You are planning your trip to Chile and have a lot of questions? On the following pages you will find usual information concerning the prearrangements for your trip, further more about the country and it´s people.
Accommodation
From fancy hotels to simple hostels, you will find a range of accommodations in all major cities and the vacation areas. In recent years, new hotels and bungalows complexes have been built in remote areas and in National Parks. The latter - so-called cabañas - are fully equipped small buildings that include kitchenette, a cheaper alternative for families then hotels.
Hotels
The price-quality ratio can vary considerably among hotels (hotel, hostería). There is no general classification system, and claims to so many stars do not say anything about the quality of a place. When making one's selection, it's always a good idea to look at size and location of a room, private bathroom (baño privado), necessities (TV, phone), and service. Breakfast is usually included, but it's only worth mentioning when it's designated as desayuno americano or buffet. In high season (December to February), prices for medium and top hotels can be compared to European ones (starting at about USD 40 for a medium category single). Single rooms are usually not much cheaper than double.
Hostels
Simple hostels (residencial, Hostel, hostería, casa de familia) offer inexpensive accommodations, but you will have to make allowances when it comes to comfort. The closer to the bus station, the simpler the room, and the more questionable its cleanliness. There are very few youth hostels, and they are open only in mid-Summer (January / February).
Motels
Those travelling by car will find many motels along the Panamericana where guests usually stay in small bungalows. This discrete arrangement is not surprising given the these hotels are socially acceptable, sometimes quite fancy, locations for undisturbed sexual encounters, which often also function as normal hotels outside the big cities.
Reservation & Taxes
Room reservations are only necessary during high season and in tourist areas. Starting from medium category up, you can use credit cards for paying. International tourists need not pay the 18% value-added sales tax when paying in USD (cash or traveler's' checks), but this discount is not always applied automatically.
Long-term Housing
For longer stays in Santiago, the agency Contactchile offers housing alternatives with families or students.
Airport Shuttle
Santiago
Safe and comfortable vans run from door to door taking several people to the requested address for USD 5.00-7.00 each. This service can also be requested by phone for pick-ups from your Santiago address when leaving by plane: phone 777 77 07. For two people, a taxi can be cheaper (negotiate the price beforehand). Airport buses run between the airport and Metro Los Héroes (about USD 1.50).
Buses
City
If you want to use the micros (city buses), you should know your way around a bit. The most important stops are listed on the window. You will need exact change for the fare (about USD 0.50) dispensed by machine or the driver. No passes as yet.
Inter-Regional
Long distance buses run to all major and medium-sized cities offering three price ranges (Salón Cama - Ejecutivo/Semi Cama - Pullman/Turístico). For longer rides (usually at night) the more expensive sleeper (Salón Cama) is recommended since it offers more leg room, reclining seat, and better service on board. On long holiday weekends and when the vacation period starts and ends, prices will rise; so, get your tickets in plenty of time! On the main runs, there is a lot of competition, and it's worth comparing prices and levels of service while at the bus station or by phone (Yellow Pages under "Buses interurbanos"). An example for ticket prices: Santiago - Chillán (about 410 k) regular (Pullman) is about USD 6.00, in Ejecutivo it's USD 10.00, and in Salón Cama about USD 16.00.
Regional
Smaller bus companies often make the runs within a region or to remote destinations, usually with less comfortable vehicles. On short runs between neighboring towns there are also the cheap group taxis (usually yellow; see Colectivos).
Bus Terminals in Santiago
- Terminal Alameda: directly by Universidad de Santiago Metro station; the companies "Tur-Bus" and "Pullman Bus", leave from here to all directions; to Viña/Valparaíso every 15 minutes.
- Terminal Santiago: (formerly Terminal Sur): Alameda at Nicasio Retamales, 150 m west of Alameda terminal; all companies going to the coast and south.
- Terminal Los Héroes: Tucapel Jiménez at Alameda, close to Los Héroes Metro stop; various companies going to the north.
- Terminal San Borja: (Terminal Norte): San Borja at Alameda, next to Estación Central: to the north and Greater Santiago.
Camping
Especially in some of the National Parks, tent camping is the only option. Most camping sites have only modest facilities; showers and hot water are an exception. In the tourist centers, privately run sites often offer more comfort, but sometimes only at a considerable price. Unregulated camping is legal in most National Parks, and it is usually not a problem in remote areas; however, one should try and ask the owner of the land for permission. Important: leave no traces and take your trash.
