].

Before arriving in Chile

• Travel Document: Valid passport with at least 6 months valid at the moment of arrival. Some nationals of regional countries are allowed to enter Chile with a valid ID.

Upon arrival in Chile

• There are still a few requirements related to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information on requirements on the subject, click HERE.
• Every passenger must follow the norms and instructions of immigration and customs authorities. It’s very important to read all instructions and the list of forbidden elements (custom form will be received in the aircraft before landing in Chile). It can be completed through an online formulary (recommended) and the airline will provide the link.
• You must declare all vegetal and animal-origin products. In case of doubt, it is always advised to declare it and ask the customs authorities once you give your custom form to them.
• When check-in at hotels, you must present your Passport/ID, the immigration document that you will receive at the airport from the authorities and a credit card to guarantee possible extra expenses.
• After passing by customs, you will leave the restricted zone of the terminal and reach the arrival zone of the airport. Our drivers/guides will be waiting for you with a sign with your name. In case other drivers or persons talk to you, please don’t give any information. Unfortunately, several informal drivers are trying to take advantage of tourists. Our driver will know your hotel or address as proof. With domestic arrivals, our driver will be waiting in the domestic arrival zone of the airport in the same way as mentioned before.

During your stay in Chile

General

• Presentation at airports: domestic flights, 2 hours before departure, and international flights 3 hours before departure.
• Electricity: 220V Type C and L rounded legs.
• Time in Chile: GMT–4 in winter and GMT -3 in summer. **
• Consulates: In case of loss of any documents or other issues, please contact the embassy or consulate of your country in Chile. In case you need help, call us on our emergency phone number +56968599358.
• Commercial Services Times: Banks open their doors from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00. Shops open around 10:00 until 19:00 (some of them close at lunchtime from 13:0 to 15:00). Shopping centres opens usually at 10:00 and close at 21:00. During holidays many services are closed but some of them are open.

** With the exceptions of Easter Island Rapa Nui (GMT -6 in winter, GMT -5 in summer) and Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region (GMT -3 all year).

Health

• No vaccines are mandatory for entry to Chile in normal times, except for the Covid-19 full scheme. For more information on the present situation regarding the latter, click HERE.
• Tap water is drinkable in Chile, but for foreigners, we recommend drinking bottled water. You can buy bottled water mostly everywhere.
• In case of any health emergency, please call your travel insurance help phone number and go to the closest hospital or medical centre.

Safety

• Santiago is still considered safer than other Latin American cities. Nevertheless, it is certainly a big city and therefore we recommend always bringing with you only what you need and safely in your forehand pockets, not showing always your camera or cell phone. We recommend not walking at night in dark streets, parks or places not well-illuminated.
• When city touring, we recommend leaving your passport in the safety box at your hotel and bringing an alternative identification document, such as a driver’s license or local ID + a passport copy.
• Never change money in the streets, always in the allowed currency exchange business. There are plenty almost everywhere.
• Please keep your value objects in the safety box in hotels (money, documents, etc.). Don’t forget to take them out once you check out the hotel.
• It is the entire responsibility of the passengers to consume alcohol, drugs or any substance that could put in danger the rest of the passengers. In case a passenger puts in danger the rest of the group, the company reserves the right to cancel the services and/or it is necessary to contact the Chilean Police.
• Taxis in Chile have taximeters to give the rate of any ride. Please note always that the taxi driver turns on the taximeter. Ask your hotel for the estimated price of a ride before taking one. Please always take official taxis in Santiago (black with yellow roof) and at the airport (official desk).

Currency and Payments

• The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Most businesses accept only the Chilean Peso, but some of them might accept US Dollars or Euros. You can check the current currency rates here.
• You can easily find plenty of currency exchange offices in Santiago and some in smaller cities/towns. Ask your hotel regarding the closer one.
• Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and also there are ATMs on almost every corner in cities and conveniently in smaller towns.

During activities of the program

• In case of any provocation, we recommend not to get involved in it to avoid any conflict or fight.
• Please be respectful of the time schedules of the program to avoid delaying the activities or other passengers.
• In case of any doubt, please contact our guide or call us on our emergency phone number +56988079043.
• Please respect the meeting points set by our guides or drivers to pick you up during transfers or activities.
• In case you get lost, we recommend taking a taxi to your hotel or calling us on our emergency phone number +56968599358.

Weather

Chile is over 4.200 km long, so the weather can be really different between zones even in the same season of the year. You can check this web for more information. It is not an official website, but it can give you an idea of temperatures in different cities in Chile.

• San Pedro de Atacama: desert weather is very dry and extremely hot in summer but chilly nights though. Moderate hot during the day and very cold during nights in winter. Light clothing during the day and warm ones during the nights, especially in winter.
• Easter Island: subtropical weather. Very hot from October to April. And rainy from June to September. Light clothing during the entire year.
• Santiago, Valparaíso and Central Zone: Mediterranean weather with dry and hot summers and cold and rainy winters. In summer, light clothing during the day and a mid-light jacket for evenings and nights. In winter warm clothes and a waterproof jacket and shoes in case of rain.
• Lakes Region: humid cold weather with moderate temperatures during summer and cold and very rainy-snowy during winter. In summer, mid-light clothing during the day and a warm jacket for evenings and nights. In winter, very warm clothes. Waterproof clothing and shoes are important to bring for the entire year.
• Patagonia: austral weather with the Antarctic influence is very unstable with the sun, rain and wind during summer. During winter, very extreme weather is freezing and snow. In summer, warm-light clothing during the day and a warm jacket for evenings and nights. In winter, very warm clothes. Waterproof clothing and shoes are important to bring for the entire year.