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The Chilean peso is the official currency of Chile, and it's widely used throughout the country. It's divided into 100 centavos, with coins ranging from 1 to 500 pesos.
You can exchange your currency for Chilean pesos at a bank or a currency exchange office, but be aware that rates may vary depending on the location and the type of exchange. The Chilean Central Bank sets the official exchange rate, but rates at banks and currency exchange offices may differ.
Chile has a stable economy, with a strong focus on trade and foreign investment. The country has a high standard of living, with a GDP per capita of over $24,000.
Currency in Chile
The Chilean peso is the official currency in Chile, also known as CLP or CL$. It's a floating currency, meaning the exchange rate is set by supply and demand in the private market, with occasional intervention by the government to ensure stability.
You can exchange your money for Chilean pesos at a foreign exchange bureau, or use an ATM to make withdrawals. However, be aware that banks and foreign exchange companies in the US may not have a readily available supply, so it's a good idea to shop around once you arrive in downtown Santiago.
Never exchange money on the street, as this is a common scam. Street money changers often use rigged calculators, give you fake banknotes, or simply run away with your money.
Some good options for exchanging USD to CLP in Santiago include Turismo Frontera, Cambio Costero, and Guiñazu. Alternatively, you can use a Wise multi-currency account and card, which offers the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees.
Exchanging traveler's checks for CLP is not recommended, as you'll likely get a bad exchange rate and pay between 1% and 4% in commissions. It's better to use an ATM or make a withdrawal, as this will often give you a much better rate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's rare to find places that accept card payments in villages and other rural areas. Be sure to tell your bank you're traveling to avoid your card being blocked or limited while you're away.
The Chilean peso has a long history, dating back to 1817 when it was introduced and tied to the Spanish real. Today, the peso is not pegged to any other currency and has a floating exchange rate.
Here are the current Chilean peso coins and banknotes:
- Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Chilean pesos
- Banknotes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 Chilean pesos
It's worth noting that the Chilean government allows occasional intervention in markets to control extreme volatility, and the currency's value has remained relatively stable since 1999, aside from actions imposed by the central bank in response to specific events.
Currency History
The Chilean peso has a rich history that dates back to colonial times. The peso was first introduced in 1817 and was tied to the Spanish real. It remained Chile's currency to this day, with the exception of the period between 1960 and 1975 when it was replaced by the escudo.
The peso was originally created from precious metals like gold and silver, and its value and authenticity were derived from its weight. The word "peso" comes from the Spanish for "weight", from the Latin word "pensum", or "something weighed."
The peso has undergone several changes in its value over the years. Until 1979, the central bank held the currency within a crawling band of exchange rate values. Between 1979 and 1982, the central bank pegged the peso to the U.S. dollar.
The peso's valuation has changed several times since its introduction. Overvaluation of the peso caused by a combination of the dollar peg and high interest rates led to an economic crisis in 1982. This crisis made centavo coins obsolete in 1984.
The peso was replaced by the escudo in 1960, but it was re-established as the official currency in 1975. The new peso was introduced to make payment systems simpler and cheaper. It was also designed to be more modern and user-friendly.
The Chilean peso is not pegged to any other currency, and its value has floated freely since 1999. The central bank allows occasional intervention in markets to control extreme volatility.
Payment and Withdrawal
The Chilean peso is the local currency, and you'll likely need cash for rural areas and smaller villages.
You can pay with credit or debit cards in touristy areas, but it's rare to find places that accept card payments in rural areas. Merchants may impose a 2% to 4% surcharge when you pay by card.
The most common card networks accepted in Chile are Visa, MasterCard, and AmEx.
ATMs are widespread in Chile, even in rural areas, but many tend to run out of cash after 4 PM. It's best to plan ahead and check the logos displayed to see which cards can be used, or try one of the provider's online locators.
The two main ATM networks in Chile are Redf and Redbanc, and most ATMs have an English language option. You'll need to select "extranjeros" (foreign clients) after keying in your PIN to make a withdrawal with your foreign card.
ATMs offer the best exchange rates possible, but be aware that DCC can also apply on ATM withdrawals. Always choose to be charged in the local currency to get the best rates available.
You can also exchange USD to CLP at foreign exchange bureaus or use an ATM to make withdrawals. However, carrying clean USD notes with you and exchanging at one of the foreign exchange bureaus might not be the best option due to poor exchange rates.