City maps
Simple maps are distributed at the tourist information centers and at travel agents. More detailed ones can be purchased from kiosks and bookstores. The most current and complete map of Santiago is in the Yellow Pages of the phone directory.
Clothing
During the Chilean summer (November to March) you should be prepared from warm to hot, dry days and cool nights in Central Chile. Protect yourself adequately against the strong sun with a hat or cap, sun glasses and cream. For those who continue from here to the south, a warm sweater, a good raincoat and weatherproof shoes are essential. For tourists, the following would only apply for formal occasions (such as concerts, lunch/dinner invitations): Chileans emphasize conventional dress. If you don't want to raise eyebrows in the city, don't wear sandals and shorts. The same is true for too-revealing clothes for women who want to avoid unpleasant catcalls (piropos) from Chilean machos.
Colectivos
These reasonable-priced group taxis run their fixed routes indicated on the signs on their roofs. They usually wait at the metro stations in Santiago, or at other central locations and leave when there is a minimum of passengers. In other cities, they operate like buses. A colectivo can also be stopped anywhere along the way. At night, they will take you to specific addresses for an additional fee, and as long as it is close to their route (a domicilio).
Cost of Living
Contrary to other Latin American countries, Chile experiences no shortages, but it is relatively expensive. Consumer goods can be found at least in all major cities, but they are mostly imported and thus, more expensive than in industrialized countries (i.e. slide films). Food is offered in vast quantities, and it is of good quality and cheap, especially fruit and vegetables. Tourism-related services are more expensive in Santiago and some tourism centers than in the rest of the country. Public transportation, bus travel and simple restaurants are relatively cheap; i.e. a meal in a simple restaurant will set you back about 1000-2500 pesos or USD 1.80-4.60.
Crafts
Local crafts markets (Ferias de Artesanía) offer regional products made of wool, leather, clay, wood, baskets, silver or copper. Chilean specialty are products made from or with lapis lázuli, a blue semi-precious stone found only in Afghanistan and Chile that is worked into artistic creations with silver and other metals (workshops/stores in Santiago's Bellavista sector, sold on most crafts markets).
Markets in Santiago
Santa Lucía: At Alameda and Carmen, right in the Center. Across from it, in a cave of the Santa Lucía hill, a little hidden from view, the worthwhile Mapuche art market.
Bellavista: At Pío Nono and Santa María/Bellavista, standard goods, good prices. Pío Nono and Antonia López de Bello streets are filled with small stalls on Friday and Saturday night, and all day on Sunday.
Los Domínicos: Av. Nueva Apoquindo 9085, Las Condes, former Dominican monastery, good for Sunday outing. Tasteful products, higher prices, good quality. Closed on Mondays.
Artisans' Villages
Pomaire: Lively potters' village halfway between the capital and the coast on Autopista del Sol (approx. 80 km from Santiago). Dark earthenware galore: rustic dishes, round jugs, cheerful figures at modest prices. Another specialty of Pomaire are the monster empanadas each weighing over a kilo. Buses leave from the Terminal San Borja.
Doñihue: This village, about 20 km west of Rancagua, is the secret capital of the huasos. This is where their fancy capes (chamantos, mantas), cummerbunds and belts are woven and sold at steep prices. Buses leave from Rancagua.
Chimbarongo: Practically right on top of the Panamericana, the famous basket weavers of Chimbarongo sell their varied and cheap wares: containers of all kinds, dolls and decorations including living-room furniture. 18 km south of San Fernando.
Rari: Between the thermal spas of Quinamávida and Panimávida east of Linares, the modest town of Rari has developed a rare tradition: items crafted from dried horsehair, especially small witch dolls.
Chillán: While Chillán is no village but a medium-sized city (and as such, not a must-see), it does have what may well be Chile's prettiest market: fruit, vegetables, crafts, and huasos hats - lots to choose from.
Quinchimalí: Potter's village 35 km west of Chillán, a lot less hectic than Pomaire, but with at least equally attractive brown and black clay products. Buses leave from Chillán.
Customs and Manners
Basically, Chileans appreciate politeness and certain phrases, even though as a foreigner, you will enjoy a certain gringo/a bonus.
