Santiago Santiago Metropolitan, Chile Travel Guide
Lightweight, breathable clothing is needed. Pack items made from cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics. Shorts, t-shirts, light blouses, and dresses are comfortable for daytime. Evenings can cool down; a Light jacket, cardigan, or thin sweater is useful. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a Scarf for sun protection are important.
Extra warm clothing are important. Thermal base layers, warm sweaters or fleeces, and a substantial Winter jacket are useful. A Waterproof and windproof outer shell is highly recommended, especially for mountain visits or city rain. Scarves, Gloves, and warm hats add warmth.
Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are needed. Santiago involves much walking on varied pavements. Ensure shoes are broken in.
Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are needed for trips to the Andes. Terrain can be rocky and uneven.
Bring a pair of dressier shoes for upscale restaurants or clubs. Otherwise, comfortable walking shoes suffice for evenings out.
Your passport is your most important document. Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Carry physical and digital copies of all important papers, stored separately.
Chile uses 220V electricity, 50 Hz, with Type C (two round pins) and Type L (three round pins) plugs. A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended. Most modern laptops, phone, and camera chargers are dual voltage. A Voltage converter is only needed for 110V-only devices. Your phone should be unlocked to use a local SIM. Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport or city stores (Movistar, Entel, Claro, WOM).
Santiago presents diverse photographic opportunities. A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm equivalent) serves general use. A Wide-angle lens is useful for architecture plus vistas. A Telephoto lens helps with distant mountain shots. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. For navigation, download offline maps (Google Maps). Use Moovit for public transport. Uber, Cabify, and Didi are ride-sharing options. Google Translate (offline pack) is invaluable. Many people use whatsapp locally. Cloud storage or a Portable external hard drive for data backup.
Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for automatic backup of photos and important documents. This protects data from device loss or damage.
A portable external hard drive offers another layer of security for large photo libraries or critical files, especially when web access is inconsistent.
Email copies of passport, visas, and flight details to yourself. These accessible backups prove very useful in emergencies.
Carry a destination-specific First aid kit with basic wound care supplies like Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sanitized gauze, and surgical tape. Include pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for minor aches. Allergy medication (antihistamines) and antidiarrheal medication (Loperamide, Oral rehydration salts) are prudent. For blisters from walking, bring Moleskin. Hand sanitizer is also important.
Carry all prescription medications in their original, labeled containers. A copy of the prescription and a doctor's note explaining necessity is important, especially for controlled substances. Bring enough for your trip duration. Over-the-counter remedies for colds, flu, indigestion, and constipation are useful.
For hiking day trips, a comfortable daypack for water, snacks, and layers is useful. Hiking poles are helpful for uneven terrain. Pack moisture-wicking layers and sturdy Hiking pants. Quick-drying fabrics are a good choice.
While ski resorts offer rentals, bringing your own goggles, gloves, warm base layers, and a little, Waterproof backpack for on-slope essentials adds comfort. Check with resorts about rental availability and pricing for skis/snowboards.
Santiago offers diverse photo opportunities. Bring extra batteries and memory cards for your camera. Consider a versatile lens for general use, and a wide-angle lens for architecture. A telephoto lens captures distant mountain views.
A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Noise-canceling headphones are useful for long journeys. A lightweight blanket adds warmth. For security, TSA-approved luggage locks and a Money belt or Hidden travel pouch for valuables are important. An RFID-blocking wallet offers protection against electronic skimming. A small Personal alarm provides safety for solo travelers.
A Reusable water bottle helps stay hydrated and cuts plastic waste. Many hotels offer water refilling stations. A Reusable shopping bag is useful for market visits, as many stores charge for plastic bags. Reusable travel utensils are helpful for street food or picnics. There are no notably unique items required specifically for Santiago that fall outside general travel or outdoor categories. Good quality English books might be limited locally.
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Find equipment at B&H Photo Video for your photography needs.
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Many travel items are available on Amazon.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This technique maximizes luggage space and minimizes wrinkles.
Pack a small, Lightweight daypack. This is useful for carrying water, snacks, a light jacket, and souvenirs during daily excursions around the city.