Always compare exchange rates you're offered to the USD-CLP mid-market rate, and be cautious of currency exchange kiosks at airports and hotels, which rarely offer a good exchange rate.
Banks and ATMs
Most banks in Chile charge an ATM usage fee of between 4,000 CLP and 7,000 CLP, although you may be able to avoid local charges if you use a Scotiabank ATM.
You can withdraw up to 200,000 CLP per transaction with a foreign card from most Chilean ATMs, but your bank back home may have its own limits on foreign ATM withdrawals.
If you're traveling to Chile, you may not need to get an account from a local bank, but it's good to be aware of the options in case you need to make a deposit or withdrawal.
The most popular banks in Chile are Banco de Chile, Santander Chile, Banco Estado, Itaú, Scotiabank Chile, and HSBC Chile.
Here are the most popular banks in Chile:
- Banco de Chile
- Santander Chile
- Banco Estado
- Itaú
- Scotiabank Chile
- HSBC Chile
It's worth noting that while credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Chile, you'll still need cash for some transactions, especially in rural areas.
Atm Fees and Limits
Most banks in Chile charge an ATM usage fee of between 4,000 CLP and 7,000 CLP.
You may be able to avoid local charges entirely if you find a Scotiabank ATM, but your own bank might still apply fees to your withdrawal.
Most Chilean ATMs will allow you to withdraw up to 200,000 CLP per transaction with a foreign card.
Your bank back home may also have per transaction and daily limits on foreign ATM withdrawals.
It's a good idea to check with your bank before traveling to Chile to understand their specific ATM fees and limits.
You'll want to make sure you have enough cash in your pocket to cover your expenses, especially in rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.
Banks in Chile
If you're traveling to Chile, you'll likely want to be aware of the local banking options. Banco de Chile is the most popular bank in Chile, followed closely by Santander Chile.
Having access to a local bank account can make it easier to manage your spending while abroad. You can withdraw money from ATMs or make deposits at a branch. Banco Estado and Itaú are also well-established banks in Chile.
If you don't plan to open a local bank account, it's still a good idea to be aware of the options. Scotiabank Chile and HSBC Chile are also available.
Here are the most popular banks in Chile:
- Banco de Chile
- Santander Chile
- Banco Estado
- Itaú
- Scotiabank Chile
- HSBC Chile
Currency Details
The Chilean peso is the official currency of Chile, and it's also known as CLP or CL$. It's a floating currency, meaning its exchange rate is set by supply and demand in the private market, with occasional intervention by the government to ensure stability.
The peso was first introduced in 1817 and was tied to the Spanish real. Today, it's not pegged to any other currency, but its value has changed several times since its introduction.
You can exchange your money for Chilean pesos at various currency exchange stores, such as Turismo Frontera, Cambio Costero, and Guiñazu. Alternatively, you can use a smart alternative like the Wise multi-currency account and card, which allows you to hold and manage 40+ currencies, including CLP, with low, transparent fees.
Here are the current coin denominations in circulation:
- 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Chilean pesos
Banknotes are also available in various denominations, including 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 Chilean pesos.
Clp Exchange Rate Type
The CLP exchange rate type is a key aspect to understand when dealing with Chilean currency. It's a floating currency, which means that the exchange rate is set by supply and demand in the private market, with occasional intervention by the government to ensure stability.
This floating nature of the CLP can result in fluctuations, making it essential to stay informed about the current exchange rates. You can check the current mid-market rate using an online currency converter.
The CLP has been a floating currency since 1999, a change from its previous pegged status to the U.S. dollar or controlled crawling band rate. This shift has allowed the CLP to move more freely in the market.
It's worth noting that this floating exchange rate can affect your travel plans and budget. Always compare exchange rates you're offered to the USD-CLP mid-market rate to ensure you're not getting ripped off.
Coins
The Chilean peso coins are a fascinating topic. The coins currently in circulation are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 pesos.
You can spot the 1, 5, and 10 centavo coins are very similar to the 10, 50, and 100 escudo coins they replaced. Inflation has left the centavo coins obsolete since 1983.
The 5 and 10 peso coins were introduced in 1976, followed by 50 and 100 peso coins in 1981, and by a bi-metallic 500 peso coin in 2000. This means you'll rarely see the 1 peso coin in circulation, as it's quite rare.
