Money & Payments in Valparaíso

Good to Know

• Valparaiso has more reliable card acceptance than smaller Chilean towns, but cash remains essential for markets, informal eateries, and street vendors.
• Most ATM fees in Chile are unavoidable for foreign cards; smaller, more frequent withdrawals increase per-transaction costs. Consider larger, less frequent withdrawals to minimize fees.
• Banco Internacional ATMs are reported to charge no fees for some foreign cards; Scotiabank (a Global ATM Alliance member) may offer fee-free withdrawals if your home bank is a partner.
• Always decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs—choose to be charged in CLP to avoid ATM-set exchange rates.
• Restaurants automatically add 10% 'propina' (tip) to bills; you can request removal if unsatisfied. Many tourists misinterpret this as a service charge. Cash tips in CLP are preferred over card additions.
• USD and EUR bills are rarely accepted for purchases in Valparaiso; exchange at casas de cambio (exchange houses) in the city center for better rates than airport or hotels.
• Taxis in Chile use fixed meters; fares are non-negotiable and metered in CLP. Uber does not operate in Chile; use Transvip app as alternative.
• Foreign coins cannot be exchanged locally and make poor tips—tip only in new Chilean peso bills or coins.