Before you go
When to go?
Chile has something to offer all-year round, so the time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. For those seeking adventure activities in the Central valley, The Lakes and Patagonia, November to March is best to avoid heavy rains and winds. From Santiago north to Arica, anytime of year is fine, but be careful of the colder nighttime temperatures in the desert. Click here for our weather section for up-to-date details.
Check out our itineraries to make the most of your trip!
What to pack?
What to pack for a trip to Chile depends a little on where you plan to go and the time of year. We have put together a list of important things to bring on your trip to Chile:
- Toiletries, such as shampoo, dental care and cosmetics are readily available in all cities, and are reasonably priced
- Take a day pack for shorter trips
- Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat are a must all year in the North and in summer in the South. It is now easier to buy these products in most cities, but not in smaller towns
- A raincoat or jacket for winter in the Central Valley and all-year in Patagonia
- A Spanish dictionary to converse with the locals. Knowledge of English is on the rise, but most Chileans do not speak a second language. See our section on Chilean slang, so you can understand the locals!
- An adaptor. Electricity in Chile is 220 Volts, so if you travel to Chile with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets in Chile are two or three round pins.
- Comfortable shoes for city tours and trekking
- Swimwear. In Southern regions, especially in winter, can be hard to find
- Photocopies of important documents, such as your passport, birth certificate and driving license. You could also scan these documents and have them accessible in your email account
- Check with your bank with regard to ATM fees and whether your PIN will work
- A good camera, hopefully with video to capture your marvelous stay in Chile. Save money and the environment by using rechargeable batteries.
What to wear?
Chileans are not known for being trend-setters, so don’t be too fussed about bringing the latest fashion designs from home. Despite this, if you plan to meet someone important or attend a business function, semi-formal apparel is a minimum requirement.
Be careful if you like showing more intimate parts of your body at the beach, as the law prohibits this and the police can apply fines. Playa Luna, near Horcón, is the only sanctioned nudist beach, although access is somewhat difficult.
Chile is comparatively safe, but in larger cities we recommend you don’t wear expensive jewellery that might tempt thieves.
