Money And Currency

National Currency
Chile's established currency is the Chilean peso ($ or CHP), which exists in bills ranging from 1000, 2000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and coins from 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500.

Checks are a widely used and you'll be required proper identification to write them.

Foreign cash
Foreign currency cash is not used except at hotels that might consider to waive value-added tax ("Impuesto al Valor Agregado", or IVA) if, for example, you're a foreigner paying in US dollar cash.

Credit cards
Credit cards are widely used in Chile and there's no surcharge for their use. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. In some medium and large businesses American Express is also honoured. Exchange rates for credit cards are much convenient as well.

Also, please have in mind that most countryside towns use cash only, so keep a couple bills at-hand when going off the beaten path.

Any question about you credit card? You can ask at:

- International Visa: Emergency Assitance for travellers: 123 0 0202136.
- American Express: Avenida Isidora Goyenechea 3621 P.10, Las Condes, Santiago. Phone number: 3506700.
- Diners Club: Assistance phone number: 800220220.

Cash Machines
You'll find cash machines or Redbanc (ATM) at shopping malls, banks and gas stations. Cash points accept credit cards for any banks affiliated to the international system but we suggest you check this up with your bank. Cash machines give out Chilean currency cash only and work 24 hours a day, 7 days of the week.

Money Exchange
The government does not regulate foreign exchange market in Chile, making it possible to exchange money at any established bureau de change or currency exchange offices ("Casas de cambio") in accordance to daily exchange rates. Bureaux de change or exchange offices are common in downtown area, Providencia district and shopping malls.

Some suggested Bureaux de change:

Cambio Afex: Moneda 1160 Piso 9, Santiago. 6369000. Website.
Cambios Azul: Avda.Príncipe de Gales 7446 , La Reina, Santiago. Phone number: (+56-2) 2273884.
Exprinter Ltda.: Agustinas 1036, Santiago. Phone number: (+56-2) 6982703.