Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
For visiting Chile, ensure you’re up to date on routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis. Hepatitis A and B are recommended, especially if you plan on eating street food or having medical procedures. Consider a typhoid vaccine if you’re visiting rural areas or adventurous eating. Rabies is only necessary if you’ll be doing activities like cave exploration or close contact with animals. Influenza vaccine is advised during flu season (April to September). Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Chile, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ChileCulture & Customs
Always greet with a handshake, and if you become familiar, a kiss on the right cheek is common. **Do** try to be punctual, but understand Chileans might be a bit flexible with time. **Don’t** point with your index finger; use your whole hand instead. **Do** make an effort to speak Spanish, even just a little.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, public displays of affection might draw attention outside urban areas, so gauge the environment. Women should be aware that catcalling is unfortunately common, but it’s often harmless. Always refuse a drink or food the first time it’s offered; accept it on the second or third offer.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Chile.
- Empanadas: These are savory pastries filled with a mix of beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. They’re a staple at any gathering and perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.
- Cazuela: A hearty stew with beef or chicken, potatoes, corn, and veggies. It’s comfort food for Chileans, offering a taste of home and warmth.
- Pastel de Choclo: Think of it as a Chilean shepherd’s pie, where ground meat and corn pudding are layered. It’s a beloved summer dish, especially when corn is in season.
- Completo: Chile’s take on the hot dog, topped with tomatoes, avocado, and mayo. It’s more than just street food; it’s a social experience.
- Curanto: A traditional dish from Chiloé, cooked in a pit with hot stones. It includes a mix of seafood, meat, potatoes, and more. It’s a communal feast and a cultural ritual.
Tap water in Chile is generally safe to drink, and locals do consume it, especially in major cities. However, tourists might find the mineral content a bit different, so sticking to bottled or filtered water could avoid any tummy troubles. In rural areas, definitely opt for bottled or filtered water to be on the safe side.
The main language in Chile is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Chile includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Chile,
English proficiency varies significantly by region and demographic. In major cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, especially in tourist areas, you’ll find a higher number of English speakers, including in hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Many younger Chileans and professionals, particularly those in the tourism and business sectors, are more likely to speak English.
However, in rural areas or smaller towns, English speakers are less common, and it can be challenging to communicate without some knowledge of Spanish. While many Chileans are eager to help travelers, having basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and interactions.
Overall, while you can get by with English in urban areas, learning a few Spanish phrases will be beneficial and appreciated by locals, enriching your travel experience in this diverse country.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Chile is CLP ($).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs in most towns and cities, but they often charge a fee per transaction. Banco Estado and Banco de Chile are widely available options. Make sure to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card issues.
Cash: It’s always smart to have some cash on you, especially in remote areas where card acceptance might be spotty. Chilean pesos are the way to go, but keep a small stash of USD as a backup; they can be exchanged or used in some places.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are generally accepted in urban centers, restaurants, and larger stores. Smaller, family-run businesses and markets might be cash-only, so don’t rely solely on plastic.
Currency Exchange: Avoid airport and hotel currency exchanges as they tend to have poor rates. Use official exchange offices, known as ”casas de cambio,” for the best rates. They’re easy to find in cities and offer better deals than banks.
Euros: If you’re carrying euros, they’re not as easily exchanged as USD. If possible, convert them to USD before arriving or stick to pesos once in Chile.
In Chile, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. At restaurants, a 10% tip is customary and often added to the bill as a ”propina” suggestion, but you can adjust it based on service quality. Taxis don’t require a tip, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.