• Population: 19 million
• Capital: Santiago
• Demographics: Ethnically 89% Chilean white and non-indigenous, 9% Mapuche, 2% other indigenous groups. Religiously 67% Roman Catholic, 16% Protestant, 11% none, 6% other.
• Type of government: Democratic republic
• Currency: Chilean Peso
• Common foods: pastel de choclo, empanadas, cazuela, asado, sopaipillas, etc.

Spanish is the official language of Chile. Other languages spoken sporadically by indigenous populations include Quechua, Mapudungun, Rapa Nui, and others. Most Chileans will know some English, but do not expect every person to be able to converse with you in English.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

Upon arriving in Chile, you will process a tourist visa. This initial visa can be issued for up to 90 days – be sure to request the full 90-day allotment!

You do not need to apply for a student visa for the SFS program as you will not be enrolled in a Chilean university. You will be a tourist participating in a study abroad program.

Below is some important information about the tourist visa:

• You will be issued a Tourist Card upon arrival that will have the details of your tourist visa. The card is a thin slip of a paper that resembles a receipt and could be easily lost. You need to keep this card safe as you’ll be asked to show this card often! SFS recommends keeping it with your passport.
• This tourist visa will reset every time you cross the border and leave Chile, which will happen twice during the SFS semester-long program.
• Each tourist can stay up to 180 days total in Chile, so that should suffice for the 100-day SFS program as well as any post-program travel you may have planned in Chile. However, please be aware that each time you cross the border, it is up to the discretion of the immigration officer how many days they allot you.
• If you plan to travel in Chile after the program, it would be helpful to have a copy of your return flight (your flight leaving Chile) with you when crossing the border so that you can request the specific number of days that you need based on any post-program travel you have planned.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• A few of the main cell providers in Chile include Entel, Claro, Movistar, VTR, and WOM.
• It is recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card through any of these operators for longer stays, and monthly plan prices as well as coverage in-country vary by provider.
• You also have the option to buy a local cell phone instead of inserting a SIM card into your own cell.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• The internet infrastructure in Chile varies mostly by region. Internet access is more widespread in major cities and populated areas, but not so much in rural regions or mountain areas, like the Chilean Andes.
• Most businesses, hotels, restaurants, and airports will provide free wifi access for guests.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Electricity

• Normal voltage levels may vary in-country, so you may need to buy a voltage converter in order to use your high voltage electric appliances (such as hairdryers). You can purchase one after you arrive.
• Cell phones and laptops do not need a voltage converter, but for items that do, it is often better to purchase these items abroad rather than purchasing a voltage converter.
• Chile primarily uses Type C or Type L electric plugs, which means you will need to purchase plug adapters in order to use any electronic devices or appliances purchased in the US. Type C plugs have two round prongs instead of flat ones, and Type L plugs have 3 round prongs in a line.

Banking Tips

• It is recommended to take out Chilean currency before arriving in Chile, at your local US bank, at least a week in advance or more.
• Paying in cash is the best option in Chile.
• It is always a good idea to have some local currency with you in cash for daily purchases, and in case of emergencies.
• Credit and debit cards are accepted primarily in larger cities and tourist hot-spots, but less frequently anywhere else. Consult your local US bank about international transaction fees if you plan on using a credit or debit card in Chile.
• A few of the most popular banks in Chile include BBVA Chile, Banco de Chile, Banco Estado, Itau Corpobanca, and Santander Chile. All of these banks have ATMs accessible to take out local currency using your US debit card.

Geography

• The oldest and driest desert on Earth is found in Chile, called the Atacama Desert. Some parts of the region have never received a drop of rain.
• The world-renowned Easter Island is part of Chile! It is locally called "moai" island, occupied by the Rapanui people, and contains one of the most extensive subterranean cave systems on Earth.
• Chile has one of the longest coastlines in the world, around 6500km. The country is also one of the narrowest, at just about 200km in width.

Climate

• Chile's climate varies by geographic area and altitude, from dry, arid desert regions to the cooler Andes mountains to the warm and humid coastline. The southern regions of Chile experience the most rainfall and snow in the mountains, making it a great skiing destination. Temperatures in the north, where weather tends to be cloudy and moderate, average between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Since Chile is located in the southern hemisphere, seasons are the exact opposite of that in the US, meaning warmer weather happens between October-March, and cooler weather between April and September.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack lighter clothing in layers, and light sweaters or jackets for the summer months.
• A rain jacket or umbrella is essential.
• Heavier clothing and winter coats are a good idea to bring to elevated mountainous regions, especially in the winter.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Chile is connected by many forms of public transportation within major cities and extending into more rural areas, such as bus, commuter rail, metro, or taxi. Bus routes run the most often and fares are relatively cheap.
• Santiago has a newly expanded underground metro system that is very efficient to travel within the city.
• Chilean taxis are metered, so this is a more expensive form of transportation.

Flights

• Common Domestic Airlines: LATAM Chile, Sky Airways, SINAMI, and more.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.