If you want to stay hydrated while visiting Chile, you’ll need to be proactive in your preparations. This entails knowing what to expect when you get there and having a few extra pesos in your wallet.
If you are accustomed to super-sizing your drink or receiving free refills when you eat out (common in North America), you’ll be in for a surprise when you visit Chile. In restaurants, there are no such things as “free refills.” When you order a Fanta or Nectar Juice, you’ll get a single serve, glass bottle. When you finish that bottle off, you can ask for another but you’ll pay for that one, too.
If you are with a group of people, one way to get around this would be to buy a liter or two of soda or juice and share around with your group.
You may think you’ll be able to skip the hassle by ordering water to drink. However, if you ask for water at a restaurant, you’ll likely get carbonated bottled water, also charged to your bill.
If you won’t be dining out for every meal, you’ll still need to stay hydrated. The tap water in Chile is safe to drink. So don’t fret if that is your only option at a hotel or private home.
Travel with an empty water bottle that you can fill before you leave your hotel for the day. You can also stock up on bottled water at a corner store or supermarket that you can carry with you or in your car.
Chile is too beautiful a country to miss enjoying due to dehydration. Be proactive and prepared.
