Chile Travel Tips
Chile Travel Tips
Chile is a safe country, with a low crime rate, but nevertheless, we recommend taking a taxi or Uber (not expensive) during night time. Keep money and valuables in a money belt or pouch under your clothes. Crimes that take place are usually crimes of opportunity, like pickpocket thieves, as opposed to violent crime, therefore be careful with your wallet and try not to use jewelry or expensive watches.
Some Chilean locations are worldwide known, like Torres del Paine, San Pedro de Atacama, and Easter Island, but in our opinion, you should make an effort to get to know as well the following locations:
- Valle de Elqui (6 hours north of Santiago), a peaceful area with clear skies, and beautiful little towns, like Pisco Elqui.
- The Lake District (area between Temuco and Puerto Montt) full of hot springs, active volcanoes, national parks, forests, rivers, and lakes.
- Amazing Laguna San Rafael Glacier (in the middle of our Patagonia)
Not many people speak English in Chile. We recommend you learn basic words and take a small dictionary with you.
If you like traveling in remote areas and small villages, or if you are planning to visit Easter Island, then carry always Chilean pesos with you. In general, cash is better than credit cards when traveling in isolated areas.
Although many foreigners do not have any problem drinking Chilean water, we recommend buying mineral water, especially in the north of Chile and other remote areas.
Always check the bills and change. Special care with taxi drivers and in gas stations (I guess this is worldwide advice).
Cell phones: Cell phone coverage is very good in Chile. You will get a good signal in almost all cities and even in small towns. You may also speak in Santiago’s subway and also in ski resorts, like Valle Nevado and Termas de Chillán. Our car rental company may rent smartphones (only Android), at very convenient rates.
If you bring US dollars or EUROS, take time and only bring bills in excellent conditions (not tear apart or too old).
Restaurants:
- Don't expect to eat dinner until 8:30 pm - Chileans tend to eat late
- Even though you can eat good steak in Chile, you will find better meat restaurants in Argentina and Uruguay. But if you like seafood, fresh fruits, and wines…then Chile is the place!!! Santiago is not located on the coast, but it‘s a great city to enjoy seafood because you can get “ostiones” (scallops) from the north, jaibas (crabs) from central Chile, salmon from the south, and centolla (king crab) from Patagonia.
- 10% tip is recommended in restaurants and pubs
When you are driving and do not want to stop in a restaurant neither want to spend too much time “Pronto” Copec (the main gas station company in Chile) it is a great alternative for coffee, natural orange juice, and a clean bathroom.
Another tips
"I have used LYS Rent a car for the last seven years for hire cars used during trips to Chile and Argentina, the cars have always been in first class condition and during over 40,000 Km travelled we have never suffered a mechanical break down. From the first e-mail enquiry to collection at the airport, booking of first class accommodation arranging of permits and finally returning us to the airport I have always received a first rate service from the LYS team I would recommend there excellent car hire operation to any one who is visiting Chile and needs a Hire car LYS are the number one car Hire firm, customer service is there number one consideration at all times."
Best Wishes, Brendan Burke
"We have used Lys Rent a Car on numerous occasions and have always been very pleased with their service. I have been most impressed with their ability to find us exactly the cars we need in a wide range of delivery options. Lys Car Rental has proven to be a valuable contact in Chile."
Peter Foley, Head Coach US Snowboarding
"The Alzar School counts on reliable vehicles to make our programs in Chile possible. LYS Rent a Car has been a consistent and valued partner since 2012 and we have really appreciated their help. Whether it is finding vans in Santiago, securing 4x4s in Coyhaique, or arranging transfers in Puerto Montt, LYS has always been easy to work with and trustworthy. Mr. Gabor is unique in understanding our needs and his fluency in English makes communicating about reservations from the USA smooth. Thank you, LYS, for all the help over the years! We are looking forward to our next trip!"
Sean Bierle, Head of School.
"During 2 months last year we made a 14000 km road trip through Chile and Argentina. It was a wonderful experience also because our jeep provided by LYS never caused us any problems. A missing stamp at the border with Argentina was solved effectively by Andres through email and direct contact with customs: we only had one hour delay and could hit the road again in Argentinean Patagonia. Also the pick-up at the airport and the accomodation during a couple of days in Santiago were well taken care of. After coming back in Santiago we had a nice meal with Andres and his wife Raquel before our departure back to Amsterdam and our house on the island of Zakynthos Greece. We will be back again in the near future for another trip on the road in this unique part of the world."
Gert Peeters and Ton Nederhoed
"Sincere thanks again for all your help and patience in organising three different car hires for us over the last 2.5 months and 30,000 kms : two from Santiago and one from Punta Arenas. All three went well especially because you made sure we had good vehicles and the right border crossing papers. Your handling of our last minute change to the type of vehicle was fuss free. Thank you also for being at the end of the phone 24/7 and for responding promptly to our emails - you were so calm when we contacted you about the parking issue at the border- truly appreciated. Your suggestions for an apartment and restaurants in Santiago were perfect as well - truly a service we would not expect from one of the multinational companies. We felt we had a friend in Chile before we even arrived!"
Kind regards, Margaret and Gary – Ireland
"I have been using Lys since 1992 on an annual basis. Twice in 2015, twice in 2016 and again twice in 2017. Whilst not always the cheapest Andres lays out the cost and what is covered precisely. No additional costs on collection or return something the car rental industry has a reputation for. I never had a opportunity to test the 24/7 service and support until my last trip. Our hire car was broken into with many electrical items stolen and the car documents. Andres acted swiftly, responsibly and was very supportive ensuring our immediate crisis was not a total disaster Andres speaks perfect English combined with a slight touch of English humour. I thoroughly recommend this company."
Roger M Ferryman
"My wife and I rented cars through LYS in 4 different locations over a 6 week visit to Chile in January-February 2017, our first time in the country. By working with Andres Gabor we could make all the arrangements through one point of contact. Throughout our trip Andres was a ready source of advice for sights, routes, and restaurants. (All of his recommendations were spot on.) Especially useful: Andres had the cars delivered and picked up wherever was most convenient for us, which meant our rentals needn't always be timed to airport arrivals and departures. In short: our trip was remarkable, Andres was a real asset, the cars met our needs, and we recommend LYS enthusiastically."
Thanks and best wishes, Peter & Ellen Brown
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