Chile has emerged as one of Latin America’s most active markets for cryptocurrency trading, despite an evolving and sometimes uncertain regulatory environment. With growing economic uncertainty and increased digital adoption, more Chileans are turning to Bitcoin and other digital assets as tools for financial empowerment. This guide explores the most reliable platforms and methods to buy and sell Bitcoin in Chile—covering exchanges, peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, ATMs, and alternative options.
Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Chile
Buda.com – A Regional Leader
Buda.com, formerly known as SurBTC, is one of the oldest and most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in Latin America. Founded in 2015 in Santiago, Chile, it has since expanded into Colombia, Peru, and Argentina.
The platform supports major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Litecoin (LTC), all tradable directly with Chilean pesos (CLP). Buda also integrates the Lightning Network, enabling faster and cheaper Bitcoin transactions.
👉 Discover a seamless way to start trading crypto today.
Key Features:
- Supported Assets: BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, CLP
- Fees: 1.2% for market orders; 1.5% for limit orders. Advanced fees vary based on volume and maker/taker status.
- Trading Volume: ~70.69 BTC (~$825,310 USD)
- Mobile App: Available for both Android and iOS users
Buda is backed by notable investors such as CORFO, Start-Up Chile, and Inversiones Sauzalito, reinforcing its credibility in the region.
CryptoMarket – Security-Focused Brokerage
Established in early 2017 by Martín Jofré and Rafael Meruane, CryptoMarket was the first Ethereum exchange in Latin America. Despite banking challenges in Chile—where several crypto firms had accounts frozen—the platform has continued to grow.
It now supports trading in Bitcoin, Ethereum, EOS, Stellar (XLM), and Chilean pesos. Notably, CryptoMarket claims to be the only platform in South America with a digital asset custodian license, highlighting its focus on security and compliance.
Key Features:
- Supported Assets: BTC, ETH, EOS, XLM, CLP
- Fees: 1.5% for simple orders; variable for advanced trading based on volume
- Trading Volume: ~34.18 BTC (~$399,070 USD)
- Mobile App: Available on Android and iOS
CryptoMarket serves users across Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and parts of Europe.
Orionx – Real-Time Trading for Advanced Users
Orionx offers a dual trading model: instant buy/sell options for beginners and a full exchange interface with real-time price charts, order books, and K-line data for experienced traders.
CEO Robert Zibert noted a significant increase in user activity during the 2020 pandemic, reflecting growing interest in digital assets amid economic instability.
Like many Chilean crypto firms, Orionx faced account freezes by local banks in 2018. However, after intervention from Chile’s Free Competition Tribunal (TDLC), services were restored.
Key Features:
- Supported Assets: Over 12 cryptos including BTC, ETH, XRP, EOS, XLM, LUK, CHA, and CLP
- Fees: 0.20%–0.66% per transaction depending on amount; deposit/withdrawal fees vary by crypto
- Trading Volume: Not publicly disclosed
- Mobile App: Not available
Orionx remains a strong option for users seeking transparency and advanced trading tools.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Marketplaces
LocalBitcoins – Trusted P2P Platform
LocalBitcoins has been a go-to platform for direct Bitcoin trading since 2012. Operating in over 200 countries—including Chile—it uses an escrow system to secure transactions and a reputation mechanism to build trust between buyers and sellers.
In May 2020 alone, LocalBitcoins recorded over 385 million CLP (~$500,000 USD) in BTC/CLP trades—an unprecedented volume at the time. By August 2020, cumulative trade volume exceeded 364 million USD worth of pesos.
Key Features:
- Supported Assets: BTC/CLP
- Fees: 1% per trade
- Trading Volume: Over 364 million CLP by August 2020
- Mobile App: Available
While powerful, users must exercise caution when meeting in person or using unverified payment methods.
LocalCryptos – Wallet Integration & Reputation Import
Originally launched as LocalEthereum in 2017, LocalCryptos rebranded in 2019 to support multiple cryptocurrencies. Based in Australia, it allows users to connect wallets like Ledger, MetaMask, and Trust Wallet without creating new accounts.
A unique feature is the ability to import reputation scores from LocalBitcoins, helping users establish trust quickly.
👉 Start your journey into decentralized finance with confidence.
Key Features:
- Supported Assets: BTC, ETH, LTC, CLP
- Fees: 1% total per trade (0.25% for makers, 0.75% for takers)
- On-Chain Volume: 100 BTC and 6,000 ETH held in user wallets
- Mobile App: Not available
LocalCryptos is ideal for privacy-conscious users who prefer non-custodial solutions.
Paxful – Global P2P with Flexible Payments
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Estonia, Paxful enables P2P Bitcoin trading with over 300 payment methods—including gift cards, Western Union, and Mercado Pago.
Its integration with virtual kiosks allows businesses to accept crypto payments directly through their websites.
Key Features:
- Supported Assets: BTC/CLP
- Fees: 0.5% for bank transfers; 1% for other methods
- Global Volume: Over 3,800 BTC weekly traded
- Mobile App: Available for Android and iOS
Paxful's flexibility makes it popular among underbanked populations looking for alternative financial tools.
Bitcoin ATMs in Santiago
As of 2025, Chile hosts four Bitcoin ATMs—all located in Santiago. These machines allow residents to buy and sell crypto using cash or card.
Major ATM Providers:
Bitcoin Teller
- Currencies: BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, DASH, DOGE, ZEC, XMR, CLP
- Fees: +0.29% (buy), -0.29% (sell)
- Location: San Diego 979 Local 11, Santiago
Trovemat
- Currencies: BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, DASH, CLP
- Minimum: 2,500 CLP
- Location: Same address as above
Bitcoin DAVE
- Currencies: BTC/CLP
- Fees: +2% (buy), -2% (sell)
- Limits: Up to $200K per transaction; $2M monthly
- Location: Avenida Vitacura 4380
Lamassu
- Currencies: BTC, ETH/CLP
- Functionality: Buy-only
- Location: José Arrieta 85, Providencia
These ATMs offer convenience but may carry higher fees than online platforms.
Alternative Methods: Social Networks & Kiosks
Facebook groups like Bitcoin Chile—supported by Asociación Bitcoin Chile—facilitate informal P2P trades among community members. While these transactions avoid platform fees, they come with higher risks due to lack of escrow protection.
Additionally, virtual kiosks via platforms like Paxful allow merchants to accept crypto payments online—a growing trend as digital adoption increases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Bitcoin legal in Chile?
A: Yes. While not considered legal tender, Bitcoin is not illegal. Individuals can freely buy, sell, and use it as a private asset.
Q: Are there capital gains taxes on crypto profits?
A: As of current regulations in Chile, personal crypto trading is generally not subject to capital gains tax unless conducted as a business activity.
Q: Can I use Chilean pesos (CLP) to buy crypto?
A: Yes. Most major exchanges like Buda and CryptoMarket support CLP deposits via bank transfer or other local methods.
Q: What’s the safest way to buy Bitcoin in Chile?
A: Using regulated exchanges like Buda or CryptoMarket offers better security than informal P2P trades or cash-based transactions.
Q: Why did some exchanges lose bank access?
A: In 2018, several Chilean banks closed crypto-related accounts due to regulatory uncertainty. Some cases were later resolved by court order.
Q: Do I need ID verification to trade?
A: On centralized exchanges like Buda and CryptoMarket, yes—KYC procedures are required. P2P platforms may offer more anonymity but less protection.
👉 Secure your digital future—explore trusted crypto trading now.