How to get Money in Patagonia
Getting money in Chile
If you’re planning on visiting Patagonia anytime soon, you’re going to need some Pesos to make the most of your trip.
Chilean Coins: $1 – $5 – $10 – $50 – $100 – $500
Chilean Notes: $1,000 – $2,000 – $5,000 – $10,000 – $20,000
There are sporadic $500 notes floating around which are still legal notes. If you find one, keep it as a souvenir.
Find ATM’s online
Check where to get money and if your debit card is working:
Master Card: Map
VISA: Map
AMEX: Map
Maestro: Map
Most ATMs typically accept Cirrus, Maestro, and MasterCard. ATMs that accept Visa (Plus) and AmEx are available, but a lot harder to find.
Most banks charge an ATM usage fee of between CL$2,000 and CL$2,500. Make sure to go to the bank early; sometimes they run out of money during the day. During our stay, the Banco del Estado, Scotiabank, and its associates did not charge a fee for withdrawing money.
ATM’s, Banks and “Casa de Cambios” in Ushuaia (Dientes de Navarinio)
Unlock your GeoControl for (European) Maestro Cards
If you are from Europe, most of the Maestro Cards are protected via a GeoControl feature. That means if you want to use your Maestro Card outside of Europe you have to turn off the GeoControl for the time and country where you want to travel.
To unlock the GeoControl, login into your online banking account, search for GeoControl and turn it off.
ATM’s, Banks and “Casa de Cambios” in Punta Arenas (W-Trek | O-trek | Dientes de Navarinio)
Traveler’s checks and “Casa de Cambios” at the end of the world
Traveler’s checks are accepted at most hotels but nearly nowhere else. If you feel safer carrying a few traveler’s checks with you, Traveler’s checks can be purchased at most banks ($20, $50, $100, $500).
You can also exchange your money in banks, hotels or exchange houses (known in Chile as “Casa de Cambios”). However, exchange houses will give the best rate. There are many Casa de Cambios in the bigger cities in Patagonia (Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales). There will be a few places which will accept Dollars but don’t rely on this option.
ATM’s, Banks and “Casa de Cambios” in Puerto Natales (W-Trek | O-trek)
Changing money on the street is never a good option.
Patagonia isn’t a cheap destination so make sure to always have money with you. Make sure to still have smaller bank notes with you, especially in more remote areas. Smaller shops or restaurants might not be able to give you change.
How much does a day in Patagonia cost?
Budget
CH$ 65,000 (US$90)
Hotel room/dorm bed: CH $10,000
Dinner: CH$5000
Lunch: CH$4000–7000
Midrange
CH$ 65,000 – 80,000 (US$90-115)
Hotel room or B&B: CH$ 50,000
Dinner: CH$ 8000
Lunch: CH$ 20000
High end
CH$ 80,000 (US$115-)
Hotel room or B&B: CH$ 80,000
Dinner: CH$ 14000
Lunch: CH$ 30000 -CH$ 65000