As of 2016, the value of the peso has depreciated, making most retailers round prices to multiples of 10 pesos, ignoring smaller amounts. This change has affected various charities that had programs to accept donations at the cash register.
Banknotes
The Chilean peso has undergone significant changes over the years, with the introduction of new banknote denominations.
In 1976, banknotes were introduced in denominations of 5, 10, 50, and 100 pesos.
The 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500-peso banknotes have been replaced by coins, leaving only the 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 peso notes in circulation.
The 2000-peso note has been issued only as a polymer banknote since September 2004.
The 5000-peso note began emission in polymer in September 2009.
The 1000-peso note was switched to polymer in May 2011, and the 10,000 and 20,000 peso notes are still printed on cotton paper as of January 2012.
All new notes have the same 70 mm height, while their length varies in 7 mm steps according to their face values.
USD to CLP Exchange in Chile
The Chilean Peso isn't as widely accepted as other South American currencies, so be prepared to exchange your USD for CLP.
You can exchange USD to CLP at foreign exchange bureaus (casas de cambio) or use an ATM to make withdrawals. Always compare exchange rates to the USD-CLP mid-market rate to avoid getting ripped off.
Never exchange money on the street, as it's a common scam. Street money changers use rigged calculators, give fake banknotes, or simply run away with your money.
Exchanging traveler's cheques is not recommended, as you'll likely get a bad exchange rate and pay between 1% and 4% in commissions.
The Chilean Peso has been a floating currency since 1999, which means its value is determined by supply and demand in the private market.
The official exchange rate is available on the Central Bank of Chile's website, but keep in mind that banks and money exchange offices will charge a 3% to 5% fee on top of that rate.
Here's a quick rundown of the Chilean Peso's denominations:
If you need to exchange a large amount of money, consider using an ATM or a reputable currency exchange office.
Forex and Economy
The Chilean peso has had its fair share of ups and downs, especially in the forex markets. In March 2020, the peso fell to about 839 pesos per U.S. dollar, its worst level historically.
The central bank intervened by purchasing the peso to stabilize its price. This move helped the peso recover steadily in early 2022, moving from about 851.50 at the beginning of the year to 777.18 on March 27, 2022.
The peso commonly trades with major world currencies, including the USD, CAD, AUD, EUR, GBP, and JPY, as well as the Brazilian real (BRL). This is a testament to Chile's growing economy and its increasing presence in the global market.
Chile's economy has faced challenges in recent years, including income inequity and a fragile middle-class. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these problems, causing the nation's economy to contract by 6% in 2020.
However, the economy is expected to recover, with an estimated 12% growth in GDP in 2021, followed by a slower but still healthy 2% growth in 2023. This growth is expected to be driven by the nation's strong copper exports and wine industry.
Forex Market
The Forex Market can be a wild ride, especially for emerging nations like Chile. The peso, or CLP, has experienced its fair share of volatility, with a historic low period in March 2020 when it fell to about 839 pesos per U.S. dollar.
In the Forex Markets, the CLP commonly trades with major world currencies, including the USD, CAD, AUD, EUR, GBP, and JPY. The peso also trades regularly against the Brazilian real, or BRL.
During this time, the central bank intervened with purchases of the peso to stabilize its price, a move that helped the currency recover steadily in early 2022. The peso moved from about 851.50 at the beginning of the year to 777.18 on March 27, 2022.
The Economy
Chile has one of Latin America's fastest-growing economies, but its growth has slowed in recent years due to income inequity and a fragile middle-class.
The country's economy contracted by 6% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but began improving with the loosening of restrictions.
Chile is expected to recover economically from the pandemic, with an estimated 12% growth in GDP in 2021, followed by a slower but still healthy 2% growth in 2023.
Chile is the world's leading exporter of copper, and also exports a significant amount of wine, ranking as the world's fifth-largest exporter.
The Chilean peso has a fascinating history, starting as a Spanish coin in 1817 and later being pegged to the French franc in 1851.
The first paper banknotes appeared in Chile in the early 1840s, and the first government-issued convertible paper currency came out in 1881.
The Banco Central de Chile became the country's sole issuer of currency in 1925, marking a significant milestone in Chile's monetary history.
Chile replaced its peso with a new currency, the escudo, in 1960, before reverting back to the peso in 1975 at an exchange rate of $1 peso for 1,000 escudos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country uses Chilean?
The Chilean peso is the official currency of Chile, used in Chile.
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