Explore Chile
Desert, glaciers, wine valleys, Pacific cities, and quick Chilean Spanish.
Chile stretches from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, with wine valleys, Pacific cities, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Spanish is essential, and Chilean Spanish can be fast and idiomatic.
Quick facts
Essential phrases
All phrasesHello
Hola
O-la
Good morning
Buenos días
Bwe-nos dee-as
Good afternoon
Buenas tardes
Bwe-nas tar-des
Goodbye
Adiós
A-dios
Cultural norms
All tipsChilean Spanish is fast
LanguageChileans often speak quickly and use local slang. Asking for slower speech is common and useful.
Once is an evening meal
DiningMany Chileans have once, a tea-style evening meal with bread, avocado, cheese, or sweets.
Use transit cards in Santiago
TransportSantiago metro and buses use the Bip! card. Buy and load it before riding.
Tipping guide
Full guideRestaurants commonly suggest a 10% tip. It is voluntary but customary for good service. Round up taxis and tip guides for tours.
Restaurants
5-10%
Check whether a service charge is already included before adding more.
Taxis & rideshares
Round up
For longer rides or driver assistance with luggage, add a small amount.
Hotel staff
Small local-currency notes
Tip porters, housekeeping, or concierge staff for helpful service.
Tour guides
5-10% or local equivalent
Private guides and full-day tours generally merit a larger tip.
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