Santiago - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards and ATMs are easy here. ATMs charge very high withdrawal fees though (like $8 to $10 USD). It was easy to use cards online too until recently but the main Chilean online processor has recently stopped taking most international cards. In person, no problem. Outside of Santiago cash becomes more important. - Dec 2020
Credit cards are widely available and yes, ATMs are safe to use. For me, the best option is to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee. - Jun 2019
At times there are places (grocery stores, gas stations) that will not accept international credit cards so you should always be prepared for that by having cash. Some banks there's no problem using your ATM and others you can't. Also beware of ATM skimmers attached to the machines to steal information. Always check your card balance. - Feb 2016
We don't use ATMs. There's an increase in the use of false facades of ATM dispensers which steal your cash. Credit cards are okay at major restaurants and stores, but not at small informal spots. - Nov 2014
Easy to do, and safe. - Oct 2014
ATMs and credit cards are common. The max withdrawl from ATMs tends to be CLP200,000 (approx. CAD$400). Foreign credit cards are not always accepted and there can be significant discounts for using a local credit card (eg. LAN flights). Depending on where you are making purchases, it can be cheaper to use cash than to use a credit card. - Sep 2011
Reliable and safe in most areas of Santiago. - Jul 2010
There are lots of ATMs. I've used the one at the embassy and just carried cash. However, my fiance used his credit card a lot and everything seems to have been okay. - Jul 2009
Available. Safe. Expensive fees. - Apr 2009
Most of the major places like the supermercados I mentioned accept debit/credit cards. The DR is becoming less of a cash society, but it is still more of a Cash society than the US. ATMs are located throughout the city. The ones in the shopping malls and major supermarkets are safe to use-I've had no problems so far. Outside of Santiago, I can't guarantee. - Sep 2008
Most places are equipped for this. - Jul 2008
