Organize your stay Chile
Money Chile
Currency. Chile's national currency is the Chilean peso, denominated $ (not to be confused with the US dollar, denominated US$). It circulates in the form of banknotes (1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 pesos) and coins (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 pesos). The peso is relatively stable against the dollar and European currencies, as a result of the neoliberal economic policies implemented in the early 1980s. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted in hotels, and entitle you to deduction of the IVA (19%). Other currencies are less widely used and therefore traded at less attractive rates. You'll often hear the expression "luca", which means 1,000 pesos. " Dame 3 lucas" means "Give me 3,000 pesos".
Exchange rates. In summer 2023, exchange rates are as follows: 1 € = $868; 1 US$ = $794; 1 CAN$ = $602; 1 CHF = $889.
Budget & Tips Chile
First of all, Patagonia is more expensive than anywhere else in Chile. Indeed, Chilean Patagonia is far from cheap. Generally speaking, prices are higher on the Route Austral than in the more developed Magellanic South. But it all depends on how you travel... Finally, everywhere else, prices are more or less the same. In the northern villages, close to the Peruvian and Bolivian borders, prices are gentler and accommodation much cheaper than in the rest of the country. Here are three examples to help you plan your daily budget.
Small budgets, if well equipped, will be able to count on between $10,000 and $15,000 per person for a room (less for camping); between $3,500 and $6,000 for a menu; buses are relatively expensive on the Route Austral; hitchhiking can work, however, if your schedule is flexible. Less than $20,000 a day is pretty unrealistic... or you'll have to cut back on extras like excursions and guided tours: don't panic, though, as many hiking, walking and other options are free: yes, nature, thank goodness, remains accessible to all.
For the mid-range budget, expect to pay between $15,000 and $35,000 per person for accommodation, with meals costing between $5,000 and $10,000; outings, excursions and transportation must be added on. Expect to pay between $30,000 and $50,000 per person per day.
Bigger budgets can expect to pay between $50,000 and $90,000 per person for accommodation; between $10,000 and $20,000 per meal; and can easily do without buses and opt for air travel (although this is much more expensive and not always justified). Don't count on less than $60,000 to $80,000 per person per day, especially if you want to indulge in excursions, outings and restaurants.
Passport and visas Chile
European Union citizens do not need a visato enter Chile. You must present a valid passport (still valid six months after the date of return). A three-month residence permit will then be stamped in your passport (free of charge). To renew your residence permit, it's much simpler to leave the country and re-enter (a new stamp for three months). A trip to Patagonia easily lends itself to this kind of border crossing. You will only need a visa if you wish to stay for more than three months (if, for example, you wish to apply for a working vacation permit). For other nationalities, please contact the nearest Chilean consulate.
Passports issued in France are now biometric. It includes your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain your passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, an identity document and two passport photos. The passport is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years). Before you leave, remember to photocopy all the documents you take with you. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much easier to renew your passport with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.
Working vacation permits. Every year, Chile welcomes young French people under the Working Holiday Program, a temporary visa that allows you to travel for a year while working to finance your trip. To qualify, you need to meet a few prerequisites: have a valid French passport, be between the ages of 18 and 30, and have 2,500 euros at your disposal when you enter the country. Since the beginning of this program initiated in 2015 in Chile, quotas have been imposed, but these have been revised upwards in recent years. Chile welcomes 400 French nationals and 750 Canadians every year. Regarding the procedure, you'll need to complete and submit a file to the Chilean consulate in your country. To complete your application, you'll need to gather together a number of documents, including a letter of motivation, a medical certificate, an extract from the criminal record and an insurance quote. Also note that in Chile, the PVT application has been a two-stage process since summer 2019: in addition to compiling the file, the Chilean authorities have added an additional stage on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Finally, you'll need to pay a fee of 115 euros (or 135 US$ for Canadians) when you collect your visa for Chile. For more information, visit www.pvtistes.net.
Driver's license Chile
In Chile, you can use the driver's license issued by your country of origin (France, Belgium, Switzerland or Canada), although we ideally advise you to opt for an international license, valid for up to three years. Even if police checks on your pink card are generally lenient, insurance companies will certainly not be in the same frame of mind in the event of an accident or mishap. So you'll need an international driver's license, or you can get one on the spot. In Chile, officially, you can't drive for more than three months, even with an international license. In this case, you'll need a local permit. This costs the equivalent of $20,000, and includes a 35-question theory test, a medical examination and a driving test. You'll also need proof of residence in the commune where you're taking the test (if you don't have any, ask a friend for proof of accommodation), a RUT (valid Chilean identity card), and a certificate of your driver's license diploma translated into Spanish and stamped by the embassy of the issuing country in Chile. However, even if we have to tell you about these formalities, you should be aware that it's a theory that's rarely applied, and that in most cases, Chilean police and rental agencies don't seem to care about these procedures.
