What is the best time to visit Chile?

The best time to visit Chile depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Palacio de La Moneda. Check weather patterns for Americas before booking.

What currency does Chile use?

Chile uses the Chilean peso ($). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Chile?

Empanadas de Pino is one of Chile's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Pastel de Choclo and Curanto. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Chile visa-free?

93 countries can enter Chile without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Chile safe for tourists?

Chile is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Chile

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in western South America.

Capital

Santiago

Language

Spanish

Currency

Chilean peso ($)

Population

20.2M

Timezone

UTC-06:00

Visa-free access

93 countries

Travelling to Chile

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in western South America. It is the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica.

Chile is located in South America, Americas. The capital is Santiago, and the official language is Spanish. The local currency is the Chilean peso ($). With a population of 20.2M, Chile is a mid-sized country in Americas.

Chile offers visa-free entry to 93 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. The remaining 105 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Top places to visit in Chile

Palacio de La Moneda

A Neoclassical landmark designed by Joaquín Toesca in 1784; originally the royal mint; its stark white courtyards and the 'shatter-crisp' geometry of the Plaza de la Ciudadanía offer a high-gravity look at Chilean political history.

Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Housed in the former Royal Customs House; this avant-garde curation features ancestral textiles and Andean 'Keros' (vessels); the high-precision lighting in the 'Chile Before Chile' exhibit highlights the spiritual power of Mapuche chemamull totems.

Sky Costanera

The tallest building in South America at 300 meters; the observation deck provides a 360-degree panoramic view where the glass-and-steel 'Sanhattan' financial district meets the snow-capped majesty of the Andes.

Barrio Lastarria

A bohemian enclave of European-inspired architecture and cobblestone paths; the 'insider' ritual involves a glass of Maipo Valley Carménère at sunset as the smell of roasting coffee and old-world luxury permeates the air.

Cerro Santa Lucía

A sculpted hilltop park featuring the 19th-century Castillo Hidalgo; the panoramic vista from the yellow stone ramparts offers a high-contrast view of the urban sprawl against the jagged Andean silhouette.

Historic Quarter

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a vertical labyrinth of Victorian-era architecture and avant-garde street art; the sound of creaking century-old funiculars and the smell of sea brine define this 'Jewel of the Pacific'.

See all 51 places in Chile →

What to eat in Chile

Explore all Chile dishes →

Chile visa requirements

Visa-free

105

Visa required

Countries that can visit Chile visa-free

93 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Africa

Oceania

Before you go to Chile

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Chile immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: Chilean peso

The local currency is $. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Spanish

Spanish is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Chile's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Chile

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Chile 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Chile

51 places, 5 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Chile

Chile — your questions

It depends on your passport. 93 countries can enter Chile visa-free. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.