Americas · South America

Chile

Republic of Chile

Flag of Chile
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-06:00
🏛️ Capital
Santiago
👥 Population
20,206,953
📐 Area
756,102 km²
💱 Currency
Chilean peso ($)
🗣️ Languages
Spanish
📞 Calling Code
+56
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-06:00, UTC-04:00
🌐 Region
Americas / South America

About Chile

Chile stretches like a ribbon down the western edge of South America, offering one of the most geographically diverse travel experiences on the planet. From the driest desert on Earth in the north to the windswept glaciers of Patagonia in the south, this slender nation packs in an extraordinary range of landscapes, climates, and adventures. Whether you are hiking through ancient forests, watching geysers erupt at sunrise, or sipping world-class Carmenère in the Central Valley, Chile rewards every type of traveler with something genuinely unforgettable.

You will find that Chilean cities blend cosmopolitan energy with deep cultural roots. Santiago, the vibrant capital, sits framed by the snow-capped Andes and serves as a launching pad for countless adventures. The colorful port city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dazzles with street art, clifftop funiculars, and a bohemian spirit that has inspired poets and artists for generations. Meanwhile, the Lake District in the south offers a patchwork of volcanoes, sapphire lakes, and Germanic-influenced towns that feel like a world apart.

Patagonia alone makes Chile worth the journey. Torres del Paine National Park stands as one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth, where jagged granite towers pierce the sky above turquoise lakes and wandering guanacos. The Atacama Desert in the north offers an entirely different kind of wonder — moonlike salt flats, rainbow-colored valleys, and some of the clearest night skies in the world. Chile's sheer variety means you can experience multiple continents' worth of scenery within a single trip, making it a destination that keeps calling you back.

History & Background

Chile's history stretches back over 10,000 years to the indigenous peoples who settled the region long before European contact. The Mapuche people of the central and southern regions were among the few indigenous groups in the Americas to successfully resist Spanish conquest for centuries, signing peace treaties and maintaining their autonomy through remarkable military resistance. Spanish colonization formally began in 1541 when Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago, initiating a colonial era that would reshape the land and its people.

Independence from Spain came in 1818 after years of struggle led by Bernardo O'Higgins and Argentine general José de San Martín. The 19th century brought rapid territorial expansion through the War of the Pacific, while the 20th century was marked by political turbulence, including the landmark 1970 election of Salvador Allende, the world's first democratically elected Marxist president, and the subsequent 1973 military coup by General Augusto Pinochet. Chile's transition back to democracy in 1990 and its subsequent economic growth transformed it into one of Latin America's most stable and prosperous nations.

Culture & People

Chilean culture is a rich tapestry woven from indigenous Mapuche heritage, Spanish colonial history, and waves of European immigration that arrived in the 19th and 20th centuries. Chileans are known for their warm hospitality and a strong sense of national pride, particularly around food, folklore, and the legendary independence celebration of Fiestas Patrias every September. Family ties run deep, and Sunday gatherings around a long lunch table are a cherished ritual across the country.

The arts scene in Chile punches well above its weight globally. The country has produced two Nobel Prize-winning poets — Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda — and literature, music, and visual arts remain central to Chilean identity. Traditional cueca dancing, with its handkerchief-waving courtship steps, is the official national dance and comes alive during national holidays. From the indigenous craft markets of the Atacama to the cutting-edge galleries of Santiago's Lastarria neighborhood, culture in Chile is always present and proudly displayed.

Food & Cuisine

Chilean cuisine is hearty, honest, and deeply tied to the land and sea. Given the country's 4,000-kilometer coastline, seafood plays a starring role — look for fresh ceviche, locos (abalone), and the beloved caldillo de congrio, a rich conger eel soup that Pablo Neruda famously immortalized in verse. Empanadas de pino, filled with spiced beef, onion, and hard-boiled egg, are a national staple enjoyed at every social gathering. Asado, the Chilean take on barbecue, is a sacred social ritual best enjoyed with friends and a cold Cristal beer on a weekend afternoon.

Street food and market culture thrive across Chile, and a visit to any central market reveals the abundance of the country's agricultural heartland. Sopaipillas — fried pumpkin dough — are the quintessential street snack, especially on rainy days. The Central Valley produces world-renowned wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and the uniquely Chilean Carmenère grape. No visit is complete without sampling a pisco sour, the beloved cocktail made from Chilean pisco, lemon juice, and sugar that sparks friendly rivalry with neighboring Peru over its true origins.

