Travel tips · Santiago · Chile
Santiago travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Miguel hernandez, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
Santiaguinos are polite and fairly reserved, and Chilean Spanish is fast, full of slang and drops word endings, so even fluent Spanish speakers need time to tune in. Recent history, including the 1973 coup and the 2019 protests, is still discussed seriously, and museums treat it with care.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- CLP
- Plugs
- Type C and L sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated and generally considered safe, though its high mineral…
- Emergency
- 131 ambulance, 132 fire, 133 police (Carabineros)
Things to know
- Greet with a single kiss on the right cheek between friends and acquaintances; a handshake is normal in business.
- Say 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' when entering small shops and offices.
- Stand on the right on Metro escalators so others can pass on the left.
- Arriving 15–30 minutes late to private social events is normal; be on time for tours and business.
- Approach discussion of the military regime and politics respectfully and let locals lead.
- Book La Moneda Palace ahead: Guided visits inside the palace are limited and must be requested in advance through the presidency's official channels.
- Book La Chascona ahead: Visitor numbers are limited at busy times; arrive early or check the foundation's site for reservations.
- Many national museums, including Bellas Artes, Historia Natural and the Museum of Memory, are free to enter.
Tipping
A 10% tip is customary in restaurants and is usually added as a suggested line on the bill when you pay. Petrol station attendants and supermarket baggers, often students, expect small change.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ¿Cachai? | Do you get it? (Chilean slang) |
| Al tiro | Right away |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| Con propina, por favor | Including the tip, please |
| Bacán | Great, cool |
What to wear
Locals dress casually but neatly; bring layers, because even summer evenings cool down quickly and winter days start near freezing.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and L sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated and generally considered safe, though its high mineral content leads many visitors to prefer bottled water for the first few days.
- Emergency number
- 131 ambulance, 132 fire, 133 police (Carabineros)
- Phone and internet
- 4G and 5G coverage is good across the city; local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy, and many cafés and Metro stations offer Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- America/Santiago
Pickpocketing and phone snatching are the main risks, especially around the Plaza de Armas, Paseo Ahumada, the Mercado Central and Bellavista at night. Chile is earthquake country: note your hotel's emergency instructions, and expect smog on still winter days.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Chile's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Santiago?
A 10% tip is customary in restaurants and is usually added as a suggested line on the bill when you pay. Petrol station attendants and supermarket baggers, often students, expect small change.
+Can you drink the tap water in Santiago?
Tap water is treated and generally considered safe, though its high mineral content leads many visitors to prefer bottled water for the first few days.
+What plugs are used in Santiago?
Type C and L sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Santiago?
Spanish.