Santiago de Chile: A visitor’s Guide

Before You Go: Essential Pre-Trip Planning

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your trip to Santiago is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From understanding the city’s distinct seasons to packing the right attire and learning a few words of Spanish, these essential tips will help you arrive ready to explore. If you’re planning an extended trip to this incredible country, our Chile Travel Guide offers a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

When to Visit: A Seasonal Breakdown

Santiago’s Mediterranean climate offers four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. Your ideal time to visit will depend on the activities you have in mind.

• Spring (September – November): This is a beautiful time to be in the city. Temperatures are pleasantly warm, and the parks and streets come alive with blooming flowers, most notably the vibrant purple jacaranda trees. It’s an excellent season for walking and enjoying the city’s outdoor cafés.
• Summer (December – February): Expect hot and dry conditions, with daytime temperatures often climbing above 30°C (86°F). This is the perfect season for enjoying rooftop bars, dining on outdoor patios (terrazas), and taking day trips to the nearby coast or swimming spots in Cajón del Maipo.
• Autumn (March – May): The city transitions into a comfortable and scenic season. The intense summer heat subsides, leaving mild, sunny days and cool evenings. The parks are painted in beautiful shades of orange and red, making it a wonderful time for photography and leisurely strolls. For those interested in capturing the stunning landscapes, check out our guide on Patagonia for photographers.
• Winter (June – August): Santiago’s winter is cool and can be rainy. While it’s the low season for general tourism, it’s the peak season for winter sports. The city serves as a perfect base for skiers and snowboarders heading to world-class resorts like Valle Nevado in the Andes. A significant benefit of winter travel is that after a day of rain, the city’s persistent smog is washed away, revealing breathtakingly clear and crisp views of the snow-capped mountains.

Visas, Entry Requirements, and Currency

Navigating the formalities is a straightforward process for most visitors to Chile.

• Visa Check: Citizens from many countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, regulations can change, so it is always essential to check the latest requirements with your local Chilean consulate or embassy before you travel. Understanding connectivity is also crucial, so consult our guide on Internet, Sim Card and Phone Coverage in Chile.
• Reciprocity Fees: In the past, some nationalities were required to pay a “reciprocity fee” upon arrival. These fees have been abolished for most countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is still wise to confirm the current policy before your departure.
• Currency: The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). While credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, you will need cash for smaller shops, local markets, and some taxis. It’s best to exchange a small amount of money at the airport for immediate needs and then use ATMs (cajeros automáticos) or official exchange houses (casas de cambio) in the city for better rates. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

What to Pack for Santiago’s Climate

Santiago’s weather can be unpredictable, with significant temperature drops between day and night. Smart packing is the key to comfort.

• Layered Clothing: This is the most important rule. Pack t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater or fleece, and a light jacket. This will allow you to adapt as a sunny afternoon turns into a cool evening.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You will likely do a lot of walking as you explore Santiago’s diverse neighborhoods. A reliable and comfortable pair of shoes is non-negotiable.
• Sun Protection: The sun in Santiago is strong year-round, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are essential items to protect your skin.
• A Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially during the dry summer months. Tap water in Santiago is generally safe to drink, but a bottle with a filter can provide extra peace of mind.

Basic Spanish Phrases for Travelers

While you can get by with English in many tourist areas, locals will greatly appreciate any effort you make to speak Spanish. Here are a few phrases to get you started:

• Greetings: Hola (Hello), Buenos días (Good morning), Buenas tardes (Good afternoon), Buenas noches (Good evening/night).
• Essentials: Por favor (Please), Gracias (Thank you), De nada (You’re welcome), Sí (Yes), No (No), Disculpe (Excuse me).
• Asking for Information: ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?), ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?), ¿Habla inglés? (Do you speak English?).
• Ordering Food and Drinks: La cuenta, por favor (The bill, please), Quisiera… (I would like…), Una cerveza (A beer), Un vaso de vino (A glass of wine), Agua sin gas / con gas (Water without fizz / with fizz).

Arriving and Getting Around

Flying into Santiago (SCL)

Your journey to Santiago will almost certainly begin at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), a modern and well-organized hub located about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) northwest of the city center. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll find several straightforward options for getting into the city. For a broader understanding of travel within the country, our Chile Travel Guide is an excellent resource.

