Chile
Money in Chile: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Chilean pesos (CLP) for most purchases; cards work in cities and larger shops, but keep cash for small markets, rural buses and Patagonia – tip about 10 % in restaurants.
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GuideChile
Key facts
- Currency
- Chilean peso (CLP, $)
- Cash necessity
- 2 (carry cash for small shops, markets and rural transport)
- ATMscheck
- Widely available in cities, scarce in Patagonia; plan cash ahead
- Card acceptance
- Visa and Mastercard accepted in most hotels, restaurants and larger stores
- Typical restaurant tipcheck
- 10 % of the bill, round up
- Tip for porters/taxischeck
- Round up to nearest 1,000 CLP or add 5 % for good service
Currency and payment methods
Chile uses the Chilean peso (CLP). Prices in travel guides are given in CLP; the site will convert to your home currency. ATMs are common in Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción and other major cities, dispensing CLP. In remote areas such as Patagonia, ATMs are few, so withdraw enough cash before heading there.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, often also American Express) are accepted at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and larger retailers. Small shops, street vendors, market stalls and rural bus services usually require cash. Some hotels charge a 19 % VAT (IVA) on rooms, but tourists paying in US dollars or with a foreign card and showing entry records may be exempt – ask when booking.
- Withdraw cash in cities; keep 5,000–10,000 CLP for small purchases.
- Use cards for hotels, restaurants, and major retailers.
- Carry a backup card; inform your bank of travel to avoid blocks.
Tipping in Chile
Tipping is not mandatory but customary. In restaurants, a 10 % tip or rounding up the bill is typical. For cafés and bars, rounding up to the nearest 1,000 CLP is common.
Porters, taxi drivers and tour guides are usually tipped a small amount – 1,000–2,000 CLP for a porter, and rounding up the taxi fare or adding 5 % for good service.
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (full‑service) | 10 % or round up |
| Café / bar | Round up to nearest 1,000 CLP |
| Porter (luggage) | 1,000–2,000 CLP |
| Taxi | Round up fare or +5 % for good service |
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Chile?
Chile uses the Chilean peso (CLP, $). Prices in guides are shown in CLP; the site converts to your home currency.
Should I use cash or a card in Chile?
Use cards in cities for hotels, restaurants and larger stores; keep cash for small shops, markets, rural buses and Patagonia where ATMs are scarce.
How much should I tip in Chile?
Tip about 10 % in restaurants or round up the bill; small amounts (1,000–2,000 CLP) for porters and rounding up taxi fares are common.
Are US dollars accepted in Chile?
Some hotels and tour operators accept US dollars, especially in Patagonia and for park fees, but for everyday purchases use CLP. Exchange at banks or official casas de cambio.
Do I need to declare cash when entering Chile?
Yes, amounts over US$10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared to customs. Failure to do so can result in confiscation and fines.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialChile Tourism Board
Ask about Chile
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