What are some current prices in Chile?

Question

I am traveling to Chile in the next week and I am wondering what are the prices of a meal out in a restaurant, hotels, etc? I am staying with someone for the majority of the time, but I will be doing some traveling as well. I will be there for two weeks and I don't know how much money to bring!

Answer 1

My wife and I spent 11 days in Santiago with friends.  We splurged occasionally but mostly we were on the cheap.  I think together we went through $1500.  One good thing, the major credit cards are widely accepted there.  Some card companies add a per cent or two for currency conversion so check with your issuer.  One bad thing, if your card is not issued by a specific bank (i.e. 1st Nat'l of Peoria vs. Capital One) be sure to have your pin #.  The banks in Santiago will not give you a cash advance on a Capital One type credit card.  You have to use an ATM.

Answer 2

It will depend on whether you want to eat in restaurants that cater to tourists or try some Chilean cuisine in the places that the locals frequent.

The touristy restaurants are going to be more expensive and you will spend anywhere between $8,000 pesos up to $15,000 pesos for a meal (about $15 to $30).

If you want to avoid the tourist traps, then you can spend as little as $2,000 to $5,000 pesos (about $3 to $7) for a very good and satisfying meal if you go to one of the local restaurants.

Of course you can also find all the places like McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, etc. down here, but personally I think you will get a much better meal if you go the Chilean way.

Answer 3

They have ATM's everywhere in Chile.  If you run short its not a problem getting more.  Prices are not as cheap as you are hoping. However, much depends where you eat and what you eat.