To avoid confusion and unsolicited offers, it’s best to arrange your transport at one of the official counters located just after you exit the baggage claim area. Your main choices include:

• Official Taxis: For a direct, private journey, head to the official taxi counters inside the terminal. This ensures you get a metered fare and a registered driver.
• Transfer Services: Companies like Transvip and Delfos offer excellent shared shuttles (transfer) or private cars. The shared shuttles are a cost-effective option if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, dropping passengers off at their respective hotels.
• Airport Buses: The most economical way to reach the city is by bus. Two main services, Centropuerto and Turbus, run frequently from the airport to key transport hubs in the city, such as the Pajaritos and Los Héroes metro stations, where you can easily connect to the rest of the public transport network.

Navigating the City: Public and Private Transport

Santiago is a sprawling city, but its well-structured transport system makes it manageable for visitors. A combination of the metro, buses, and walking will get you almost everywhere you need to go.

The Bip! Card: Your Key to the City

Before you do anything else, get a Bip! card. This rechargeable smart card is essential for using both the Metro and the public bus system. You can purchase and top up a card at any metro station ticket window or automated machine. A single card can be shared among multiple people; simply tap it once for each person entering the system.

Metro System: The City’s Lifeline

The Santiago Metro is one of the most modern and efficient in Latin America. It’s clean, safe, and clearly signposted, making it very user-friendly for visitors. With multiple lines crisscrossing the city, the Metro is often the fastest way to travel long distances, allowing you to bypass the city’s notorious traffic, especially during peak hours.

Buses (Micros): A Surface-Level View

The city’s public bus system, comprised of buses locally known as micros, is extensive and fully integrated with the Metro via the Bip! card. While the routes can seem complex at first, using an app like Google Maps or the official Red Metropolitana de Movilidad app makes navigating the system simple. Buses are a great way to reach areas not directly served by a Metro line and to see the city as you travel.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Official taxis in Santiago are easily identifiable by their black paint and yellow roofs. They are metered, but it’s always wise to confirm with the driver that the meter (taxímetro) will be used. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are also widely used and offer a convenient and reliable way to get around, with fares set in the app before you ride. For those looking to explore beyond the capital, the Carretera Austral in Chile offers an epic adventure.

Walking and Biking

Many of Santiago’s most interesting neighborhoods, including Lastarria, Bellas Artes, and parts of Providencia, are compact and highly walkable. Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to discover hidden courtyards, charming cafés, and local shops. For longer distances, the Bike Santiago public bike-share system offers another pleasant way to see the city, with numerous bike lanes available, particularly along the Mapocho River.

Where to Stay: A Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood in Santiago can shape your entire experience. The city is a mosaic of distinct barrios, each offering a unique atmosphere, from bohemian cultural hubs to sleek, modern districts. Here’s a guide to help you find your perfect home base.

Lastarria and Bellas Artes: The Cultural Heart

Nestled between the green slopes of Cerro San Lucía and Parque Forestal, the adjacent neighborhoods of Lastarria and Bellas Artes form the city’s cultural epicenter. Cobblestone streets, European-style architecture, and a constant buzz of activity define this area. It’s brimming with independent cinemas, theaters, bookshops, and an impressive concentration of excellent restaurants, wine bars, and sidewalk cafés.

This area is ideal for travelers who want to be immersed in art and history. It’s perfect for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys being able to walk to major attractions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center (GAM). The vibe is sophisticated yet bohemian, making it a dynamic place to stay day and night.

Providencia: Upscale and Connected

Providencia strikes a perfect balance between the bustling downtown and the quieter, upscale eastern suburbs. It’s a large, safe, and leafy district with a mix of residential avenues, office buildings, and a thriving commercial scene. Here you’ll find everything from tranquil parks and riverside paths to major shopping centers like the Costanera Center. The neighborhood feels orderly and well-maintained, offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploring.

With its excellent Metro connectivity and reputation for safety, Providencia is a popular choice for first-time visitors, solo travelers, and families. It offers a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels to serviced apartments, and provides a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the historic center while still being exceptionally central.