To rent a vehicle, the minimum age is 21, although this may vary according to car category. For a 4x4 or campervan, for example, some agencies will not rent a vehicle under the age of 25. To cross the border from one country to another, you'll need to show proof of authorization to drive in the country concerned. In the vast majority of cases, this authorization is provided by the vehicle rental agency. Last but not least, insurance is compulsory, and a certificate must be presented at every inspection. Last but not least, since 2012, there has been zero tolerance for alcohol in the blood. So don't take any chances - it could cost you dearly.
Health Chile
There are some health peculiarities in Chile, but as a general rule, cosmopolitan diseases (such as flu, ENT, lung or urinary tract infections) are more to be feared than tropical diseases! The seasons are reversed compared to Europe (we are in the southern hemisphere) and the diseases follow this trend: viruses such as influenza also occur during the winter, from June to August. Travelling in this country does not therefore require any particular health precautions or vaccinations. However, the risks of hypothermia do exist for unprepared or ill-equipped hikers: the weather conditions can indeed be extreme and do not count on diligent help. Don't forget that the wind is sometimes very violent: remember to protect your body, neck, hands and also your lips.
Mandatory vaccination Chile
At the beginning of 2023, entry into Chile required either a complete covid 19 vaccination schedule or a negative PCR test less than 48 hours old. As regulations in this area are evolving rapidly, we recommend that you consider this when planning your trip.
Security Chile
In Santiago and Valparaíso , there is some petty crime, but with a certain amount of vigilance, nothing should happen. Just make sure you blend in with the crowd and avoid dressing up as a tourist: you'd be easy prey for pickpockets and other snatchers. In the rest of the country, no problem: people are very hospitable and will bend over backwards to help you, and if you're unlucky enough to be hassled, you can be sure that the locals will come to your defense and raise their voice.
Single women should, unfortunately, avoid walking around at dusk and at night, and be indifferent to the "piropo " culture. A typical Latino compliment of admiration, it can sometimes be disrespectful and insistent: clear, precise answers are enough to keep the most assiduous away. Generally speaking, they're not dangerous, but simply a nuisance.
Last but not least, danger also lies in so-called "natural" hazards: volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes... Chile rumbles regularly.
For the latest information on safety in Chile, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which can sometimes give a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Chile
The time difference with France is 4 hours during the Chilean summer (reversed from ours) and 6 hours during the winter. So, in January, when it is 8pm in Paris, it is 4pm in Chile. On the other hand, in July, when it is 8pm in Paris, it is 2pm in Chile.
Spoken languages Chile
Spanish, often called here castellano (Castilian), is the official language in Chile. English is spoken by some tourist service providers (hotels, car rental agencies...), but don't believe in miracles... especially in Patagonia! German can be an alternative in the south, especially in the Lakes region...). You should not rely too much on French during your trip, even if it is always possible to find an establishment run by a compatriot.
Communication Chile
Telephone coverage is excellent around Santiago: outside these areas, the further you travel into the countryside, the more capricious the network becomes. In some remote areas, only satellite telephones work, and even then. All along the Careterra Austral, for example, the network is virtually non-existent. If you take out a country-specific mobile subscription, be sure to check coverage, as it may be limited to just a few towns or a single area (usually you'll need a specific package for Easter Island). Note also that some French operators allow you to use your subscription in a foreign country without going over budget. In this case, you'll enjoy unlimited calls, SMS and Internet. As for wifi, it's free, but not yet available everywhere. Finally, Internet terminals and self-service computers, while still present, are gradually disappearing from the landscape.
Electricity and measurements Chile
Alternating current is 220 volts. Sockets have three flat plugs, like those increasingly used in Argentina. It's a good idea to bring an adapter with you. Chile uses the metric system.
Luggage Chile
Of course, it all depends on the season and which regions are on the program. Here are a few useful tips when packing. First of all, opt for a soft-sided bag of between 50 and 80 liters, and forget about clamshell suitcases: with the long distances you'll be covering, your suitcases are likely to get roughed up, and we can't guarantee that the terrain will always be stable enough to roll them on!
Above all, don't forget that the seasons are reversed. In the icy, windy regions of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the cold is generally the order of the day, and in order to be perfectly prepared, you'll need to observe a few basic rules. When it comes to clothing, make sure you respect the three-layer principle: the under-layer must be thin, thermal and breathable (this is a garment with insulating properties to prevent loss of body heat), for the second layer opt for a fleece and for the third and final layer choose something waterproof and hard-wearing: a down jacket or a heavy windbreaker. Top it all off with light, waterproof pants, gloves, a scarf and a hat. Even in midsummer, the cold wind can chill your bones. Experienced hikers will set off on the Patagonian trails fully equipped and prepared. Trekking in these latitudes is dangerous, both for your skin (reduced ozone layer) and your endurance (strong winds, difficult routes, etc.). Don't go off the beaten track unless you're an experienced walker and have the necessary equipment (compass, GPS, etc.).
In addition to your wardrobe, don't forget sun cream (despite the cold, the sun's reflection can be treacherous), sunglasses, waterproof shoes, chapped-lip stick, a flashlight, a few basic medicines, a water bottle or reusable bottle and a waterproof bag in case of heavy rain! It's a good idea to bring an adapter for electrical outlets.
