When visiting a new country you usually set out to savor new typical dishes or learn about new cultures. However, you also need to get ready to deal with monetary issues in the local currency.
What is the national currency of Chile? How can you obtain it? Are there any recommendations? The goal of our post today is to provide you with all the details and clear up any queries you may have.
Please note that the USD/EUR/Chilean Peso exchange rate varies constantly. Thus, for reliable information about the updated rate in real time, we suggest you visit the Central Bank of Chile´s webpage
What is the official currency in Chile?
The Central Bank, also the Chilean Peso´s issuing institute, currently issues banknotes in denominations of $1,000, $2,000, $10,000 and $20,000, all of which were modified back in 2009 to commemorate the bicentenary of Chile´s independence in 2010. As for coins, these are issued in denominations of $100, $50, $10 and $5.
Bills and coins of Chile
How can you spot fake Chilean Pesos (CLP) bills?
Legal tender notes from Chile feature 10 security elements for users to be able to identify their authenticity. The Central Bank offers an official application called “Conozca su Dinero (Know your Money)”, which is available for both Smartphones and tablets and may be freely downloaded from App Store or Google Play.
This app explains, in a practical way, how to verify the authenticity of bills by examining a number of features such as the security threads, the raised printing, the watermark and even the denomination number.
Know your Money App
Where can you exchange money?
As recommended by the Central Bank of Chile, those who wish to exchange money are advised to use an authorized exchange bureau.
Recommendations:
– Exchange some of your money at the airport, where you will find authorized exchange offices.
– Always carry some Chilean pesos with you. Some of the destinations within Chile will take dollars. However, you are likely to need local currency as well.
– ATMs are also a trustworthy option. Always taking the necessary precautions, you will be able to withdraw money from almost any place.
– You may also use your debit and credit cards. Do not forget to have them enabled for international transactions.
– Before embarking on a tour of a remote destination, it is best to obtain some cash in the local currency in advance, so as to avoid any inconvenience.
Numismatic Museum of the Central Bank of Chile
Those with a passion for the topic of money may also visit the Chilean Numismatic Museum in Santiago. Visitors in this place are fascinated by the country´s vast collection of coins and banknotes as well as by the historical background in exhibition. In addition, the museum features an international banknote collection from over 150 countries. The most curious visitors may also surf the web, design their own bills, make a virtual tour and learn many other interesting facts about this issue.
Numismatic Museum of the Central Bank of Chile