Vitacura and Las Condes: Modern and Luxurious

Welcome to “Sanhattan,” Santiago’s modern financial and business district. The neighborhoods of Las Condes and Vitacura are characterized by gleaming glass skyscrapers, immaculate parks like Parque Bicentenario, and wide, clean avenues. This is the city’s most affluent area, home to corporate headquarters, embassies, high-end shopping along Avenida Alonso de Córdova, and a world-class culinary scene with many of the city’s top international restaurants.

This district is best suited for business travelers and those seeking luxury. The city’s finest five-star hotels are concentrated here, offering premium amenities and service. While it’s further from the historic center, the area is well-connected by the Metro and offers a polished, secure, and contemporary Santiago experience.

Barrio Italia: Trendy and Unique

Once a quiet neighborhood of furniture restorers and mechanics, Barrio Italia has transformed into one of Santiago’s most fashionable districts. It retains a charming, low-rise feel, with tree-lined streets and historic homes now housing independent designer boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and some of the city’s best cafés. The heart of the neighborhood is its many hidden courtyards, or galerías, which host clusters of unique shops and eateries.

Barrio Italia is the perfect choice for travelers who appreciate design, love to shop for unique items, and prefer a more local, laid-back vibe. It offers a slower pace than Lastarria but is just as rich in character, making it a delightful place to wander, sip coffee, and discover one-of-a-kind Chilean crafts and designs.

Must-See Sights and Attractions

Santiago is a city of captivating contrasts, where colonial architecture stands in the shadow of modern skyscrapers and tranquil parks offer respite from the urban energy. These essential sights provide a perfect introduction to the city’s diverse character.

Cerro San Cristóbal: Panoramic City Views

Dominating the city’s skyline, Cerro San Cristóbal is more than just a hill; it’s the green lung of Santiago, part of the vast Parque Metropolitano. The journey to the top is an experience in itself, offering ever-expanding views of the sprawling city and the Andes mountains that frame it.

• Funicular: A charming, historic cable railway that climbs the steep slope from its base in the Bellavista neighborhood.
• Teleférico (Cable Car): A modern cable car system that glides over the park, connecting different points of the hill with spectacular aerial views.
• Hiking or Biking: For the more active visitor, numerous trails wind their way up the hill, offering a rewarding workout and a closer connection to the park’s flora and fauna.

At the summit, you’ll find the iconic 22-meter statue of the Virgin Mary, a sanctuary, and multiple viewpoints. It’s also the perfect place to try a classic Chilean refreshment, Mote con Huesillo, a sweet drink made from peaches and husked wheat, sold at small stands near the top.

Plaza de Armas and the Historic Center

This is where Santiago was founded in 1541. The Plaza de Armas remains the city’s gravitational center, a lively public square bustling with street performers, artists, and locals. The plaza is surrounded by some of Chile’s most significant historical buildings.

• Metropolitan Cathedral: A stunning example of neoclassical architecture with an ornate interior, this is the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago.
• Central Post Office Building (Correo Central): Housed in the former presidential palace, this beautiful building is worth a visit for its grand French-influenced design.
• National History Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional): Located in the former Royal Court Palace, this museum chronicles the history of Chile from the pre-Columbian era to the 20th century.

La Chascona: Pablo Neruda’s Santiago Home

Tucked away in the vibrant Bellavista neighborhood is La Chascona, one of three homes of Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. The house, whose name means “tangled-haired woman” in Quechua, was built for his secret lover and later wife, Matilde Urrutia. A tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Neruda’s eclectic and whimsical world, with rooms designed to resemble a ship’s cabin and a lighthouse, filled with his collections of art, furniture, and curious objects from around the globe.

Mercado Central and La Vega Central

For an immersion into Santiago’s culinary soul, a visit to its central markets is essential. While located near each other, they offer distinct experiences. The Mercado Central is famed for its wrought-iron structure (designed in England and assembled in Chile in 1872) and is the city’s primary fish market. The center is filled with seafood restaurants where you can sample fresh ceviche or a hearty paila marina. A friendly tip: the restaurant promoters can be quite enthusiastic; a firm but polite “no, gracias” is effective if you wish to browse first. Just across the Mapocho River lies La Vega Central, a sprawling, chaotic, and wonderfully authentic market. This is where Santiaguinos shop for everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to cheese, meat, and spices. The sheer scale and energy of La Vega offer a true slice of local life.

