No issues elsewhere, but in Chile, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
For me, ATM rejection in Chile was frequent but manageable. My Visa worked in Banco de Chile ATMs but was declined at BancoEstado. Stores in bigger cities accepted cards, but in rural areas like Chiloé, I had to use cash for nearly everything. Expect local ATM fees, which are steep compared to other South American countries. If you’re budgeting for daily expenses, 30,000-40,000 CLP should be safe for meals, transit, and sightseeing. Always carry backup pesos; even city metro ticket machines sometimes rejected cards.
Chile’s banking system is modern, but foreign cards get rejected surprisingly often. I had issues with BancoEstado and BCI ATMs, but Scotiabank always worked with my Mastercard. In Patagonia towns, cash was essential since many shops didn’t have working terminals. Stores in Santiago malls were fine, but corner shops often said “solo efectivo.” Plan your budget: 35,000 CLP per day covers transport, casual meals, and small attractions. My tip: avoid relying on just one card brand; Visa and Mastercard don’t always behave the same.
I experienced card rejection in Chile, particularly with debit cards. ATMs in airports usually worked, but once in Pucon, every ATM rejected my card until I tried Banco Santander. Shops in tourist areas often took credit, but smaller cafés and hostels didn’t. Bring pesos as backup-at least 25,000-35,000 CLP daily if you’re planning activities like local buses, empanadas, and entry to thermal baths. International fees stack up quickly, so withdraw larger sums when you can.
In Chile, ATM rejection is pretty common, especially with international cards. BancoEstado ATMs often refused my Visa, but Banco de Chile and Scotiabank worked after multiple tries. Shops in Santiago malls accept cards easily, but in Valparaíso and smaller towns, cash is more reliable. Remember that ATMs usually charge a local fee per withdrawal, around 4000-7000 CLP. Budget 30,000-40,000 CLP per day for food, buses, and attractions like Cerro San Cristóbal. Always carry some pesos for street food and metro rides.
ATM screen was a bit broken but it worked fine at Banco de Chile.
Worked fine with my foreign card at Santander. Reliable.
Scotiabank showed the fee upfront on my Dutch Visa debit card. Transparent and useful.
ATM at B. Consorcio in Chile was out of service. Couldnt use it.