14 important tips to consider before visiting Chile

I vividly recall the day in 2014 when I had just moved into my new apartment in Santiago and a massive earthquake shook the building. I jumped up from my couch and dashed for the door, while the Chileans present simply stayed put, chuckling at my reaction, reassured by the country’s robust construction standards and accustomed to the frequent quakes.

A few days later, I discovered that even the straightforward task of purchasing an empanada (a filled pastry) could require navigating through three different lines. As the first few weeks in Chile unfolded, my dinner time shifted from 7pm to 8pm, eventually settling at around 9pm.

In many respects, Chile is a welcoming and relatable destination for numerous travelers. However, there are cultural norms, customs, and safety considerations to be aware of during your journey. From cheek-kissing to local tipping etiquette, here are some valuable tips to enhance your experience in Chile.

1. Familiarize yourself with some basic Spanish before your trip

Chileans are often perceived as more reserved compared to other Latin Americans, and locals usually won’t initiate conversations with strangers unless approached. Picking up some essential Spanish phrases can significantly help in connecting with the community during your visit.

Moreover, it’s somewhat essential—beyond major hotels and Santiago’s business area, finding English speakers can be rare, especially in rural locations. Nevertheless, Chileans will make a genuine effort to understand and assist you, even amidst language challenges.

2. Bring layers for chilly evenings

Regardless of whether you're by the coast, in the Andes, down in Patagonia, or in the Atacama Desert, temperatures in Chile drop significantly after sunset, making layers essential year-round. Even in the Central Valley and Santiago, a scorching day can quickly give way to a chilly evening. Always pack an extra layer for full-day outings.

3. Install WhatsApp for convenient communication

It's common to experience delays of several days for email replies from businesses in Chile. For booking tours, hotels, or restaurant reservations, using WhatsApp is the most efficient method; you'll often receive a response within minutes.

4. Get ready to dine late

Chilean culture isn't one for early risers, with most locals having lunch between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Dinner typically starts after 8 PM and can go as late as 10 PM. If late dining doesn't appeal to you, consider trying Chile's “fourth meal” – an afternoon tea featuring bread, cheese, meats, eggs, mashed avocado, and a sweet treat, known locally as la once (pronounced 'on-say').

5. Enjoy the sobremesa

When eating out with Chileans, it's deemed impolite to leave right after your meal. Instead, people often stay at the table to chat, perhaps enjoying a bajativo (digestif) like Bitter Araucano to aid digestion.

Waitstaff are accustomed to this custom and won't rush you after your meal. If you're at a friend's home, even getting up to help clear dishes immediately after dining may be seen as discourteous. Stay a while and relish the conversation; these leisurely meals are a cherished aspect of Chilean culture.

6. Be prepared to wait in line

Why stand in line just once when you can enjoy it multiple times? In Chile, it’s typical to order in one queue, pay in another, and then pick up your order from a third line. At supermarkets, you’ll need to wait in separate lines to weigh your bread, fruits, and vegetables before heading to the checkout to pay.

7. Understand the concept of ‘sin cuotas’ but ‘con propina’

Credit cards are commonly accepted throughout Chile, largely due to the ability to pay in cuotas (installments) for almost everything. Cashiers will typically ask if you'd like to pay in cuotas, but if you're using a foreign bank card, it's best to decline by saying 'sin cuotas, por favor'.

In restaurants, servers will inquire if you'd like to add a standard 10% tip, which is generally expected regardless of service quality. Unless there’s been a significant issue, it’s courteous to respond con propina – ‘with gratuity’ – when asking for the bill.

8. Have small bills ready

When paying with cash, always have smaller bills on hand; many vendors won't be able to break a 20,000 peso note. Make it a habit to exchange large bills for smaller denominations whenever possible.

9. Keep your volume down

Generally, Chileans are quiet and respectful individuals who prefer to blend in rather than stand out. Tourists who speak loudly can draw unwanted attention, often in an unfavorable light. Speaking in a loud foreign language in busy areas like downtown Santiago can also make you a target for pickpockets.

10. Familiarize yourself with Chilean greetings

Like many Latin American cultures, Chileans are known for their friendly greetings. Women typically greet each other, and men, with a kiss on the right cheek. Men will greet women in the same manner and usually offer a handshake to other men, possibly followed by a hug if they are friends.

Farewells are equally warm. It’s common for someone entering a social gathering to greet each person individually, and similarly, to say goodbye to each person when leaving.

11. Stay informed about protests and steer clear of them

Protests are common in Chilean cities, and while they are usually peaceful, they can disrupt roads and public transportation. It's wise for visitors to avoid these gatherings, as they can escalate into violence unexpectedly. In Santiago, water cannons and tear gas may be deployed to disperse crowds, especially on significant dates tied to politically charged historical events like March 29, September 11, and October 18.

12. Be aware of areas to avoid in Chile

While Chile ranks as one of the safest countries in the Americas, per the Global Peace Index, there is a region in southern central Chile that travelers might want to steer clear of due to ongoing tensions between Indigenous Mapuche land-rights activists and the Chilean government.

While forestry companies and landowners are the primary focus, disputes over land rights can sometimes lead to road closures and violence. The area to be cautious of is located along the border of the Biobío and Araucanía regions, roughly stretching between Lebu and Temuco, following the coastal mountain range. However, flying into Temuco to explore popular Andean resort areas like Pucón or Malalcahuello is generally safe.

13. Be mindful of where to drink tap water

A good rule of thumb in Chile is that tap water is safe to drink from Santiago southward. In fact, in Patagonia, the water is not only safe but also delicious, making for some great craft beers. However, as you head north into the Atacama Desert, it's advisable to avoid tap water, unless you are in larger cities like La Serena and Antofagasta.

14. Don't worry too much about earthquakes

Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, famously experiencing the strongest earthquake ever recorded—the 1960 Valdivia Earthquake, which hit a staggering 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. In the aftermath of that catastrophe, Chile implemented some of the strictest building codes on the planet and is now exceptionally well-prepared for seismic events.

Most Chileans remain unfazed unless an earthquake hits a magnitude of 7.0 or higher. The significant earthquakes of 2014 and 2015, measuring 8.2 and 8.3 respectively, resulted in only 15 fatalities. You can be assured that coastal regions feature clearly marked tsunami evacuation routes, and buildings are designed with seismic resilience in mind.