Snow-capped mountain reflecting in the water at sunset, Torres del Paine

Chile FAQs

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Written by
Jennifer Richt, Lily Bunker, David Corvacho Puente, Berni De Luca & Melanie Vieira

Published on: October 21st, 2012

Last modified: September 26th, 2023

We've compiled our list of most frequently asked questions to help you get prepared before your big adventure to Chile. Please read through the questions, using the navigation bar on the left hand side of your page to move easily between the different sections.

Please note that requirements and advice can change so we do recommend you check in with your own travel insurer, doctor and relevant local embassies before embarking on your adventure.

Are there any entry requirements for Chile?

 

Visas

EU, US or Canadian citizens do not require visas to enter Chile. For nationalities that do need to obtain a visa before travel, we can help you with obtaining hotel confirmations and a confirmed itinerary, these are the documents usually required by the embassy. We do recommend that you make sure you have enough time to complete the process before travel.

Passports

Passports should have two blank pages in them and they must be in date and valid for travel.

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. 

Paperwork

We recommend filling in the SAG affidavit before your international flight to Chile. This can only be filled out 48 hours before arrival. Please follow this link and click on “Iniciar trámite” (start process). You will need to select your nationality which will only be written in Spanish, for example: USA is written as ‘Estados Unidos’

You will be redirected to a new page and you need to click “Siguiente” (next). Unless you hold a Chilen ID, you need to select the option “Sin clave única”. After this, you will be able to select your language and the arrival route. Please select SCL for Santiago de Chile International airport and “Commercial aeroplane”. Finally, please include your personal details and bring a copy to the airport before boarding the international flight to Chile.

You will be given an arrival form at immigration when you land in Chile and half of this form will be torn off and passed back to you. Please keep this safe as you will need to show it on departure.

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

Are there any laws, rules or regulations I should be aware of?

 

You are required to carry ID at all times in Chile. We recommend keeping a colour photocopy of your passport with you when you’re out during the day or evening. You should leave original documents in the hotel safety deposit box. We also recommend keeping the name, address and phone number of your hotel written down or saved in your phone while you’re out and about. 

There are strict biosecurity laws enforced on entry to Chile. These include the ban on bringing in certain food items. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Animal products
  • Flowers

 

Do I need travel insurance?

 

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Do I need to visit a travel doctor before my trip?

 

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel. 

Some vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Latin America include: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis.

Travelling at Altitude

Altitude sickness can affect everyone and to different degrees. On arrival at altitude, to help you acclimatise it’s best to take it easy and not physically exert yourself. Staying hydrated is very important so drink lots of water, take meals which are easy to digest and avoid alcohol during your first days at altitude. Some of our guests take medication and so you may wish to speak with your doctor about this.

What do I need to know about my regional flights?

 

Typically regional flights in Chile will be on the regional carrier LATAM with a luggage restriction of 23kg/55lbs and a hand luggage allowance of 8kg/17lbs per person in economy class. 

Please let us know if you have seat assignment preferences and we will notify the airlines. Please note that seat assignment is subject to change and always at the discretion of the airline. 

Our team on the ground will be able to check you in online 24 hours prior to your flight. On some routes we sometimes use the Chilean low cost airline, Sky Airlines as occasionally their schedules offer preferable timings and routes. Although luggage is not included as standard we are able to add one checked bag per person to your flight.

What will I receive from Jacada before I depart?

 

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive in Chile.

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

 

Do I need to bring the local currency?

 

We recommend bringing some of the local currency (Chilean Pesos) with you if you can, to cover incidental purchases before you have access to an ATM. US Dollars are also accepted widely, though you will have to keep an eye on the exchange rate given. ATMs in major towns and cities will dispense local currency and sometimes USD Dollars. If you are bringing US Dollars from home to exchange then please bring new notes, not older than 2011 and they should be clean with no rips or tears.

ATMs are available in the major cities. Some areas such as the Atacama Desert or Lake District do have ATMs but they can be unreliable or busy so it’s best to plan ahead, taking out the cash you need before travelling to more remote areas. 

Travellers cheques are accepted in some hotels in Chile. However we don’t usually suggest bringing them as they can be troublesome and time consuming to change.

