Getting Around
Public Transportation
Santiago, Chile boasts one of Latin America’s most extensive and efficient public transportation systems. At the heart of it is the Metro de Santiago, a modern, clean, and punctual subway network with 7 lines connecting most of the city. Complementing the metro is the Red Metropolitana de Movilidad , a sprawling system of buses that reaches neighborhoods far beyond the metro’s reach. All modes of transport are unified under the Bip! card, a rechargeable smart card that makes transferring between metro and bus quick and seamless. While rush hour can be hectic, Santiago’s public transport is generally safe, affordable, and a solid way to explore the city.
Uber and Taxi
In Santiago, both Uber and traditional taxis are widely available, but they offer different experiences. Taxis are easy to spot with their black-and-yellow paint and can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands. However, they operate with meters and don’t always give change, so carrying small bills is smart. Uber, along with other apps like Cabify and DiDi, is popular for its convenience, upfront pricing, and in-app payment For comfort, price transparency, and fewer surprises, I prefer Uber, especially at night or for airport rides.
Cross Country
Chile’s long, narrow shape makes cross-country travel an adventure in itself. Whether you’re heading north to the Atacama Desert or south to Patagonia, getting around is relatively easy thanks to a solid network of long-distance buses, domestic flights, and increasingly, car rentals. Buses are affordable, comfortable (often with reclining “semi-cama” or “cama” seats), and cover nearly every corner of the country. For longer trips, especially over 1,000 km, local airlines like LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART offer frequent, budget-friendly flights. Car rentals are a great option for reaching remote areas—just be ready for winding roads and stunning views.
Public Transport outside of Santiago
Outside of Santiago, public transportation in Chile varies by city but generally revolves around micros (local buses), colectivos (shared taxis with fixed routes), and regular taxis. Cities like Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Concepción have well-established micro and colectivo networks that locals rely on daily. In Valparaíso, you’ll even find ascensores—historic hillside elevators still used for navigating the city’s steep terrain. While buses tend to be inexpensive and cover a wide range of areas, they don’t always follow a strict schedule, so a bit of local know-how helps. Colectivos are a popular and affordable hybrid between taxis and buses, with set routes but no fixed stops—just flag one down.
Voltage
Don’t forget your power adapter! Chile uses Type C and Type L outlets, the same as in much of Europe. The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz, so if you’re coming from the U.S. (uses 110V), make sure your devices are dual voltage—especially things like hair tools or electric razors . A universal travel adapter will keep you plugged in and powered up while you explore.
Money, Money, Money
Currency
The official currency is the Chilean peso (CLP), with bills commonly found in denominations of 1,000 to 20,000 pesos.
Current Exchange Rate:
Credit
Credit and debit cards—especially Visa and Mastercard—are widely accepted in all restaurants, stores, and even some street vendors in Santiago.
Cash
If you plan to leave Santiago, it’s smart to carry cash for smaller purchases, street vendors, local buses, and rural areas. ATMs are easy to find, but they often charge withdrawal fees, so it’s a good idea to take out larger amounts at once.
Tipping
It is customary to tip your waiter 10% in restaurants. Parking in Santiago can be difficult; many shops and restaurants have parking attendants. It is customary to leave them change as you pull out of parking (couple hundred pesos).
Stay Connected
When traveling to Chile and want to stay connected without racking up roaming charges, grabbing a local or international SIM card is a smart move. Chile has reliable mobile coverage, especially in urban areas, with major providers like Entel, Movistar, WOM, and Claro offering affordable prepaid SIM cards. You can easily pick one up at the airport, kiosks, or mobile shops—just make sure your phone is unlocked. International eSIM options like Airalo or Holafly are also super convenient, letting you activate a data plan before you even land. Whether you’re using maps, WhatsApp, or uploading volcano pics to Instagram, a local SIM makes it easy (and cheap) to stay online while exploring Chile.
Safety*
Chile is generally one of the safer countries in South America, with a stable political climate and low levels of violent crime. That said, like in any major destination, petty theft—especially pickpocketing and bag snatching—can occur, particularly in busy areas like Santiago’s city center, bus terminals, and popular tourist spots. Use common sense: keep valuables out of sight, keep bags close to your body and stay alert on public transport.
It is also not a bad idea to review what to do in an earthquake in different circumstances. Any building built after 1985 has been built to comply with extremely strict seismic building code.