In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Chile - any experiences?
I found Chile pricier than expected, especially in Santiago. A simple dinner was $15, and nicer places with wine were $25+. The metro was efficient and cheap at $1.30, but long-distance buses like Santiago-Valdivia cost $25. Tips were always 10%. My daily average was $65, though Patagonia hikes and Torres del Paine park entry spiked my budget. Overall, $60-70 daily is safe, but if you’re planning big adventure tours, budget more. Chile is stunning but not the cheapest South American stop.
Meals: $5-8 local menus, $15-20 restaurants. Transport: metro $1.30, intercity buses $20-30. Tips: 10%. A safe daily number is $55-65 for meals, local travel, and tips. Big extras include Patagonia tours ($50+ per day) or Atacama excursions ($40-60). For a month-long trip, budget around $1,700-2,000 if you mix cities and nature. Chile is more expensive than Peru or Bolivia but worth it for the landscapes.
I spent about $65-75 daily in Chile and was comfortable. Casual meals were $8-10, while sit-down dinners in Santiago or Valparaíso were closer to $15-20. The metro in Santiago is affordable, $1.30 per ride, but intercity buses added $20-25 for longer distances. Tipping was 10%. At $70 daily, I could enjoy good meals, a few museum entries, and transport without stress. Patagonia tours or winery trips added extra, but those were occasional splurges.
Chile is one of the pricier countries in South America, though not impossible for budget travellers. Street food like completos (hot dogs) or empanadas cost $2-3, and set lunch menus (menú del día) are around $6-8. Local buses or metro rides are $1-1.50. Tips in restaurants are 10%. On a backpacker budget, $35-40 daily is doable if you avoid fancy restaurants and limit long bus journeys. Patagonia is much more expensive, so budget spikes if you head south for trekking.