Chile
About
| The first thing that strikes potential visitors to Chile is the country's extraordinary, elongated shape, and this South American nation has a remarkable geography to match. It stretches thousands of miles from one end to the other, from arid, rain-starved desert in the north to the icy glaciers of the south. The beautiful Andes mountain range is rarely far from sight, defining the country's easterly border. The country's capital Santiago is a vast, often smoggy sprawl set between the Andes and a coastal mountain range. It has several museums and attractions that are well worth a visit, and a reasonable choice of accommodation and restaurants. Chile's beautiful Lake District is made up of national parks that offer staggeringly lovely views of ancient monkey puzzle trees, pristine alpine lakes and perfectly shaped volcanoes. One of the world's most active volcanoes, Volcán Villarrica near Pucón, is safer than it sounds - it is also one of the world's most monitored, so you should have plenty of warning of any imminent eruption. |
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| Capital: | Santiago (SCL) |
| Currency: | Chilean Peso (CLP) |
| Language: | Spanish. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 56 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa). Easter Island: UTC / GMT -6 (8 hours behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From first Sunday September to last Sunday April: UTC / GMT -3 (5 hours behind South Africa). Easter Island: UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best time to go: | March – May & September – November |
| Best for: | Natural Attractions – lakes, mountains; Easter Island. |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular metal pins are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. Bottled water is available. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you are bringing medication on your travels it should be in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Bargaining is not practiced in street markets. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Landmines are still active in some areas around the borders – visitors should stick to marked roads. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Chile without incurring customs duty: • 400 cigarettes and 500g of tobacco and 50 cigars • 2.5L of alcoholic drinks • Gifts to the value of US$300 • Items bought on arrival in the duty-free shop to the value of US$500 |
| Prohibited Imports: | Used cars and motorbikes, asbestos and pornography. Restricted imports requiring authorisation include firearms and ammunition, food, drugs and pharmaceutical products. |
Issuing Authorities
The Consulate of Chile
361 Veale Street, Pretoria
Tel: 012 460 8090
E-mail: pretoria@consulado.gob.cl
Web: www.chile.gob.cl/sudafrica/en
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18-19; May 1, 21; Jun 20, 29; Jul 16; Aug 15; Sep 18-19; Oct 12, 31; Nov 1; Dec 8, 25, 31
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3-4; May 1, 21; Jun 21, 29; Jul 16; Aug 15; Sep 18-19; Oct 12, 31; Nov 1; Dec 8, 25
Visa Requirements
No visas are required by South African passport holders for a stay of 90 days for tourism, business or to attend a conference.
They are required however to have a valid passport (with 4 blank pages) and return air ticket and be in possession of a Yellow fever vaccination card. A letter of invitation is also required. Please ensure the passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months.
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Avenue Apoquindo 2827, Floor 4, Las Condes, Santiago
Tel: +56 2 2378 3812
E-mail: consular.chile@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/santiago/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
