Money on the Move: ATMs, Credit Cards, and Cash on the Carretera Austral
If you’re planning to cycle the Carretera Austral, you’re probably dreaming about glaciers, winding gravel roads, and quiet lakeside campsites—not about how to pay for dinner or your next campsite. But managing money on the route is an essential part of a smooth adventure.
Here’s what you need to know about ATMs, credit cards, and how much cash to bring on the Carretera Austral.
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Do Towns Along the Route Have ATMs?
Yes—but not all of them. You’ll find ATMs (Redbanc network) in the main towns:
• Puerto Varas (multiple banks and ATMs)
• Puerto Montt (multiple banks and ATMs)
• Hornopirén
• Chaitén
• La Junta
• Puyuhuapi
• Coyhaique (multiple banks and ATMs)
• Villa Cerro Castillo
• Puerto Río Tranquilo
• Cochrane
However, smaller villages like Villa Santa Lucía, La Junta, Caleta Tortel and Villa O’Higgins don’t have any ATMs at all, and some may have one that doesn’t always work or is out of service.
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Can You Use Credit or Debit Cards?
In bigger towns like Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, Coyhaique, Villa Cerro Castillo or Puerto Río Tranquilo, yes. Some grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants accept credit or debit cards (Visa or Mastercard).
But in many rural areas, especially small hospedajes, campsites, local shops, and ferries, cash is still king. Don’t expect card readers to work in remote spots—some don’t even have internet or power 24/7.
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How Much Cash Should You Carry?
We recommend carrying enough cash to cover 3 to 4 days of expenses, just in case:
• CLP $25,000–$50,000 per day per person is a good average, depending on whether you’re camping, cooking your own meals, or staying in hostels and eating out.
Always replenish your cash when you pass through bigger towns like Chaitén, Coyhaique, or Cochrane. Don’t wait until you’re down to your last pesos!
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Currency and Tips
• Chilean pesos (CLP) are the only currency accepted.
• There are no exchange services along the route, so don’t bring USD or EUR expecting to change them.
• Most ATMs have a withdrawal limit (typically around CLP $200,000–$300,000), and foreign cards may be charged extra fees.
• Always carry some small bills and coins, especially for buying snacks, ferry rides, or paying for a basic campsite.
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