Special purchases include textiles such as colorful handwoven ponchos, vicuna rugs, alpaca jumpers and copper work. Chilean stones such as lapis lazuli, jade, amethyst, agate and onyx are all good buys. Camping and other outdoor equipment can be bought in Santiago as well as in areas where the activity is practiced.
Shopping hours Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400. Large shopping malls are open daily 1000-2100.
Currency Information:CurrencyChilean Peso (CLP; symbol CH$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations
of CH$20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CH$500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Currency ExchangeForeign exchange transactions can be conducted through commercial banks,
casas de cambio, or authorized shops, restaurants, hotels and clubs. Visitors should not be tempted by the premiums of 10 to 15% over the official rate offered by black marketeers.
Casas de cambio are open daily 0900-1900.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsCredit/debit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and sometimes American Express) are widely accepted in towns and cities, where
Redbanc ATMs are also largely available.
Traveller's ChequesThe government does not regulate the market of foreign currency in Chile, making it possible to exchange money and traveller’s cheques at any
casa de cambio at market-driven exchange rates. There may be some difficulty exchanging traveller’s cheques outside major towns. Traveller’s cheques in US Dollars offer a better exchange rate.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1400.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | CH$1,064.16 |
| $1.00= | CH$538.00 |
| €1.00= | CH$719.00 |
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