Chilean Peso (CLP; symbol CH$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CH$20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CH$500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

Foreign exchange transactions can be conducted through commercial banks, casas de cambio, or authorised shops, restaurants, hotels and clubs. Visitors should not be tempted by the premiums of 10 to 15 per cent over the official rate offered by black marketeers. Casas de cambio are open daily 0900-1900.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

Must be changed before 1200 except in casas de cambio (which in any case tend to offer better rates than banks). There may be some difficulty exchanging traveller's cheques outside major towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, traveller's are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency.

Mon-Fri 0900-1400.