The dólar observado is the reference exchange rate published by Chile's Central Bank every business day. It is calculated from the average of dollar purchases and sales in the formal foreign exchange market during the previous business day. It is the rate used in contracts, taxes, customs and many official quotes. On October 15, 2026 it was CLP 987.03, the highest of the year.
How the dólar observado is calculated
- Who calculates it: Chile's Central Bank.
- With what data: dollar trades in the formal foreign exchange market, that is, banks and other authorized entities.
- What period: the previous banking business day.
- When it is published: every business day; today's rate reflects yesterday's trading.
That is why a day's dólar observado can differ from the closing rate the media report that same afternoon: they are snapshots of different moments.
Dólar observado, closing rate and exchange-house rate
| Type of rate | What it is | Who uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Dólar observado | Official average of the previous business day's trades | Contracts, SII, customs, official quotes |
| Closing rate | Last market price at the end of the trading day | Media and analysts |
| Exchange-house rate | Buy and sell prices for cash dollars to the public | People who travel or buy dollars |
| Card rate | Exchange rate the bank applies to a purchase abroad | Anyone paying in dollars by card |
An exchange house always quotes two prices: a lower one at which it buys dollars from you and a higher one at which it sells them. The difference is its profit.
The dólar observado in 2026
| Indicator (January 2 to October 15, 2026) | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest | CLP 987.03 (October 15) |
| Lowest | CLP 854.25 (February 10) |
| Year average | CLP 909.81 |
| October average (through the 15th) | CLP 979.42 |
The data come from the official series compiled by mindicador.cl. For what moved the dollar this month, read the dollar hits CLP 987, its highest level of 2026.
What the dólar observado is used for
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Dollar contracts | A lease or service priced in dollars is paid in pesos at the dólar observado |
| Taxes | The SII uses it to convert foreign-currency transactions |
| Foreign trade | Imports and exports are valued at the official rate |
| Dollar loans and debts | Converted to pesos at the dólar observado on the payment date |
The UF, by contrast, adjusts with inflation rather than the market; the difference is explained in what the UF is and how it is calculated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dólar observado?
The official exchange rate published by Chile's Central Bank, based on the average of the previous business day's trades in the formal market.
What is the dólar observado today?
On October 15, 2026 it was CLP 987.03.
Why is the dólar observado different from the exchange-house rate?
Because the dólar observado is an official wholesale-market average; exchange houses sell cash to the public with their own margin.
What is the dólar observado used for?
To convert contracts, taxes, debts and foreign trade operations priced in dollars.
