Chile is simply breathtaking, with its incredible contrasts and mesmerising natural wonders. From the dry heat of the Atacama Desert to the cold fjords of Patagonia, and from the vibrant city life of Santiago to the tranquil paradise of Easter Island, Chile is a place where you can experience a diverse range of landscapes and immerse yourself in different cultures. To successfully navigate this diverse terrain, it’s important to have a good grasp of the local cash, how to use cash and ATMs in Chile, and the various payment options available in this country. Discover the financial insights that will make your exploration of Chile’s wonders a breeze. With this guide, you’ll have the confidence to embark on a memorable journey from the Andes to the Pacific.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to travel on a budget in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Chile?
Chile has a wide network of over 3,500 ATMs, which are operated by the country’s top 10 banks. There are plenty of ATMs available in cities and even a few options in smaller towns, including at fuel stations, where you can easily get cash in Chile. However, if you’re planning to visit remote islands or far-off destinations, don’t set your expectations high.
You can find ATMs at:
- Popular airports,
- Market and town squares,
- Popular streets in every big city that attract tourists,
- Shopping malls,
- Food lanes,
- Branches of banks,
- Few corporate buildings.
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Smaller airports,
- Highways,
- Islands,
- Bus stops in the area,
- The villages’ interiors,
- Off the main streets in small towns,
- Secluded getaways.
Best ATMs to use in Chile for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Chile are those owned by popular banks such as:
Banco BICE,
Banco Estado,
Banco Condell,
Internacional Banco,
Itau,
Banco Consorcio, and
Scotiabank.
Or some of the other ones with high fees such as Banco de Chile, Santander, Banco BCI, Banco Security, albeit with higher fees.
In addition to local banks, there are also ATMs from an international bank available in Chile namely Scotiabank.
The Global ATM Alliance is a collaboration between multiple banks worldwide, enabling their customers to conveniently withdraw cash from any partner bank overseas without incurring any ATM fees. A number of banks across different regions, such as the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Latin America, are members of the Global ATM Alliance. This includes well-known banks like Bank of America, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and several others. Scotiabank is a member of this network.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Chile, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in CLP).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Chile, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in CLP’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Chile?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Chile. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Chile.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs – In most cases, yes, they are open around the clock, every day of the year 24×7. You should have no trouble getting to any of them at any hour of the day or night because many of them are self-contained ATMs. Depending on the location, some bank branches may only be open from 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in Chile?
There are 2 main ATM networks in Chile – Redf and Redbanc. So you will see ATMs have a sign with ‘R’ in red and white. Otherwise, you will typically not see words like ‘ATM’ or ‘cajero automático’.
PIN type
In Chile, ATMs typically accept 4-digit PINs.
At merchants, Chip-and-PIN cards are the norm, but they also commonly accept magnetic stripe cards.
Languages at ATMs in Chile
When using ATMs in Chile, you’ll find two language options as a default – Spanish and English. If you’re not familiar with these languages, that’s fine. Try out Google Translate’s camera feature to instantly translate the text on your phone. Just a heads up – these translations may not always be 100% accurate, so it’s best to take your time and not rush through the transaction.
You can use Google Translate’s camera feature to get real-time translations of your phone’s menu options to translate the ATM screen. Feel free to take your time and not rush through the transaction. Just keep in mind that these translations may not always be 100% accurate.
Do ATMs in Chile work similarly as other countries?
Yes, they are quite similar to ATMs in other countries. The ATMs are sleek and function like the ones you’d find in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Remember to retrieve your card after withdrawing cash from ATMs that keep your card inside during the transaction.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in South America.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Chile?
ATMs in Chile dispense only the official currency Chilean Peso (CLP).
ATM withdrawal limits in Chile?
ATMs in Chile have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction between CLP 200,000 (Chilean Pesos) to CLP 600,000 per transaction, most common being CLP 200,000. Bank ATMs do not usually limit the number of withdrawals per day.
ATM Fees in Chile?
There is only one fee-free ATM in Chile, that too for some specific cards only. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Chile charge between CLP 5000 to CLP 9,200 per transaction (Chilean Pesos) as ATM Access Fees to foreign cardholders. Only one bank ATM has zero ATM Fees for Global ATM Alliance member bank cards and some other specific bank cards.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Chile – something every traveller handling cash in Chile should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Chile?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Chile?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Chile. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Chile.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Chile ATMs?
In Chile, ATM safety varies based on location, time, and surrounding people. Muggings for cash are common, especially at night and in isolated or crowded areas.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Chile takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
No, its usually not possible. There is only one fee-free ATM in Chile, that too for some specific cards only. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Chile charge between CLP 5000 to CLP 9,200 per transaction (Chilean Pesos) as ATM Access Fees to foreign cardholders. Only one bank ATM has zero ATM Fees for Global ATM Alliance member bank cards and some other specific bank cards.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Chile?
Definitely. ATMs in Chile generally accept credit cards from various countries including the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and others.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are a few Bitcoin ATMs in Chile, specifically located in Santiago.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Chile
Bank of America: Unfortunately, Bank of America ATMs are not available in Chile.
Citibank: None.
Barclays: Unfortunately, Barclays ATMs are not available in Chile.
HSBC: There are a few HSBC ATMs in Chile.
Standard Chartered: Unfortunately, Standard Chartered ATMs are not available in Chile.