Top Attractions

  • Torres del Paine National Park — Patagonia's crown jewel featuring iconic granite towers, glaciers, and world-class trekking routes including the famous W and O circuits.
  • Atacama Desert — The driest non-polar desert on Earth, home to the Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, flamingo-dotted salt flats, and extraordinary stargazing.
  • Valparaíso — A UNESCO-listed port city of steep hillside neighborhoods, colorful street art, creaking funiculars, and a thriving arts and restaurant scene.
  • Easter Island (Rapa Nui) — A remote Pacific island of immense mystery, famous for its nearly 1,000 massive stone moai statues and rich Polynesian culture.
  • Chiloé Archipelago — A misty island chain known for its wooden stilt churches (UNESCO-listed), unique cuisine, colorful palafito houses, and rich Chilote folklore.
  • San Pedro de Atacama — The gateway town to Atacama's wonders, offering adobe architecture, artisan markets, and easy access to the region's surreal landscapes.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book Torres del Paine permits months in advance — the park has strict daily visitor limits during high season (December–February).
  • Carry cash in smaller denominations outside Santiago, as ATMs and card payment can be unreliable in remote areas like the Atacama and Patagonia.
  • Buses in Chile are excellent and comfortable for long-distance travel; overnight sleeper buses between Santiago and southern destinations save time and hotel costs.
  • Chile uses Type C and Type L electrical outlets (220V) — bring a universal adapter if your devices use Type A plugs.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases — while English is spoken in major tourist areas and hotels, it is less common outside cities and major parks.
  • Sun protection is critical at high altitudes in the Atacama and Andes — UV radiation is intense; wear sunscreen, a hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Tip around 10% in restaurants; it is customary but not always automatically included in the bill (check for "propina" on the receipt).

Visa Overview

Citizens of the United States, Canada, European Union, Australia, and most Latin American countries do not require a visa to enter Chile for tourism stays of up to 90 days. Upon arrival, you will receive a Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card) that must be kept and surrendered on departure — losing it can result in fines. Passport validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay is generally required. Always check the latest entry requirements with the Chilean embassy or consulate in your home country before travel, as regulations can change.

Getting Around

Chile's long, narrow geography makes domestic flights a practical necessity for covering large distances quickly — airlines like LATAM and Sky Airline connect Santiago to Punta Arenas, Calama, and other regional hubs affordably. Within cities, Santiago's Metro system is modern, affordable, and easy to navigate. Long-distance buses operated by companies like Turbus and Pullman Bus are comfortable and reliable for reaching destinations not served by budget flights. In Patagonia, renting a car gives you unmatched flexibility, especially along the scenic Carretera Austral.

Safety Notes

Chile is one of South America's safest travel destinations, but standard urban precautions apply in Santiago and Valparaíso — be mindful of pickpockets in crowded markets and tourist areas, avoid displaying expensive electronics openly, and stick to well-lit streets after dark. Natural hazard awareness is important: Chile sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences earthquakes and occasional volcanic activity. Familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures. When trekking in Patagonia or the Atacama, always carry enough water, sun protection, and inform someone of your route.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Chile.

