Santiago’s public transportation is efficient and widely used, and the bip! card is your key to accessing it. This guide will help you, as an international visitor, navigate the system with ease.
1. Getting the bip! Card- Where to Buy: Purchase the bip! card at any Metro station, bip! service centers, and selected commercial outlets like pharmacies or supermarkets.
- Cost: The card has a fixed cost at the time of purchase and does not include an initial balance. It’s a small investment necessary for using public transport.
2. Loading Your Card- Reload Locations: You can add money to your bip! card at Metro station ticket offices, bip! automated machines, and in many convenience stores.
- Online Reload: You can also reload your card using the “Tarjeta bip!” mobile app or through designated websites like Recarga Bip!. This is particularly convenient if you prefer to avoid queues.
3. Using the bip! Card- On Buses (Red System): Simply tap your bip! card on the reader when boarding. Wait for the beep and confirmation on the screen.
- On the Metro: Swipe your card at the turnstile to enter the station. The gate will open once the fare is deducted.
- On Suburban Trains: The process is similar to the Metro; validate your card at the turnstile before boarding.
4. Fares and Transfers- Transfers: One of the bip! card’s benefits is fare integration, allowing you to switch between buses and the Metro within a specified time frame at no extra cost.
- Variable Metro Fares: Be aware that Metro fares vary depending on the time of day (peak, off-peak, and low periods), while bus fares remain constant throughout the day.
5. Checking Your Balance- How to Check: You can check your balance using the mobile app or at the validators available in buses and Metro stations. It’s wise to check your balance before traveling to avoid any issues.
6. Lost or Stolen Card- Replacement: If you lose your card, you will need to purchase a new one. Unfortunately, the balance from a lost card cannot be transferred to a new one, so it’s advisable to load small amounts as needed.
7. Special bip! Cards- Discounts and Benefits: There are special cards for students and senior citizens, offering discounts, but these generally require residency or prior registration.
8. Additional Tips- Preload Your Card: To avoid inconvenience, keep your card topped up, especially if you have a busy schedule.
- Extended Use: The bip! card is also valid for suburban train services and other public transport options in the Santiago Metropolitan Region.
With the bip! card, you can easily and efficiently get around Santiago, making the most of the city’s public transportation system.