Money Matters

Currency

The unit of currency is the peso ($ or CLP), which exists in banknotes of $500, $1000, $2000, $5.000, $10.000, $20.000 and coins of $1, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $500.

Foreign Cash

Foreign cash is not generally in use, except for hotels that may waive the value-added tax (IVA) if you are a foreigner, when you pay in US dollars cash or credit card.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely used and accepted. There is no surcharge for their use. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. In medium to large businesses American Express is also honored. Exchange rates for credit cards are pretty good. Some small, rural towns mostly have cash economies, so have cash handy when going off the beaten track.

Teller Machines

In commercial and banking areas, it is easy to find Automatic Teller Machines (Redbanc network) honoring cards of all local banks as well as Cirrus cards, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Exchange rates are very good.

Money Exchange

The government does not regulate the market of foreign currency in Chile. You can exchange money at any established "Casa de Cambio" at market driven exchange rates. They are common in commercial areas (Downtown and Providencia) as well as in Shopping Malls.