Chilean peso (CLP) $
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.012539
AAVE 0.000011
ADA 0.005829
AED 0.003985
AFN 0.071020
AGIX 0.019070
AKT 0.002111
ALGO 0.013181
ALL 0.086096
AMD 0.393883
AMP 2.828622
ANG 0.001944
AOA 0.996532
APE 0.008438
APT 0.001940
AR 0.000584
ARB 0.012406
ARS 1.624471
ATOM 0.000727
ATS 0.012782
AUD 0.001527
AVAX 0.000160
AWG 0.001942
AXS 0.001204
AZM 9.223069
AZN 0.001845
BAKE 1.559933
BAM 0.001817
BAT 0.017354
BBD 0.002170
BCH 0.000005
BDT 0.132031
BEF 0.037472
BGN 0.001817
BHD 0.000408
BIF 3.227420
BMD 0.001085
BNB 0.000002
BND 0.001380
BOB 0.012463
BRL 0.005619
BSD 0.001085
BSV 0.000068
BSW 2.994110
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.018332
BTG 0.002473
BTN 0.103758
BTT 3,988.389790
BUSD 0.001084
BWP 0.014595
BYN 0.003281
BYR 21.264668
BZD 0.002180
CAD 0.001498
CAKE 0.000673
CDF 2.487476
CELO 0.017339
CFX 0.024774
CHF 0.000867
CHZ 0.084883
CNH 0.007298
CNY 0.007298
COMP 0.000059
COP 3.312557
CRC 0.488520
CRO 0.021776
CRV 0.004159
CSPR 0.406282
CUC 0.001085
CUP 0.028751
CVE 0.102431
CVX 0.000671
CYP 0.000544
CZK 0.022451
DAI 0.001085
DASH 0.000034
DCR 0.000092
DEM 0.001817
DFI 1.090491
DJF 0.192725
DKK 0.006944
DOGE 0.014453
DOP 0.063372
DOT 0.001371
DYDX 0.009864
DZD 0.144007
EEK 0.014534
EGLD 0.000382
EGP 0.054962
ENJ 0.042882
EOS 0.016441
ERN 0.016276
ESP 0.154557
ETB 0.176345
ETC 0.000164
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000929
EURC 0.000935
FEI 0.001084
FIL 0.001612
FIM 0.005523
FJD 0.002388
FKP 0.000797
FLOW 0.037530
FLR 0.168764
FRAX 0.001094
FRF 0.006093
FTT 0.005228
GALA 0.753047
GBP 0.000797
GEL 0.002827
GGP 0.000797
GHC 120.068833
GHS 0.012007
GIP 0.000797
GMD 0.080410
GMX 0.000159
GNF 9.522438
GNO 0.000009
GRD 0.316525
GRT 0.077551
GT 0.000156
GTQ 0.008259
GUSD 0.001087
GYD 0.225705
HBAR 0.015311
HKD 0.008509
HNL 0.029009
HNT 0.006260
HOT 3.213216
HRK 0.006999
HT 0.009555
HTG 0.141130
HUF 0.338041
ICP 0.000468
IDR 19.316757
IEP 0.000732
ILS 0.003232
IMP 0.000797
IMX 0.010372
INJ 0.000234
INR 0.103758
IQD 1.413271
IRR 1,491.347550
ISK 0.132101
ITL 1.798616
JEP 0.000797
JMD 0.170461
JOD 0.000769
JPY 0.171831
KAS 0.040693
KAVA 0.026362
KCS 0.000149
KDA 0.231090
KES 0.140457
KGS 0.094994
KHR 4.370089
KLAY 0.044146
KMF 0.456993
KNC 0.010254
KPW 0.976439
KRW 1.512191
KSM 0.000352
KWD 0.000334
KYD 0.000901
KZT 0.500524
LAK 24.326910
LBP 96.989312
LDO 0.003202
