Chile travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date is required. No proof of onward travel is formally required, but immigration officers may ask for it.

If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa at the Chilean consulate before departure.

New Zealand does not have a resident embassy in Chile; consular services are provided by the New Zealand Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The embassy can assist with emergencies, passport issues, and notarial services.

A two‑week itinerary covering Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama and Torres del Paine can be done for roughly NZD 5,000–7,000 per person, excluding international flights. This includes mid‑range accommodation, meals, internal flights, and entry fees.

The main route is Auckland (AKL) to Santiago (SCL) with one stop, typically in Auckland‑Los Angeles‑Santiago or Auckland‑Sydney‑Santiago. Total travel time is about 12–14 hours, plus layover.

Internal flights between Santiago and regional airports (e.g., Calama for the Atacama, Punta Arenas for Patagonia) are 2–3 hours each.

Chile uses plug types C and L, 220 V at 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use other plugs.

Tipping is not mandatory but 10 % of the restaurant bill is customary for good service.

Emergency numbers are 131 for ambulance, 132 for fire, and 133 for police. The country spans several time zones: mainland UTC‑4 (summer UTC‑3), Magallanes UTC‑3 year‑round, Easter Island UTC‑6/‑5.