Sky Costanera: South America’s Tallest Viewpoint

For a modern perspective, head to the Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest building in South America. The Sky Costanera observation deck on the 61st and 62nd floors provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city and the magnificent Andes mountain range. An elevator whisks you to the top in under a minute. For the most dramatic experience, plan your visit for late afternoon to watch the sun set behind the coastal range, casting a warm glow over the city as the lights begin to twinkle on below.

Experiencing Santiago’s Culture

Beyond its grand landmarks and bustling markets, Santiago possesses a rich cultural fabric woven from history, art, and tradition. From poignant museums that narrate the nation’s story to vibrant street art that colors its walls, the city offers countless avenues for deeper exploration.

Museums Not to Miss

Santiago’s museums provide compelling windows into the soul of Chile and the broader South American continent. While there are many to choose from, a few stand out as essential visits for any traveler.

• Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino: Widely regarded as one of the best museums in Latin America, this institution houses a world-class collection of art and artifacts from ancient Central and South American cultures. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, its thoughtfully curated exhibits offer a profound look into the continent’s history long before the arrival of Europeans.
• Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos: A powerful and deeply moving institution, this museum is dedicated to commemorating the victims of human rights violations during the civic-military dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990). It is an essential visit for understanding Chile’s recent history and its path to democracy. The exhibits are sobering but handled with immense dignity and respect.
• Centro Cultural La Moneda: Located directly beneath the presidential palace, this subterranean cultural center is an architectural marvel. It hosts a dynamic program of high-quality, rotating exhibitions featuring both Chilean and international art, photography, and design, making it a consistently interesting place to visit.

Street Art Hotspots

The streets of Santiago are a canvas for creative expression, with murals and graffiti providing a colorful and often political commentary on modern life. To see the best of this urban art, head to these key neighborhoods.

• Barrio Bellavista: While known for its nightlife, Bellavista’s streets are also an explosion of color. Wander through its lanes to discover everything from large-scale, intricate murals to politically charged stencils and graffiti, making the entire neighborhood feel like an open-air gallery.
• Barrio Yungay: As one of Santiago’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, Yungay has a bohemian and community-focused spirit. Its street art reflects this, often telling stories of the area’s heritage and residents. The art here feels deeply integrated with the architecture and local life.
• Museo a Cielo Abierto in San Miguel: This is not a traditional museum but an ambitious public art project that has transformed an entire residential neighborhood. Dozens of large-scale murals adorn the sides of apartment buildings, creating a remarkable and immersive artistic experience. It’s a short metro ride from the city center and well worth the trip.

Live Music and Traditional Cueca

As evening falls, Santiago’s cultural life continues in its many bars and performance venues. You can find a wide array of live music, from intimate jazz clubs in Barrio Lastarria to rock bars in Bellavista. Check local listings for what’s on during your visit.

For a truly Chilean experience, seek out the national dance, the Cueca. This lively partner dance represents the courtship between a rooster and a hen, characterized by intricate footwork and the waving of handkerchiefs. While it is most prevalent during the Fiestas Patrias (national holiday celebrations) in September, you can often find performances at traditional restaurants and cultural venues, known as “peñas,” throughout the year.

A Taste of Chile: Food and Drink

Chilean cuisine is a reflection of its unique geography, combining fresh seafood from its long coastline, hearty produce from its central valley, and rustic traditions from its countryside. In Santiago, you can explore the full spectrum of these flavors, from comforting home-style dishes to innovative culinary creations. Get ready to eat and drink your way through the capital.

Must-Try Chilean Dishes

While exploring Santiago, keep an eye out for these essential dishes that form the heart of Chilean home cooking. They are flavorful, satisfying, and offer a genuine taste of the local culture.

