Money in Chile
Chile uses the Chilean peso. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- CLPChilean peso
- Symbol
- $
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Chile
Cards are widely accepted in cities. Carry cash for markets, small towns and tips.
- Cards
- Widely accepted
- Cash
- Cards are less common in Patagonia south of Puerto Montt and other remote areas, so carry pesos there. Park fees and small bus-station or port taxes of about US$2 to 3 are paid in local cash, as reported by Swoop.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common in major cities, and foreign cardholders are generally charged a transaction fee except at Scotiabank and Banco del Estado (South America Travel, undated). Easter Island and San Pedro de Atacama ATMs sometimes run out of cash.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are accepted at some tourist shops, but most restaurants and taxis require pesos (Abercrombie & Kent).
- Exchanging money
- US dollars and euros are easily exchanged at casas de cambio, which offer the best rates, and also at banks and hotels. Leftover pesos can be hard to exchange after the trip.
- Watch out for
- Swoop reports merchants may add a 2 to 4% surcharge for card payments, so cash can be cheaper. Some merchants ask for ID when you pay by card.
Tipping in Chile
Restaurants add a suggested 10% to the bill. It is voluntary, but most people pay it. Round up for taxis.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Swoop Patagonia, Journey Latin America, Abercrombie & Kent, South America Travel, Jacada Travel, Andean Trails.
Convert to and from CLP
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 978 CLP | 1,095 CLP | 1,312 CLP |
| 10 | 9,778 CLP | 10,954 CLP | 13,121 CLP |
| 50 | 48,890 CLP | 54,771 CLP | 65,604 CLP |
| 100 | 97,780 CLP | 109,542 CLP | 131,207 CLP |
| 500 | 488,898 CLP | 547,709 CLP | 656,037 CLP |
What each amount is worth in CLP. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Chile use?
Chile uses the Chilean peso (CLP).
Do you need to tip in Chile?
Appreciated. Restaurants add a suggested 10% to the bill. It is voluntary, but most people pay it. Round up for taxis.
Can you pay by card in Chile?
Widely accepted. Cards are less common in Patagonia south of Puerto Montt and other remote areas, so carry pesos there. Park fees and small bus-station or port taxes of about US$2 to 3 are paid in local cash, as reported by Swoop.
Are there ATMs in Chile?
ATMs are common in major cities, and foreign cardholders are generally charged a transaction fee except at Scotiabank and Banco del Estado (South America Travel, undated). Easter Island and San Pedro de Atacama ATMs sometimes run out of cash.