The greetings take some getting used to. Men shake hands with each other, while men and women as well as women among each other will blow a little kiss towards the right cheek, even among strangers, who can also add shaking hands to that. Same works for saying good-bye. What you should say is Buenos días (until noon), Buenas tardes (noon to approx. 8 PM) , and Buenas noches (starting at approx. 8 PM), to take leave say Hasta luego or Adios. When turning down an offer, always say No, gracias; just Gracias will usually be taken to mean consent (Sí, gracias). For appointments you usually have about 15 minutes "wiggle room". Long distance buses and planes are usually on time. Little things such as long hair and earrings in men, short skirts, unshaved legs and armpits in women, as well as insufficient deodorant are equally repulsive to the spiffy Chileans. At work, dress is formal and, in most offices, ties are required. However, people will quickly make the transition from the more formal address usted to the more casual tú with colleagues and acquaintances, except in very formal contexts, and especially young people (up to about 35 years of age) are not very likely to be addressed with usted. When in doubt, it is safer to stick with the more formal (usted), especially with older people.
Chileans are very hospitable towards most foreigner. If possible, do not turn down invitations.
Driving
See also Rental Cars.
Santiago traffic is not for the faint of heart, or inexperienced drivers. If you decide to join the fray, drive defensively to deal with the aggressive Chilean way of driving, and do not expect any slack. It's important to plan any route you have to drive beforehand. Santiago's streets are confusing, poorly sign-posted, and strewn with potholes. On some of the major thoroughfares, the driving direction will change depending on rush hour traffic, and on days with smog warning levels of Pre-emergencia or Emergencia, even vehicles with catalytic converters can be banned from driving depending on their license plate numbers (announced in the media).
In cities, the speed limit is 60 km/h, and on the highway it is 120 km/h - and you wouldn't want to drive any faster anyway, given the state of most roads. Speeds are checked often, especially on highways and freeways, punishment is harsh and involves a frequently tiresome bureaucratic procedure.
Gas (93, 95 or 97 octane) is about USD 1.00 per liter, and it gets more expensive the further you are from the capital. On the major roads leading out of Santiago as well as on some portions of the Panamericana, you have to pay toll at a station (approx. USD 3.00, double that on weekends). The Panamericana is currently being expanded north and south of Santiago to turn it into a modern two-to-three-lane freeway with the addition of more toll stations.
Before you drive off into the unknown, it's a good idea to inquire about road conditions. Most secondary roads are not paved, and gravel roads of widely varying quality can deteriorate, especially from long rains. Less experienced drivers should be especially cautious on such roads. It is a good idea to carry a second spare tire for longer tours on gravel.
When parking the vehicle, make sure that nothing left is visible from the outside, especially in cities. The informal and semi-formal parking lot attendants cannot always be trusted. Find secure parking for your car at night.
Important: always carry car documents, passport and driver's license with you! If you have questions or run into problems, turn to one of the numerous police stations (Carabineros, see Police).
Electrical Appliances
The voltage is 220 V / 50Hz, and appliances also need an adapter (adaptador) to plug into the chilean sockets, which can be found in supermarkets or specialty stores.
Exit Visas
If you should leave via one of the small, not-networked border crossings to Argentina, i.e. on a tour of the Central Andes, you first need to obtain a Salvoconducto in one of the major cities from the Policía de Investigaciones to present with your Tourist Card at the border crossing.
Flight Confirmation
Most airlines require you to call and confirm in-country and international flights at least 48 hours before departure. It is also a good idea to call the airline about potential delays right before leaving for the airport. Phone numbers can be found in the Yellow Pages under "Líneas Aéreas".
Getting There
By Air
About a dozen European and North American airlines serve Santiago, some even daily. For flights from Europe the lower limit is around USD 600 and USD 900 roundtrip, depending on the season; direct flights from New York, Miami or Los Angeles start at USD 500 to USD 600. The Airpass from Lan Chile for in-country flights can only be booked through an agency abroad (see In-country flights).
By Land
For travel from Peru, Bolivia or Argentina, you can choose any of the border crossings. From May through September, inquire ahead of time about the road conditions for the Andean passes in Central and Southern Chile. Especially between Mendoza (Argentina) and Los Andes (Chile), you have to be prepared for snow drifts.