• Pastel de Choclo: A beloved comfort food, this is a savory-sweet pie with a filling of seasoned ground beef (pino), chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and olives, all topped with a creamy, slightly sweet corn purée that’s baked until golden.
• Empanadas de Pino: The quintessential Chilean snack. These are large, baked turnovers filled with a savory mixture of minced beef, onions, a slice of hard-boiled egg, an olive, and sometimes raisins. They are a staple, especially during national holidays.
• Cazuela: A simple yet deeply nourishing stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. It consists of a clear, flavorful broth with a large piece of beef or chicken, a potato, a slice of pumpkin, and a cob of corn.
• Completo: Chile’s take on the hot dog is a national obsession. The classic version is a hot dog in a bun loaded with chopped tomatoes, creamy mashed avocado, and a generous amount of mayonnaise. The “Italiano” version, with avocado, tomato, and mayo, mimics the colors of the Italian flag.

The “Terremoto” and Other Local Drinks

From potent cocktails to world-renowned wines, Chile’s beverage scene is as diverse as its landscape. Whether you’re seeking a unique local concoction or a glass of award-winning red, Santiago delivers.

• Terremoto (Earthquake): This deceptively sweet and potent cocktail is a true Santiago experience. It’s a mix of a young, fermented wine called pipeño, a scoop of pineapple ice cream, and a splash of grenadine. It’s famously strong, so enjoy it with caution.
• Pisco Sour: A point of national pride, the Pisco Sour is Chile’s signature cocktail. Made from pisco (a grape brandy), fresh lime or lemon juice, and powdered sugar, it’s a simple, tangy, and refreshing drink served in bars and restaurants across the city.
• Mote con Huesillo: This iconic non-alcoholic drink is the perfect antidote to a warm day. It’s a sweet, amber-colored nectar containing rehydrated dried peaches (huesillos) and cooked husked wheat (mote). You’ll find it sold from street carts, especially at the top of Cerro San Cristóbal.
• Chilean Wine: You can’t visit Chile without sampling its world-class wines. While the country is famous for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, be sure to try a glass of Carménère, a rediscovered grape variety that has become Chile’s signature red.

Exploring Santiago’s Best Foodie Neighborhoods

To truly dive into Santiago’s culinary scene, head to the neighborhoods where the locals eat. Each area offers a distinct atmosphere and a different set of flavors to discover.

• Lastarria: This bohemian-chic neighborhood is a gastronomic hub. Its cobblestone streets are lined with a high concentration of excellent restaurants offering everything from creative Chilean cuisine to top-tier international fare. It’s an ideal choice for an upscale or memorable dinner.
• Barrio Italia: Known for its design boutiques and antique shops, Barrio Italia also boasts a fantastic food scene. Explore its hidden courtyards (galerías) to find trendy cafés, excellent brunch spots, and charming restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines in a relaxed setting.
• Bellavista: This vibrant and colorful neighborhood is the heart of Santiago’s nightlife. It’s packed with a diverse range of restaurants, lively patios, and bustling bars, making it the perfect place to grab a casual meal and a drink before heading out for the evening.

Day Trips and Excursions from the City

One of Santiago’s greatest assets is its strategic location, acting as a gateway to the Pacific coast, the high Andes, and world-class wine country. Within just a couple of hours, you can completely change your surroundings. Here are a few of the most rewarding day trips to consider.

Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: Coastal Charm

A journey to the coast offers a tale of two cities. Getting there is straightforward; comfortable and frequent buses depart from Santiago’s Alameda and Pajaritos bus terminals, taking approximately 90 minutes to reach the coast.

Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a chaotic and beautiful labyrinth of steep hills (cerros) overlooking a bustling port. Its identity is forged in its vibrant street art, creaking historic funiculars (ascensores) that climb the hillsides, and a bohemian spirit that has inspired poets and artists for generations. Spend your time getting lost in the colorful alleyways of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, discovering hidden galleries, and admiring the Pacific views from a cliffside café.

Just next door, Viña del Mar offers a complete contrast. Known as the “Garden City,” it is a more manicured and traditional seaside resort. Here you will find long sandy beaches, the famous Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores), and expansive parks. It’s a place for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the ocean breeze and a more relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.

Cajón del Maipo: Andean Adventure

For a dramatic shift in scenery, head southeast from the city into the Andes to explore Cajón del Maipo. This stunning river canyon offers a rugged, natural escape from the urban environment. The air is crisper, the sky seems bigger, and the scale of the mountains is humbling.