LEO 0.000117
LINK 0.000104
LKR 0.357042
LRC 0.136395
LRD 0.196469
LSL 0.017471
LTC 0.000023
LTL 0.003207
LUF 0.037472
LUNA 0.024541
LUNC 21.477724
LVL 0.000653
LYD 0.006866
MAD 0.010042
MANA 0.016186
MBX 0.052472
MDL 0.018601
MGA 4.647644
MGF 23.238221
MINA 0.025392
MKD 0.057290
MKR 0.000001
MMK 2.278103
MNT 3.903532
MOP 0.008765
MRO 0.432173
MRU 0.043217
MTL 0.000399
MUR 0.050967
MVR 0.016774
MWK 1.872927
MXN 0.018390
MXV 0.002099
MYR 0.004387
MZM 69.244467
MZN 0.069244
NAD 0.017471
NEAR 0.000622
NEO 0.000596
NEXO 0.001453
NFT 3,852.839337
NGN 1.461295
NIO 0.039814
NLG 0.002047
NOK 0.010122
NPR 0.166091
NZD 0.001825
OKB 0.000011
OMR 0.000418
ONE 1.504000
OP 0.012217
ORDI 0.000295
PAB 0.001085
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.003636
PEPE 374.585457
PGK 0.004872
PHP 0.066862
PI 0.012075
PKR 0.299971
PLN 0.004012
POL 0.013293
PTE 0.186229
PYG 6.492773
QAR 0.003950
QNT 0.000018
QTUM 0.001503
ROL 48.734037
RON 0.004873
RPL 0.000698
RSD 0.109005
RUB 0.091137
RUNE 0.002544
RVN 0.416244
RWF 1.591145
SAND 0.026271
SAR 0.004069
SBD 0.008681
SCR 0.015740
SDD 65.123201
SDG 0.651232
SEK 0.010240
SGD 0.001380
SHIB 229.009469
SHP 0.000797
SIT 0.222603
SKK 0.027984
SLE 0.024862
SLL 24.862115
SNX 0.005294
SOL 0.000013
SOS 0.615389
SPL 0.000181
SRD 0.041022
SRG 41.022472
SSP 6.151351
STD 22.906708
STN 0.022907
STX 0.008318
SUI 0.001538
SVC 0.009495
SYP 14.106286
SZL 0.017471
THB 0.035628
THETA 0.007219
TJS 0.009953
TMM 18.985159
TMT 0.003797
TND 0.003145
TOP 0.002585
TRL 52,035.096952
TRX 0.003249
TRY 0.052035
TTD 0.007335
TUSD 0.001087
TVD 0.001527
TWD 0.034546
TWT 0.002713
TZS 2.871966
UAH 0.048463
UGX 4.031694
UNI 0.000296
USD 0.001085
USDC 0.001085
USDD 0.001086
USDP 0.001086
USDT 0.001085
UYU 0.043415
UZS 12.744771
VAL 1.798616
VEB 84,232,483.352134
VED 0.840438
VEF 84,043.823306
VES 0.840438
VET 0.223551
VND 28.345386
VUV 0.128344
WAVES 0.005502
WEMIX 0.005607
WOO 0.098372
WST 0.002922
XAF 0.609324
XAG 0.000016
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.002937
XCG 0.001944
XCH 0.000766
XDC 0.039008
XDR 0.000792
XEC 154.755999
XEM 2.317653
XLM 0.006318
XMR 0.000003
XOF 0.609324
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.110848
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.000978
XTZ 0.004981
YER 0.257244
ZAR 0.017471
ZEC 0.000002
ZIL 0.446399
ZMK 20.326991
ZMW 0.020327
ZWD 0.392695
ZWG 0.028940
ZWL 72.312490

