Most people roll in through SCL, and the first choice is simple, cheap friction or less hassle. Uber and Cabify work in the city, but airport pickups are awkward because drivers often ask you to meet in the parking garage, and that gets annoying if your Spanish is shaky. Expect roughly CLP 16,000 to CLP 20,000 to central areas, around 30 to 45 minutes in normal traffic. Official Transvip desks inside the terminal are smoother, usually about CLP 28,000, while Centropuerto is the budget shuttle if you do not mind a metro connection.

March to May and September to November are the sweet spots. You get mild days, easier walking weather, and better odds of seeing the Andes instead of haze. December to February is hot and very dry, with afternoons often above 30°C. June to August brings cold, some rain, and the worst smog, though ski season in the nearby Andes usually starts in late June. Sundays stay quiet year-round, and major irrenunciable holidays can shut commerce down hard, so keep an eye on the calendar.

Money is the annoying part. Airport exchange rates can be brutal, and many ATMs charge high foreign-card fees or reject some cards, so try Redbanc machines and withdraw larger amounts when you can. Tap water is safe, even if the taste is a bit harsh. Wi-Fi is usually solid, mobile coverage is good, and Santiago works well for remote work. Get a Bip! card early for metro and buses. One planning surprise, Sunday can feel half-shut, and dinner starts later than many travelers expect.

For a South American capital, Santiago feels fairly safe, but petty theft is real. Downtown, the main squares, and the train-station area need more attention, especially after dark. In Bellavista, particularly around Pio Nono late at night, drunk crowds make phone-snatching and distraction theft easier. Keep your bag zipped and in front on the metro, do not wave your phone around at stops, and skip street taxis. Use Uber, Cabify, or official airport transfer desks instead, and leave flashy jewelry at home.