Credit cards are accepted with almost as much frequency as they are at home and you can use them in most places, excluding local markets or shops where you need local currency. Some restaurants and shops may ask to see your passport (or a photocopy) when you use your credit card. This is a precaution against fraud.

Can you tell me about tipping and etiquette in Chile?

 

Tipping

Although tipping is discretionary many workers in the tourism industry do rely on tips to make up part of their income. 

  • 10-15% for restaurant and bar staff
  • USD 20 per day for professional guides in cities. 
  • USD 1-2 for hotel or airport porters per bag 
  • USD 5 for drivers on short transfers, perhaps from the airport. You can add more if they have been very helpful.

You can use US dollars for larger tips in lodges and try to use local currency for smaller tips in the cities. You should plan the amount of US dollars you bring from home ahead of time.

Please speak with your concierge or travel designer about tipping if you are taking a longer, overnight trek.

Etiquette

It’s important to be respectful when taking photographs of strangers when in Chile, particularly in rural areas. It’s best to ask your guide before starting to take pictures to make sure it’s appropriate – you may need to leave a small tip and the guide will explain this to you.

What’s the weather like and how should I pack?

 

Below you’ll find our essentials list, please feel free to speak with your travel designer or member of the concierge team for a more personalised list.

Atacama Desert

It’s best to bring lighter, looser clothing for the day and warmer, thicker options for the nights when temperatures do drop quite significantly. High-factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are also encouraged.

Torres del Paine

Since there are strong winds, rain and snow on some days in the area, it is very important to have the proper clothing for these occasions.

Upper Body

  • Quick-drying T-shirt – The advantage of special fibers is that they dry very quickly and, hence, the body does not chill.
  • Polartech or fleece jacket – Essential, it keeps you warm and protects you from the wind.
  • Water repellent jacket – Gore-Tex protects from the rain, while at the same time allowing perspiration to evaporate, so that the body does not chill.
  • Polartec gloves – Ideally, take two pairs.

Legs

  • Leggings or stockings of quick drying fibre
  • Water repellent trousers (Gore-Tex).
  • Shorts for when it is hot
  • Polartec trousers for campsites

Head

  • Wool or polartec cap (two)
  • Polartec neck warmer
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • At least factor 45 Sunblock
  • Lip Salve

Feet

  • Polartech or polypropylene socks.
  • Trekking shoes, preferably calf length to avoid sprains. Try them out at least a week beforehand to ensure that they are comfortable.
  • Comfortable shoes for resting – for base camps and to rest your feet.
  • Gaiters (optional) – to cover the bottom of the trousers and boots and prevent mud, water or snow from penetrating to your socks and wetting your feet.

Additional items

  • Polarised sunglasses
  • Swimming costume
  • Camera/Smartphone with all the necessary charging leads, plugs and batteries
  • Earplugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars – your guide will have a pair but having your own can mean that you see a bit more for a bit longer
  • Day bag for carrying all your daily essentials, depending on the time of year and where you’re visiting you should also consider a dry bag.

It is possible to do laundry at most hotels in Chile, it’s worth checking the price list as it can be a little expensive. The exception can be very remote lodges, especially along the Austral Highway.

Should I make restaurant reservations?

 

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

 

How can I keep connected on my trip?

 

Plugs and power

For Chile there are two associated plug types, types C and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and type L is the plug which has three round pins. Chile operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. Adapters are easily available to purchase in big cities and sometimes hotels can provide a spare one if you need one.

Wifi and internet connection

Wifi is common in all larger city hotels and in most other frequently visited areas on your trip. In more remote areas the connection can be patchy and is not always available throughout the entire property, sometimes only being available in the common areas or in the rooms. 

Not all properties offer wifi so if this sort of connectivity is very important to you please do discuss this with your travel designer. Having said this Chile is proudly one of the leaders in connectivity in Latin America.

Remote areas

Cell phone reception and roaming may let you down in some remote areas so please bear this in mind if you need to stay in touch while on your trip. It is possible to buy local sim cards in Chile and these can be handy when keeping connected with those in your group, your guides or folks back home.

Please contact your Jacada travel designer or concierge before your trip with any further questions.