Easter Island Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Major Chilean mobile providers (Entel, Movistar, Claro) have coverage on Easter Island.

SIM Cards & Coverage

SIM Cards: Purchase in Hanga Roa (offices or resellers). Passport needed for registration.
Coverage: Good in Hanga Roa, around major sites. Spotty in remote areas.
Internet access: Wi-Fi in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes. Speed varies.

Digital & Language Tools

English is spoken by many in the tourism industry, in Hanga Roa. Less common outside.

Helpful Resources

Mobile Hotspot: A local SIM with data for a reliable alternative. Consider Solis Wi-Fi.
Google Translate: Download offline Spanish pack for immediate translations. Also, Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Phrasebook: Basic Spanish phrasebook for everyday interactions.

Rapanui Phrases

Learn basic Rapanui greetings and courtesies.

Rapanui Greetings

Ia Ora Na (Ee-ah Oh-rah Nah): Hello/Greetings
Ko Tē Hē Nō? (Koh Teh Heh Noh?): How are you?
Māuruuru (Mah-oo-roo-roo): Thank you

Spanish Phrases

Spanish is the official language. Basic phrases are incredibly handy for daily interactions.

Common Spanish Expressions

Hola (Oh-lah): Hello
Gracias (Grah-see-ahs): Thank you
Por favor (Por fah-vor): Please

More Spanish Phrases

Essential Queries

Sí / No (See / Noh): Yes / No
¿Cuánto cuesta? (Kwan-toh kwes-tah?): How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está...? (Don-day es-tah...?): Where is...?
Disculpe (Dees-kool-peh): Excuse me / Sorry

Digital Communication

Airalo: eSIM provider for easy data access.
Local SIMs: Buy in Hanga Roa with passport.
Mobile Hotspot: A good option for consistent internet.
Postal Services: A small post office in Hanga Roa.

Language Tip

A basic Spanish phrasebook is of great worth for daily interactions. Many in the tourism sector speak English.

Business Hours & Schedules

Knowing when services operate on Easter Island.

Typical Operating Hours

Shops open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Some smaller shops close for a siesta (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM).

Dining & Tours

Restaurants: Lunch from 12:30 PM, dinner from 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. Tour Operators: Offices open early (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM) for departures, close late afternoon/early evening.

Postal Services

A small post office is located in Hanga Roa. It is possible to send postcards from the island, though delivery can be slow due to the remote location.

Money & Banking

Banco Estado and Banco Santander have branches in Hanga Roa. They generally operate weekdays during standard business hours, like 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

ATMs & Cash

Several ATMs are available in Hanga Roa, usually near banks and in some centrally located spots.
It is wise to withdraw cash during daylight hours and confirm ATMs are operational.
Easter Island observes Chilean public holidays. Services may be limited or closed on these particular days.

Seasonal & Events

The Tapati Rapa Nui Event in early February, while a time of celebration, also leads to some businesses adjusting their hours or closing for parts of the festival. Plan accordingly.

Event & Low Season Impact

Tapati Rapa Nui Festival (early February) leads to business hour adjustments or closures.
During the low season, typically May through August, some smaller businesses reduce hours or close.
Always verify beforehand or request information upon arrival about current schedules for specific services.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass provides frequent travelers with individual airport lounge access.
Priority Pass offers 10% commission with a 30-day cookie window.
Airport services operate around flight schedules at Mataveri International Airport (IPC).

Flight Compensation

Compensair helps customers receive compensation for flight delays.
Compensation also available for flight cancellations or denied boarding.
Compensair offers €5-12 fixed commission with a 30-day cookie.

Planning Ahead

Check specific business schedules upon arrival, especially during festivals or the low season.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interactions enrich your Easter Island visit.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Hola" (Spanish) or "Ia Ora Na" (Rapanui) is appropriate. A handshake is common. Women may greet with a light kiss on the right cheek.

Attire & Tipping

Attire: Generally casual. Respectful dress for sacred sites (no explicit swimwear).
Dining: Generally relaxed.
Patience: Embrace the slower pace; do not rush interactions.

Photography Ethics

Never climb on or touch the Moai or their platforms (ahu). This is a serious offense.

Permissions & Restrictions

People: Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
Drones: Generally prohibited over archaeological sites and within Rapa Nui National Park. Strict adherence needed.
Stay on marked paths when visiting sites.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Treat Moai and ahu with reverence. They are sacred ancestral monuments.

Cultural Considerations

Local Culture: Show interest. Ask respectful questions. Listen to stories.
Politics: Mindful discussion of Chilean politics or island's mainland relationship.
Gender/LGBTQ+: Generally safe and welcoming. Discretion in public displays of affection is always prudent.

Religious Site Etiquette

All archaeological sites with Moai are considered sacred. Treat them with reverence.

Site Conduct

Do not leave litter or deface anything.
Do not take any artifacts, even small stones.
Leave only footprints, take only photographs.

Sacred Sites Warning

Forbidden Actions

Never touch, climb, or stand on the Moai or their ceremonial platforms (ahu).
This is a severe offense and deeply disrespectful to their sacred nature.
Stay on marked paths and behind any designated barriers.

Preservation Mandate

Do not leave any litter at these ancient sites.
Do not deface any part of the monuments or natural landscape.
Do not take any artifacts, even small stones or pebbles.

Further Cultural Details

Local Interactions

Respect their customs and traditions.
Listen to stories shared by locals and guides.
Support local artisans fairly.

Social Norms

Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.
Public displays of affection are generally discreet.
Be mindful of local privacy in daily life.

Respectful Visit

Your respectful actions preserve Rapanui culture and heritage.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure on Easter Island for travelers with accessibility needs is limited.

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is very limited. Paved sidewalks in Hanga Roa are often uneven.

Site Access

Archaeological Sites: Most involve uneven ground, rocky paths, or grassy slopes.
Rano Raraku and Orongo: especially difficult ground with steps and steep sections.
Access to Moai platforms is prohibited for all visitors.

Accessible Areas

Some flat areas at sites like Ahu Tahai might allow viewing Moai from a distance.

Transportation & Resources

Transportation: Taxis are an option for transfers if mobility is the main concern.
Public Transport: Not accessible.
Sensory Impairments: No specific services widely available. Bring own assistive devices or travel with companion.

Planning & Support

Contact individual tour operators or accommodations directly for specific accessibility provisions.

Further Information

Research specialized accessible travel agencies for planning to this remote destination.
Inquire directly with local suppliers about their offerings.
Ask about specific provisions they might offer to match your needs.

Challenges & Considerations

Many parts of the island, especially archaeological sites, present natural obstacles.

Navigating the Island

Paths can be uneven, rocky, or grassy, creating challenges for mobility.
Some sites like Rano Raraku have steps and steep sections.

Accessibility Note

Direct communication with suppliers is advisable.

Easter Island Travel Tips