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: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.012127
AAVE 0.000012
ADA 0.004414
AED 0.004076
AFN 0.069375
AKT 0.001377
ALGO 0.010335
ALL 0.091086
AMD 0.408460
AMP 1.326478
ANG 0.002000
AOA 1.019476
APE 0.007696
APT 0.001176
AR 0.000520
ARB 0.009496
ARS 1.549447
ATOM 0.000539
ATS 0.013119
AUD 0.001555
AVAX 0.000120
AWG 0.001987
AXS 0.000945
AZM 9.433724
AZN 0.001887
BAKE 1.501082
BAM 0.001865
BAT 0.011455
BBD 0.002220
BCH 0.000003
BDT 0.136382
BEF 0.038459
BGN 0.001865
BHD 0.000417
BIF 3.306312
BMD 0.001110
BNB 0.000002
BND 0.001421
BOB 0.007692
BRL 0.005560
BSD 0.001110
BSV 0.000074
BSW 1.296654
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.002885
BTN 0.106977
BTT 3,449.657689
BUSD 0.001110
BWP 0.015088
BYN 0.003052
BYR 30.520639
BZD 0.002234
CAD 0.001526
CAKE 0.000785
CDF 2.547040
CELO 0.013792
CFX 0.018848
CHF 0.000872
CHZ 0.022573
CNH 0.007551
CNY 0.007549
COMP 0.000050
COP 4.216458
CRC 0.502445
CRO 0.015882
CRV 0.004704
CSPR 0.375701
CUC 0.001110
CUP 0.026631
CVE 0.105129
CVX 0.000639
CYP 0.000558
CZK 0.023177
DAI 0.001110
DASH 0.000026
DCR 0.000066
DEM 0.001865
DFI 1.130223
DJF 0.197485
DKK 0.007124
DOGE 0.010641
DOP 0.065698
DOT 0.000889
DYDX 0.007673
DZD 0.147341
EEK 0.014917
EGLD 0.000283
EGP 0.059180
ENJ 0.025840
EOS 0.013720
ERN 0.016648
ESP 0.158628
ETB 0.174762
ETC 0.000125
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.000953
EURC 0.000953
FEI 0.001114
FIL 0.001150
FIM 0.005669
FJD 0.002447
FKP 0.000827
FLOW 0.030757
FLR 0.132863
FRAX 0.001118
FRF 0.006254
FTT 0.003435
GALA 0.330084
GBP 0.000827
GEL 0.002965
GGP 0.000827
GHC 126.965425
GHS 0.012697
GIP 0.000827
GMD 0.081988
GMX 0.000168
GNF 9.735328
GNO 0.000009
GRD 0.324862
GRT 0.044127
GT 0.000156
GTQ 0.008461
GUSD 0.001112
GYD 0.232120
HBAR 0.012330
HKD 0.008692
HNL 0.029524
HNT 0.001348
HOT 2.797199
HRK 0.007183
HT 0.007654
HTG 0.145265
HUF 0.343781
ICP 0.000430
IDR 19.672146
IEP 0.000751
ILS 0.003221
IMP 0.000827
IMX 0.006520
INJ 0.000213
INR 0.106977
IQD 1.454187
IRR 1,462.954850
ISK 0.136713
ITL 1.845990
JEP 0.000827
JMD 0.175496
JOD 0.000787
JPY 0.176392
KAS 0.032115
KAVA 0.019271
KCS 0.000139
KDA 0.133426
KES 0.143523
KGS 0.097086
KHR 4.451252
KLAY 0.021337
KMF 0.469029
KNC 0.007730
KPW 0.998839
KRW 1.670513
KSM 0.000223
KWD 0.000342
KYD 0.000923
KZT 0.520773
LAK 24.343909
LBP 99.495351
LDO 0.003116
LEO 0.000110
LINK 0.000115
LKR 0.369621
LRC 0.068481
LRD 0.203411
LSL 0.018478
LTC 0.000020
LTL 0.003292
LUF 0.038459
LUNA 0.017535
LUNC 14.120330
LVL 0.000670
LYD 0.007047
MAD 0.010214
MANA 0.012593
MBX 0.028343
MDL 0.019206
MGA 4.643977
MGF 23.219883
MINA 0.019428
MKD 0.058751
MKR 0.000001
MMK 2.329838
MNT 3.972115
MOP 0.008952
MRO 0.443743
MRU 0.044374
MTL 0.000409
MUR 0.052477
MVR 0.017141
MWK 1.931639
MXN 0.019206
MXV 0.002173
MYR 0.004411
MZM 70.886294
MZN 0.070886
NAD 0.018478
NEAR 0.000688
NEO 0.000384
NEXO 0.001248
NFT 3,924.072894
NGN 1.521668
NIO 0.040795
NLG 0.002101
NOK 0.010292
NPR 0.171244
NZD 0.001896
OKB 0.000014
OMR 0.000427
ONE 0.541445
OP 0.008645
ORDI 0.000267
PAB 0.001110
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.003798
PEPE 301.373756
PGK 0.004903
PHP 0.068490
PI 0.007312
PKR 0.309210
PLN 0.004045
POL 0.012210
PTE 0.191134
PYG 6.755012
QAR 0.004040
QNT 0.000015
QTUM 0.001229
ROL 49.665576
RON 0.004967
RPL 0.000639
RSD 0.111897
RUB 0.080436
RUNE 0.002480
RVN 0.200816
RWF 1.622721
SAND 0.015411
SAR 0.004162
SBD 0.008886
SCR 0.016293
SDD 66.616366
SDG 0.666164
SEK 0.010443
SGD 0.001421
SHIB 192.548309
SHP 0.000827
SIT 0.228467
SKK 0.028721
SLE 0.025421
SLL 25.420871
SNX 0.003583
SOL 0.000013
SOS 0.634206
SPL 0.000185
SRD 0.041314
SRG 41.313785
SSP 5.232510
STD 23.609466
STN 0.023609
STX 0.004646
SUI 0.001049
SVC 0.009711
SYP 0.122678
SZL 0.018478
THB 0.036204
THETA 0.005622
TJS 0.010331
TMM 19.462373
TMT 0.003892
TND 0.003223
TON 0.000552
TOP 0.002640
TRL 50,590.624744
TRX 0.003112
TRY 0.050591
TTD 0.007528
TUSD 0.001111
TVD 0.001555
TWD 0.035113
TWT 0.002323
TZS 2.887841
UAH 0.048990
UGX 4.182672
UNI 0.000314
USD 0.001110
USDC 0.001110
USDD 0.001111
USDP 0.001111
USDT 0.001111
UYU 0.044487
UZS 13.353692
VAL 1.845990
VEB 57,415,213.496790
VED 0.574127
VEF 57,412.652017
VES 0.574127
VET 0.164761
VND 29.222687
VUV 0.131776
WAVES 0.002920
WEMIX 0.004108
WOO 0.065718
WST 0.002991
XAF 0.625372
XAG 0.000015
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.003005
XCG 0.002000
XCH 0.000400
XDC 0.035703
XDR 0.000812
XEC 151.300141
XEM 1.667599
XLM 0.007560
XMR 0.000003
XOF 0.625372
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.113768
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.000803
XTZ 0.003246
YER 0.264831
ZAR 0.018478
ZEC 0.000002
ZIL 0.282291
ZMK 20.976079
ZMW 0.020976
ZWD 0.401653
ZWG 0.028756
ZWL 71.854177

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.