The area is a hub for outdoor activities. Popular options include:

• Hiking: Trails range from gentle walks along the river to more strenuous mountain treks. The Monumento Natural El Morado offers some of the most spectacular scenery.
• Hot Springs: Unwind in the rustic, mineral-rich thermal pools of Termas Colina or Baños Morales, set against a backdrop of dramatic peaks.
• Embalse El Yeso: Visit this breathtaking turquoise reservoir high in the mountains. Its vibrant color against the arid landscape is an unforgettable sight (note that road access can be restricted in winter).

Due to limited public transportation within the canyon, the best way to explore Cajón del Maipo is by joining a guided tour from Santiago or by renting a car, which offers the most flexibility.

Wine Valleys: Maipo, Casablanca, and Aconcagua

Chile is celebrated for its wine, and several of its premier wine-producing valleys are an easy day trip from the capital. Many wineries, from large-scale international names to small family-run operations, welcome visitors for tours and tastings.

The Maipo Valley is the closest and one of the most historic regions, often called the “Bordeaux of South America.” It is renowned for its full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Wineries like Concha y Toro and Santa Rita are easily accessible and offer comprehensive tours.

A little further toward the coast lies the Casablanca Valley. This region’s cooler climate, influenced by morning fog from the Pacific, is perfect for producing crisp, elegant white wines. It is particularly acclaimed for its Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Visiting the wineries can be done in several ways. The most convenient option is a pre-booked guided tour, which often includes transportation and tastings at multiple vineyards. For more independence, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace. Some larger wineries near towns like Pirque or Maipú can also be reached via a combination of public transport and a short taxi ride.

Practical Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

Santiago is a modern and generally safe Latin American capital, but like any major city, it requires a degree of awareness. A few local insights can help ensure your visit is smooth, safe, and enjoyable from start to finish.

Safety and Awareness

While violent crime against tourists is uncommon, petty theft like pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Maintaining a sensible level of caution is the best approach to navigating the city with confidence.

• Situational Awareness: Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially on crowded Metro trains, in busy markets like La Vega, and around popular tourist sites like Plaza de Armas and Cerro San Cristóbal.
• Keep Valuables Secure: Avoid flashing expensive jewelry, cameras, or smartphones unnecessarily. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and wear your backpack or purse in front of you in dense crowds.
• Beware of Distractions: A common tactic involves one person distracting you—by spilling something on you, for instance—while an accomplice attempts to steal your belongings. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
• Phone Safety: Do not leave your phone sitting on the table at restaurants or cafés, especially at outdoor patios. This is a common target for snatch-and-run theft.

The neighborhoods of Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura are considered very safe, even at night. While the historic center and neighborhoods like Bellavista and Lastarria are vibrant, it is wise to stick to well-lit main streets after dark and use a taxi or ride-sharing service for late-night travel rather than walking long distances.

Tipping Etiquette

Understanding local customs around tipping can prevent awkward moments and ensure you are showing appreciation appropriately.

• Restaurants and Cafés: When you receive your bill (la cuenta), it will almost always include a suggested 10% tip, listed as “propina sugerida.” This is voluntary, but it is standard practice to pay it for good service. When paying by card, the server will ask if you want to include the tip before processing the payment.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Tipping is not expected for taxi drivers, but rounding up the fare to the nearest hundred or thousand pesos is a common and appreciated gesture. Ride-sharing apps often allow for in-app tipping after the ride.
• Other Services: For hotel porters or tour guides, a small tip for excellent service is appreciated but not obligatory.

Staying Connected

Staying connected in Santiago is straightforward, with several options available for travelers.

• Buying a Local SIM Card: The most economical way to have data on the go is to purchase a prepaid Chilean SIM card. You will need an unlocked phone. Major providers include Entel, Movistar, and WOM. SIM cards can be bought at official provider stores (where staff can help you activate it) or in some supermarkets and pharmacies. You can then purchase prepaid data packages, known as “bolsas.”
• Public Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is widely available in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Some public spaces and Metro stations also offer connectivity, though the speed and security can be variable. It is reliable for general browsing and maps, but using a secure network or your own data is recommended for any sensitive transactions.