Useful facts for your holiday to Chile

Flight and transfers

Flying time is approximately 16 hours to Santiago International (SCL). You currently can’t fly directly to Chile from London or Dublin, so you’ll need to travel via a US, European or Latin American city.

Visa Requirements

No visa is currently required for British or Irish passport holders for stays of up to 90 days. This can then be extended for an additional 90 days once in Chile.

Language

Spanish is the official language but English is widely understood in the larger cities, particularly Santiago.

Transportation

Buses: The bus system in Chile is very good and offers a cheap way to get around the cities. Local buses are known locally as micros and connect the city centres with the suburbs and nearby villages.

Colectivos: A combination of a micro and a taxi, these have specific routes and are a quick way to get around.

By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in the cities and should display the fares in the windscreen – check the metre has been turned on before you begin your journey, to avoid being overcharged.

Car: Drivers in Chile need to be over 22 years old. There are plenty of hire care services available both at the airport and in the cities. Self-drive options are great if you’re travelling to more rural areas that may be more difficult to get to via public transport.

Currency

The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso. Other currencies aren’t widely accepted, but you can usually find exchange bureaux fairly easily in the larger cities.

Electricity

220V, 50Hz

Health/Vaccinations

No vaccinations are currently required on entering Chile, though Hepatitis A is advised as a precaution. You should speak to your GP or specialist travel clinic beforehand, though, to ensure your vaccines are up to date before travelling.

Tap water is safe to drink here, but can have a high mineral content that can lead to an upset stomach - bottled water is readily available if you’d prefer. Depending on where you’re travelling to, sunstroke can be a risk so ensure that you drink plenty of fluids and wear sunscreen.