Chile is a slender ribbon of land flanked by the South Pacific Ocean to the west, and surrounded by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The country is a mystifying amalgam of extraordinarily diverse scenery, vibrant cultures, and exciting cities. From the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica to the driest desert in the world at Atacama, volcanoes to tropical islands, Chile boasts nearly every landscape imaginable. One of the country’s defining characteristics is its warm culture, summarised in its motto of ‘buena onda’ (‘good vibes’). Rituals surrounding relaxation and connection - such as the ‘mate’ tea custom - are integral to Chilean culture, as well as a strong connection with food, music and dance. World-class cities like Santiago weave together 21st century global culture and time-honoured traditions, and provide everything from phenomenal restaurants and buzzing nightlife to gorgeous, trendy beaches. Wine lovers will also find worlds of taste to explore in the lush valleys of vineyards offering some of the best wine on earth.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Chilean Peso
Symbol: $
ISO code: CLP
Subunit: Centavo
Banknotes: $1000, $2000, $5000, $10000, $20000
Coins: $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline
International Airports: Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez)
Domestic Airports: El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt), La Araucanía International Airport (Temuco)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: Yes
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Chilean cuisine is diverse, influenced by indigenous Mapuche, Spanish, and other European culinary traditions. Highlights include empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn pie), and cazuela (stew). Notable localdrinks include pisco, Chilean wine, and mote conhuesillo.
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 2000mm
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 25°C - 35°C
Average lows: 10°C - 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 5°C - 15°C
Average lows: -5°C - 5°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Chile depends on the region. Generally, summer (December to February) is ideal for coastal areas, while winter (June to August) is popular for skiing in the Andes.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type L
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Ranging from balmy subtropical reaches in the north to the frosty Antarctic shores of the Patagonian south, Argentina is one of the world’s most geographically diverse countries. Its kaleidoscope of landscapes offers endless adventure and leisure opportunities, and this natural variety – coupled with its warm, animated locals, delectable carnivorous cuisine, and fascinating history – makes it a captivating and unforgettable travel destination. Allow yourself to be spellbound by the spectacular torrents of Iguazu Falls, the sprawling ski slopes of Bariloche, the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, or the age-old Inca city of Humahuaca. Argentina has gifts to delight and mesmerize even the most seasoned explorer.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Argentine Peso
Symbol: $
ISO code: ARS
Subunit: Centavo
Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1, $2, $5, $10
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM Argentina
International Airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza), Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque)
Domestic Airports: Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella International Airport (Cordoba), Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (Mendoza)
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: Yes
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Argentine cuisine is known for its beef, especially the famous Argentine steak. Other traditional dishes include empanadas, choripán (sausage sandwich), and locro (a hearty stew). The country is also renowned for its wines, particularly Malbec, and yerba mate, a traditional South American infused drink.
Tipping: 10-15%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region
Average temperature: 18°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 15°C
Average lows: 5°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Argentina is during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type I
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.