In the summer average temperature can climb to 16.5 °C (62 °F), while during winter the temperature can drop below 7 °C (45 °F).

It is warm all year round. There is a very large daily range of temperate, up to 30 degrees celsius. Central Chile has a mediterranean type climate with long, hot summers and cool, wet winters. The best seasons are spring, September-November and fall, March-May.

July

The average summer temperature is 83°F (28°C) and the average minimum is 59°F (15°C). The average winter maximum is 72°F (22°C) and the minimum is 57°F (14°C), though when winds blow in from Antarctica with pouring rain it can feel a lot colder.

Poverty in Chile has a fairly low percentage of 14.4 percent, which is lower than the United States. However, Chile’s problem lies in the country’s high rates of income inequality: and this alone has driven around 10 percent of people into poverty. At first glance, Chile’s economy appears stable.

Chile is considered the safest travel destination in South America. The political situation is stable, and you can move freely throughout the country. You can safely travel alone as a single woman in the country. However, for your safety in Chile, please keep the following in mind.

Chileans stand closer to others than most North Americans or Europeans, and it is considered rude to back away. It is also considered rude to click your fingers or beckon with an index finger.

Large demonstrations and protests are common in Chile, and periods of civil unrest present a level of danger to travelers due to politically motivated violence that may arise. Clashes between protesters and the Chilean government can often become violent. Travelers must avoid all protests.

Is Chile considered a third world country? The term ‘Third World’ arose during the Cold War to define countries that remained ‘non-aligned’ with the Communist Soviet bloc or the Capitalist NATO bloc. By this original definition, Chile is a ‘Third World’ country, as Chile remained neutral during the Cold War era.

Chile is one of the safest, most politically stable countries in South America, with a well-established middle-class, good medical facilities and a well-developed infrastructure.

Santiago, Chile, is known for its economic wealth as well as its rich and vibrant culture and history. Areas such as mining, manufacturing, personal services, and retail trade have bolstered the economy and made the country a leading contender in wealth on the world circuit, not just the Latin American circuit.

The economy of Chile is a market economy and high-income economy as ranked by the World Bank, and is considered one of South America’s most prosperous nations, leading the region in competitiveness, income per capita, globalization, economic freedom, and low perception of corruption.

Indeed, a century ago, it was one of the world’s wealthiest countries, with a standard of living on par with that of the US. Today, however, Argentina’s per capita income amounts to just 40% of America’s, and is considerably lower than Chile’s.

Brazil

Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Chile

• World’s Biggest Swimming Pool is in Chile?
• In Chile, You Can Find the Driest Place on Earth, The Atacama Desert.
• Chile is a World Class Wine Destination, and the Ninth Largest Producer of Wine.
• Easter Island.
• Penguins in Chile.
• Valparaiso.
• Chile’s Andes Mountains Has Some of the World’s Largest and Still Active Volcanoes.

Costs of your travel to Chile Chile is the most developed country in South America, and it is also one of the most expensive. The transport and accommodation have similar prices in both countries, but in Chile it is easier to have a decent meal for the same money.

Tap Water. The tap water in Chile’s cities is generally safe but has a high mineral content that can cause stomach upsets; bottled water is a good idea for delicate stomachs and in the north. You can also disinfect water with iodine pills, a water filter or Steripen.

English is not widely spoken in Chile overall, with only around 10 percent of the population reported as being able to converse in English to some extent.

Chilean Customs Chileans tend to appreciate formalities, so always greet a Chilean with a “Buenas días” or “Buenas tardes.” When two women, or a man and a woman, greet each other in a social setting, they do so with one kiss on the right cheek.

September, October, and November (spring) welcome colorful blooms, while March, April, and May (fall) usher in autumnal hues. Both times of year experience mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Avoid visiting between June and August (winter), when most attractions close and Southern Chilean Patagonia empties out.

Unlike some other countries in South America, US Dollars are rarely accepted. Luckily, exchanging your cash for Chilean Pesos shouldn’t prove too hard, even if you leave it to the last minute.

Cost of Living in Chile

Restaurants	Edit
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	944.59CL$
Water (12 oz small bottle)	778.44CL$
Markets	Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	3,084.61CL$

Prices for a Big Mac in Chile from 2010 to 2021 (in U.S. dollars)

	Average price in U.S. dollars
2019	3.89
2018	4.29
2017	3.64
2016	2.94

In Chile, tipping etiquette dictates you give leave a gratuity of at least 10% of your restaurant bill. Some establishments will include 10%, in which case you should still give at least 5% directly to your server. They make very low wages and can really use the extra money.

TIP IS INCLUDED, BUT… In Chile, 98% of restaurants, bars, pubs and coffee shops will add 10% to your bill total (it should be properly stated in the bill). 10% is the expected bill if service was good. If service is poor, then leave NO tip.

Is Uber legal in Chile? Yes, it’s legal. Sometimes Uber and other ride share drivers aren’t made very welcome by official taxi drivers. Consequently some ride share drivers might be unwilling to drop you off at an official taxi rank area.

Although most of the Uber drivers I spoke with conceded that Uber was technically illegal in the country, the company itself says that Uber operates in a legal gray area in Chile. The Santiago Holiday Inn Airport Hotel (Uber does not pick up in front in front of it.)

“Uber in Chile isn’t easy.” That is because Uber drivers can be fined or have their vehicles impounded if caught by authorities ferrying passengers. Chile has yet to work out a regulatory framework for ridesharing. “This (Uber) application is not legal,” Chile´s Transport Minister Gloria Hutt said last year.

A fare from Santiago Airport to downtown should cost about $7,500-10,000 Chilean pesos (approximately 15-20 Canadian dollars) during low traffic and $15,000-20,000 Chilean pesos during peak times (30-40 Canadian dollars).

The official rate for taxis in Santiago starts at $300 pesos, then every 200 meters it will increase $130 CHP.