No currencies match your search.

Cities in Chile 500
Browse all cities and towns
Achao Aisen Alerce Algarrobo Algarrobo Alhue Alhue Alto del Carmen Alto Hospicio Alto Jahuel Ancud Andacollo Andacollo Angol Angol Antofagasta Antofagasta Antuco Arauco Arica Arica Batuco Bollenar Buin Buin Buin Bulnes Cabildo Cabildo Cabo de Horno Cabo de Hornos Cabrero Calama Calama Calbuco Caldera Caldera Calera Calera de Tango Calera de Tango Calera de Tango Calle Larga Calle Larga Camarones Camina Canela Canela Cañete Capitán Pastene Carahue Carahue Cartagena Cartagena Casablanca Casablanca Castro Catemu Catemu Cauquenes Cauquenes Chaitén Chañaral Chanaral Chanco Chanco Chépica Chicureo Chiguayante Chile Chico Chile Chico Chillán Chillán Viejo Chimbarongo Cholchol Chonchi Cisnes Cochrane Cochrane Codegua Coelemu Coihaique Coihueco Coinco Colbún Colbun Colchane Colina Colina Colina Collipulli Collipulli Coltauco Combarbalá Combarbala Concepción Concón Concon Constitucion Constitución Copiapó Copiapo Coquimbo Coquimbo Coronel Corral Coyhaique Cumpeo Cunco Cunco Curacautin Curacautín Curacavi Curacavi Curacaví Curanilahue Curarrehue Curarrehue Curepto Curepto Curicó Curico Dalcahue Dichato Diego de Almagro Diego de Almagro Doñihue El Carmen El Melón El Monte El Monte El Monte El Palqui El Principal El Quisco El Quisco El Salvador El Tabo El Tabo Empedrado Empedrado Entre Lagos Ercilla Ercilla Estación Yumbel Florida Freire Freire Freirina Freirina Fresia Frutillar Futaleufú Futrono Galvarino Galvarino General Lagos Gorbea Gorbea Graneros Guaitecas Gultro Hanga Roa Hijuelas Hijuelas Hornopirén Hospital Hualañé Hualane Hualpén Hualqui Huara Huasco Huasco Huelquén Huépil Illapel Illapel Iquique Iquique Isla de Maipo Isla de Maipo Isla de Maipo Isla de Pascua La Calera La Cruz La Cruz La Higuera La Ligua La Ligua La Punta La Serena La Serena La Unión Labranza Lago Ranco Lago Verde Laguna Blanca Laja Lampa Lampa Lampa Lanco Las Cabras Las Cruces Lautaro Lautaro Lebu Licán Ray Licanten Licantén Limache Limache Linares Linares Litueche Llaillay Llaillay Llanquihue Lo Miranda Lolol Loncoche Loncoche Longavi Longaví Lonquimay Lonquimay Lontué Los Álamos Los Andes Los Andes Los Ángeles Los Lagos Los Muermos Los Sauces Los Sauces Los Vilos Los Vilos Lota Lumaco Machalí Máfil Maitencillo Malloa Marchigüe Maria Elena María Elena Maria Pinto Maria Pinto María Pinto Maule Maule Maullín Mejillones Mejilones Melipeuco Melipeuco Melipilla Melipilla Melipilla Molina Molina Monte Águila Monte Patria Monte Patria Mulchén Nacimiento Nancagua Natales Negrete Niebla Nogales Nogales Nueva Imperial Nueva Imperial Nueva Toltén O'Higgins Ollague Olmue Olmué Osorno Ovalle Ovalle Padre Hurtado Padre Hurtado Padre las Casas Padre Las Casas Paiguano Paillaco Paine Paine Paine Panguipulli Panquehue Panquehue Papudo Papudo Paredones Parral Parral Pelarco Pelarco Pelequén Pelluhue Pelluhue Pemuco Peñaflor Penaflor Penaflor Pencahue Pencahue Penco Peralillo Perquenco Perquenco Petorca Petorca Peumo Pica Pica Pichidegua Pichilemu Pinto Pirque Pirque Pitrufquen Pitrufquén Placilla de Peñuelas Porvenir Porvenir Pozo Almonte Pozo Almonte Primavera Puchuncavi Puchuncaví Pucon Pucón Puente Alto Puente Alto Puente Alto Puerto Aysén Puerto Cisnes Puerto Montt Puerto Natales Puerto Octay Puerto Saavedra Puerto Varas Puerto Williams Punitaci Punitaqui Punta Arenas Punta Arenas Puren Purén Purranque Putaendeo Putaendo Putre Putre Queilén Quellón Quemchi Quilicura Quilicura Quilleco Quillón Quillota Quillota Quilpue Quilpué Quinta de Tilcoco Quintero Quintero Quirihue Rauco Rauco Renaico Renaico Rengo Requínoa Retiro Retiro Rinconada Rinconada Río Bueno Rio Claro Rio Hurtado Rio Ibanez Río Negro Rio Verde Rocas de Santo Domingo Romeral Romeral Rosario Saavedra Sagrada Familia Sagrada Familia Salamanca Salamanca San Antonio San Antonio San Bernardo San Bernardo San Carlos San Clemente San Clemente San Esteban San Esteban San Felipe San Felipe San Fernando San Francisco de Mostazal San Gregorio San Ignacio San Javier San Javier San José de La Mariquina San José de Maipo San Jose de Maipo San Jose de Maipo San Nicolás San Pablo San Pedro San Pedro San Pedro de Atacama San Pedro de Atacama San Pedro de la Paz San Rafael San Rafael San Vicente de Tagua Tagua Santa Bárbara Santa Cruz Santa Juana Santa María Santa Maria Santiago Santiago Santiago Santo Domingo Sierra Gorda Talagante Talagante Talagante Talca Talca Talcahuano Taltal Taltal Temuco Temuco Teno Teno Teodoro Schmidt Teodoro Schmidt Tierra Amarilla Tierra Amarilla Tiltil Tiltil Tiltil Timaukel Tirúa Tocopilla Tocopilla Tolten Tomé Tongoy Torres del Paine Torres del Paine Tortel Traiguen Traiguén Tucapel Valdivia Vallenar Vallenar Valparaiso Valparaíso Ventanas Vichuquen Victoria Victoria Vicuna Vicuña Vilcun Vilcún Villa Alegre Villa Alegre Villa Alemana Villa Alemana Villa Alhué Villa Prat Villarica Villarrica Vina del Mar Viña del Mar Yerbas Buenas Yerbas Buenas Yumbel Yungay Zapallar Zapallar

Other Time Zones in Chile

Detailed local time across various regions of the country.

Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-04:00

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Chile needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Chile?
The capital of Chile is Santiago.
What currency does Chile use?
Chile uses the Chilean peso ($) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Chile?
The official language(s) of Chile include Spanish.
What is the population of Chile?
Chile has a population of approximately 20,206,953 people.
What region is Chile in?
Chile is located in Americas, specifically in the South America subregion.
What is the international calling code for Chile?
The international dialing code for Chile is +56.
What time zones does Chile observe?
Chile observes the following time zone(s): UTC-06:00, UTC-04:00.
What is the current time in Chile?
The local time in Chile is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Chile?
Chile covers a total area of 756,102 km².
How many states or provinces does Chile have?
Chile is divided into 28 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Chile in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Chile in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Chile?
Visa requirements for citizens of Chile vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.