Tips for Visiting Chile on a Budget

Travelers entering Chile from neighboring countries often share a common initial reaction: astonishment. It’s not just the towering Andes, the massive glaciers, or the starkness of the desert that catch them off guard, but rather the high cost of living.

Chile ranks as South America’s second-wealthiest nation by GDP per capita (just behind Uruguay), which contributes to higher daily expenses. While alcoholic beverages, including its renowned wines, are generally affordable, costs for meals, groceries, transportation, and accommodations can be comparable to many places in Europe or North America, especially as you travel further south into the stunning wilderness of Patagonia. However, there are some straightforward ways to save if you know where to look.

We’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you retain more of those vibrant Chilean pesos in your wallet, along with a useful overview of daily costs you can anticipate during your visit to Chile.

Utilize your Tourist Card

All travelers entering Chile with tourist visas will be issued a Tourist Card. Keep it safe! You’ll need to return this document when you leave, and it also serves as your way to bypass the 19% room tax at hotels that domestic travelers must pay. Many hotels do not automatically waive this tax, so ensure you present your passport and Tourist Card at check-in, and use a foreign credit card for payment.

Opt for budget airlines

Chilean multinational LATAM is the largest (and best) airline in Latin America, but for domestic travel (or even from neighboring South American countries), it’s often more economical to fly with low-cost carriers. Options like JetSmart and Sky Airline offer a broad range of domestic and international flights. Keep in mind that base fares typically only cover a small backpack, with carry-on luggage costing extra.

Make wine your evening indulgence

In Chile, wine can be as affordable as Coca-Cola—though it's worth treating yourself to a higher-quality bottle for a fraction of what you'd pay back home. Supermarkets, particularly Jumbo and Lider, typically offer the best and most affordable selections. Enjoying a bottle with your travel companions in the evening can be a great way to save money. Just avoid bottles labeled dulce unless you enjoy your wine on the sweeter side.

Shop at the ferias

Markets selling seasonal fruits and vegetables directly from farmers may seem quaint and pricey in other regions, but in Chile, they are essential for local families and provide one of the best ways for self-catering travelers to eat well on a budget.

Prices at the ferias (the local term for markets) are usually about half of what you’d find in supermarkets, and they often feature stalls selling local cheese, eggs, seafood, and preserves, offering a glimpse into Chilean home cooking. However, unlike in other parts of Latin America, haggling is generally not accepted here.

Enjoy set lunches out

For many Chileans, lunch is the most significant meal of the day. Make it your main meal by taking advantage of the numerous set lunch options available at restaurants and cafes throughout the country. For a fixed price, you can often enjoy a three-course meal—usually a soup or salad, a main dish, and dessert—for between 6000 and 8000 CLP. Set lunches are also an excellent way to sample traditional Chilean home-cooked dishes, which can be hard to find in regular restaurants.

Inquire about tourist discounts at malls

If you need outdoor gear, ski apparel, or travel necessities, you'll likely visit one of Chile’s large shopping malls. Many, including Santiago’s Costanera Center, offer discounts of up to 20% for tourists who present a foreign passport. Typically, you’ll need to register at the information desk first to learn how to access these discounts.

Bring a tent

Chile boasts a vibrant outdoor culture, with campgrounds scattered across its Andean mountains and Pacific coast. Camping is often the most economical way to explore the country, especially for adventure seekers focusing their travels around national parks. Keep in mind that nights can get quite chilly, regardless of the location or season, so pack accordingly. Additionally, campgrounds are typically located far from bus stations and airports, so having your own transport may be necessary.

Be mindful of Transbank machines

Transbank is the leading provider of credit card machines in Chile, but it uniquely imposes an extra fee on international credit card users (in addition to any charges from your bank). This fee starts at 300 CLP and increases based on the transaction amount. Transbank machines in large chain stores do not apply this fee, so it’s advisable to use a debit card if you encounter a Transbank machine elsewhere to avoid extra charges.

Enjoy complimentary breakfasts at hotels

Almost every hotel in Chile includes breakfast in the room price, making it a potentially more affordable choice than renting an apartment, especially if you prefer a substantial late breakfast and can skip or have a light lunch. These breakfasts are typically quite ample and often feature a buffet in larger establishments.

Use overnight buses for travel

If you're planning to cover long distances in Chile, consider taking overnight buses, which are generally quite comfortable and often come with wi-fi, entertainment screens, and attendants serving a simple breakfast (basically a snack). If your budget allows, opt for a semi-cama or salón-cama seat for added space and a greater recline. Since one large checked bag is included in the fare and you won’t need to pay for airport transfers, buses often end up being the most economical transport option. Turbus and Pullman Bus offer the most extensive routes.

Schedule your ski trip for August

It might seem unusual, but August is actually the best month to hit the slopes in the Chilean Andes and falls into the off-season for many resorts. This is due to the excellent snow conditions occurring right between the July school holidays and the September Independence Day festivities.

Avoid pricey wine tours

Wineries in Chile often entice visitors with lavish and costly tours, but many just want to sample the wines. While some places offer tasting options, it’s generally more economical to go directly to the on-site restaurant, cafe, or bar and order by the glass. This way, you can enjoy much more wine for a significantly lower price.

Take the Santiago metro

Metro systems can feel daunting for newcomers, but Santiago’s metro is quite user-friendly and straightforward. For under US$1, you can travel anywhere across the city using any of the six interconnected lines, making it the most affordable, quick, and convenient way to navigate. If you plan to make multiple trips, be sure to get a rechargeable Tarjeta bip! card.

Bring your own groceries to Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Food costs on Rapa Nui are famously high, so consider packing your own supplies from the mainland. Your flight ticket includes at least one checked bag, which you can fill with wine and other provisions to cut down on dining expenses while on the island.

Travel to Patagonia in December, March, or April

Patagonia sees a surge of visitors in January and February due to domestic tourism. If you envision serene fjords and shimmering glaciers, it's best to avoid these busy months. Instead, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons, when the weather remains favorable and hotel prices drop.

Join a tip-based tour

If you’re looking to discover cities like Santiago or Valparaíso with a guide without breaking the bank, consider joining a tip-based tour. Companies such as Tours4Tips offer daily departures, usually from a central historic plaza. While these tours are technically free, remember that they rely on the gratuities that guides expect at the end.

Daily Expenses

• Hostel room for two: 25,000 CLP

• Basic room for two: 50,000 CLP

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): 50,000 CLP

• Public transport ticket in Santiago: 700 CLP

• Coffee: 2,500 CLP

• Glass of Chilean wine: 4,000 CLP

• Sandwich: 6,000 CLP

• Empanada: 2,000 CLP

• Average daily cost for budget travelers: 27,000 CLP to 50,000 CLP