Money, Currency and Cards in Chile
Local Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
General Advice
The Chilean Peso($ or CHP) can be held in banknotes of $1000, $2000, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 and coins of $1, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $500.
Occasional fake notes are in circulation from time to time - look out for posters in banks and exchange houses.
Money Exchange
Casas de cambio (money exchanges) can be found all over Chile and often offer better rates than banks.
U.S. dollars (US$) can easily be exchanged across the country. Purchases in U.S. dollars can only be done in certain stores in Santiago.
Note that it can be difficult to change money on national holidays.
ATM Availability
ATMs are becoming more frequent and can now be found in many of the more important towns in tourist areas, but by no means all. It is advisable to plan ahead and ensure you have access to enough cash when you are visiting more remote areas.
Whenever possible, ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building.
For more information check the Visa ATM locator, the MasterCard ATM locator or the American Express ATM locator for the addresses of ATMs around the world.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are usually accepted in hotels and restaurants in major tourist and business destinations, but they are often not accepted in locally owned small hotels and restaurants, including in Santiago.
Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity.
Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers should carry traveller's cheques in U.S. currency for convenience although US dollars cash will receive better rates.