Tourist Card
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Canada, the USA, South Africa, as well as most EU countries do not need a visa, just their passport. Upon entry, they will receive a "Tarjeta de Turismo" (Tourist Card) which is valid for 90 days and has to be presented when leaving the country. Find a safe place for this inconspicuous piece of paper! If you loose it, get a replacement in plenty of time before your departure (Policía Internacional in Santiago, General Borgoño 1052, or at a police station in other regions). Those trying to leave without the card will most likely miss their flight or be kept waiting at the border for a long time.
Citizens of most African, Asian and formerly Soviet States will need a tourist visa that can be applied for at any Chilean Consulate.
Fees
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia and Mexico have to pay an entry fee when travelling through Santiago airport (not at any other point) that corresponds to the amount Chileans are charged when travelling to the respective country: US citizens USD 61.00, Canadians USD 55.00, Australians USD 30.00, Mexicans USD 17.00.
Extension
The Tourist Card is easiest extended by leaving and re-entering the country (can be done on the same day). Many foreigners use this loophole to extend their stay in Chile with this totally legal procedure that can theoretically be repeated virtually forever. However, there have been cases in which the border officials became suspicious the third or forth time, started asking uncomfortable questions, and renewed the Tourist Card only for 30 days.
An official extension through a police station (without leaving the country) is only meant to be done once for another 90 days, and it has to be applied for one month before the card expires from the Extranjería in Santiago or any regional capital. The price is USD 100.00; Santiago address: Teatinos 950, back of the building, close to Cal y Canto Metro station.
Luggage
Most airlines will now let you check two pieces of luggage at 32 kg each in addition to one piece of carry-on luggage - but do inquire beforehand to make sure! This means that you might be able to check a surfboard or a bike as your second piece. Taking them as additional luggage will cost you USD 70.00 to USD 90.00. Make sure to find out from your airline in plenty of time what requirements they might have for such items; i.e. bikes will generally need to be boxed, and you need to prepare for the required disassembly and assembly.
Customs Regulations
You can bring the following items into the country duty-free: unlimited amounts of cash, 400 cigarettes, 2 ½ liters of spirits, as well as all personal use items. Illegal are fresh food such as fruit, vegetables and milk products, as well as illegal drugs, and pornography. Plants and animals require a special permit from the health authorities, which has to be applied for in advance from any Chilean Consulate.
Guidebooks
From the travel books about Chile we recommend the Chile Handbook from Footprint Press which is updated every other year, or their South American Handbook published new every year. The Australian publisher Lonely Planet has also published several good guide books on Chile; most recently, the handy Santiago Guide. The Chilean travel guide Turistel which is updated annually has lots of detailed information (in Spanish) and good maps. It comes in three volumes plus road and camping maps, and can be bought from bookstores and kiosks.
Health
Diseases
In Chile there is no need to fear any specific health hazards. No special shots are necessary; there is no malaria or cholera. It is, however, advisable to update one's standard protection against typhoid, poliomyelitis, hepatitis, and tetanus. Beware of tap water, raw vegetables and fish or other seafood, raw eggs, and food offered in the streets. Wash and/or peel all fruit and vegetables carefully.
Dangers of the Outdoors
Besides the hazards of certain high risk sports there are two dangers to your health that lurk in comparatively tiny format: catching the hantavirus, and insect bites. In Chile, there are two poisonous spiders, and north of Talca, there is the vinchuca bug that can transmit the Chagas disease. There are no dangerous animals of prey or snakes. You should also be aware of acute mountain sickness.
Medical Services
Medical treatment in private hospitals in Santiago and other major cities is comparable to top international levels. Before you leave for Chile, check with your existing health insurance on their coverage of international travel, or get additional insurance. All drugs are available, and most doctors speak English. Appropriate medical care can be more difficult to get in rural hospitals or at First Aid posts.
Holidays
New Year's Day (January 1st), Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday (varies); Labor Day (May 1st), Naval Combat of Iquique (May 21st), Corpus Christi (May 23) , St Peter and St Paul (June 27), Assumption of Mary (August 15), Fiestas Patrias (National Holiday, September 18), Army Day (September 19), Discovery of America (October 12), All Saints (November 1st), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas (December 25). A number of holidays are moved to a Monday to create a long weekend.
In-country Flights
Two private airlines - Lan Chile and Aerolíneas del Sur serve all major cities of the country with modern fleets. Because of the enormous distances, flying is a fast and safe alternative for travel within Chile. Reservations through travel agents or directly with the airlines.
