By Allie E. Almario

Top 5 Travel Tips to Chile - Downtown Santiago Chile

At Premier Tours, we’ll always send you useful information to help you prepare for your destination. We’ll provide a detailed itinerary with emergency contact information, a suggested packing list, and lots of important tips to ensure you’re ready for your upcoming adventure to Chile. Here are five important tips to know before you go:

1. Entry Requirements:

A valid passport, with at least six months remaining before expiration, is required to enter Chile. Visas are not currently required for visitors from the USA for short visits. Do not bring in any spices, fruits, nuts or vegetables. You will receive a 90-day tourist card which you must keep with your passport. You may be asked to show proof of a return air ticket to your original destination.

2. Currency

The official currency is the Chilean peso (CH$). Small bills in ($10s and $20s) US dollars that are clean, not torn and not written on are best for currency exchange. Some businesses may accept US currency but at a lower rate. Don’t forget to remind your bank that you will be using credit cards and ATMs overseas during your travel dates to prevent them from locking up your account. This link is useful as a currency converter: https://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/

3. Tipping

At nice restaurants, it is customary to tip 10%. Though tipping is at your discretion, standard guidelines are $5 per person per day for the private driver, $10 and up per person per day for the private guide based on half-day or full-day touring and the quality of service provided.

4. Electrical Voltage

Electricity is 220 voltage, so a converter / adapter is necessary. You can purchase a universal adapter at many electronics stores. Even airports carry them in case you forgot to pack one. Chilean outlets look like this:

5. Travel vaccinations:

Currently, no vaccinations are required to enter Chile if you are arriving from the USA. We always recommend that you visit a doctor prior to your departure just to make sure you are in good physical condition. Note that we also ask that you fill a personalized preference form which asks if you have any special food requirements or health considerations in case we need to advise our local partners in Chile.