Culture and Etiquette in Chile

Chile’s social mores reflect the European ancestry of the majority of its population, and travelers from the West will have little trouble fitting in, especially with a decent grasp of Spanish. Chileans aren’t especially ebullient or high-spirited, particularly when compared with their Argentine neighbors, and are often considered rather formal.

That said, they’re also known for quick wit, dry humor, and clever wordplay. Considering its relatively small population, Chile has produced an impressive number of writers, poets, and artists. The overwhelming majority of Chileans identify as Catholic, and while the church’s influence is slowly waning, social values remain conservative. Divorce was only legalized in 2004, abortion in limited circumstances in 2017, and same-sex marriage as recently as 2022. Chileans are also deeply family-oriented — children are widely welcomed, and traveling families can expect friendly attention just about everywhere.

One of the more overlooked Chile travel tips is that cultural awareness matters as much as logistics: be polite, don’t overshare early on, and if you’re unsure, follow the locals’ lead.