Chile Travel Guide

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Shopping

Special purchases include textiles such as colorful handwoven ponchos, vicuna rugs, alpaca jumpers and copper and silver work. Chile is particularly known for its lapis lazuli jewelry, but jade, amethyst, agate and onyx can all be purchased. More and more little boutique stores selling well crafted jewelry and craft are cropping up in Cerros Alegre and Concepción in Valparaíso. Camping and other outdoor equipment can be bought in Santiago, although you are advised to buy essential equipment before you arrive.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400. Large shopping malls are open daily 1000-2100.

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP; symbol CH$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CH$20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CH$500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency Exchange

Foreign exchange transactions can be conducted through commercial banks, casas de cambio, or authorized shops, restaurants, hotels and clubs. Casas de cambio are open daily 0900-1900 (Mon-Sat) and 0900-1400 (Sun).

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Credit/debit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and sometimes American Express) are widely accepted in towns and cities, where ATMs are also largely available. Outside of the larger, more tourist-centerd towns, currency exchange can be tricky.

Travelers Checks

The government does not regulate the market of foreign currency in Chile, making it possible to exchange money and traveler's checks at any casa de cambio at market-driven exchange rates. However, exchanging traveler's checks in Chile has been reported to be problematic.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local and foreign currencies is unlimited, however amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 must be declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1400.

Exchange Rate