Roundtrip Ticket
Lan Chile offers a Chile roundtrip ticket (Lan Air Pass) that can only be purchased in connection with an international airline ticket to Chile and before the trip. The Airpass works with coupons (max. Six per person) and is cheaper for passengers who fly to Chile with Lan (3 coupons USD 250.00, each additional one USD 60.00) than for the rest (3 coupons USD 350.00, each additional one USD 80.00). The coupons can be used within one month after the first internal flight, with some limitations on the routes. The individual flights can be booked in advance or on location, and they can be chosen freely, capacity permitting. The Airpass is definitely worthwhile for anyone who wants to fly more than twice within Chile.
Insurance
Before travelling to Chile, it's advisable to buy comprehensive coverage against loss of luggage and for international health insurance, as well as liability insurance. Private hospitals will recognize credit cards as a guarantee.
Chile's mail works well, if somewhat slow. The regular postage for a letter is 180 pesos in-country, 280 to North America, and 300 overseas. The main post office on Plaza de Armas in Santiago is open Mon-Fri from 9 Am to 7 PM, and on Saturdays from 9 PM to noon, and there are additional post offices in the suburbs. International mail is usually sent by airmail automatically (vía aérea), and it takes 4-8 days to Central Europe; which can be speeded up for a fee (expreso). Important letters and packages should be sent by registered mail (certificado). If you want to have someone send you mail to Chile, ask them to mark "Lista de Correos" (poste restante). The post offices will save this mail for 30 days. Nice postcards can be found at the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Museo Precolombino.
Media
Newspapers
The biggest daily with an extensive cultural section is the conservative, Pinochet-friendly El Mercurio, one of the oldest newspapers in Latin America. El Mercurio Corporation also owns several other papers in Santiago and in the provinces. Other dailies are La Nación (the government-friendly newspaper), La Tercera, the popular La Cuarta, the evening paper La Segunda and the free papers MTG and La Hora. Current and independent information can be found in the online paper El Mostrador (www.elmostrador.cl). And a good overview of Chilean goings-on is provided by the English-language News Review which appears twice weekly.
Magazines
The market for magazines is dominated by gossip zines such as Cosas and Caras; political analysis are found in Qué pasa (liberal) and Ercilla (conservative). Biting satire, but also hard-hitting reporting is provided by the biweekly The Clinic.
International Press
International newspapers and magazines can be found - much more expensive - and with a delay of about two days at some kiosks, especially in the center of Santiago (Paseo Ahumada).
TV
Chilean TV is dominated by soccer, series and entertainment. The evening news are at 9 PM on most channels. Cable is standard in the better hotels, and more than 80 channels from all over the world are available.
Radio
Among FM stations, the fare is mostly music and entertainment; especially popular with young people: Rock&Pop (94.1) and Radio Zero (97.7). News at 93.3 (Cooperativa) and 100.9 (Chilena).
Metro
Santiago's fast, clean and safe Metro has no reason to hide compared to the undergrounds of the world, but so far, there are only five lines. The main line (1) runs modern French trains along the central east-west axis Alameda - Providencia - Apoquindo serving the center as well as the newer business districts of Providencia and Las Condes. At Los Héroes and Baquedano stops, you can change to one of the other lines connecting the southern parts of the city to the center. A single ticket is between 340 and 430 pesos (USD 0.40 - 0.60) depending on time of day; there are single and double tickets (boleto valor, USD 5.00) all of which include transfers.
Money
Currency
The official currency is the Chilean peso (CLP), which uses the confusing symbol for USD ($). Over the last few years, the rate of inflation has sunk to 3%. The exchange rate has exploded following the Argentinean crisis in mid-2001; in November of 2001 it was about 1 USD = 700 CLP; now (february 2010) it's about 1 USD = 520 CLP.
Spending Money
Take travelers checks and cash in USD (in money belt, see Safety) and exchange money only in official places (never in the streets) or banks (usually worse rates, and only open from 9 AM to 2 PM). Santiago has the best currency conversion rates; several exchange places are located on Agustinas between Ahumada and Bandera (open Mon-Fri 9 AM-7 PM, Sat morning), as well as near Manuel Montt, Pedro de Valdivia, and Los Leones Metro stations. The AmEx office (Turismo Cocha) in El Bosque Norte 0440, Las Condes, Metro Tobalaba, Mon-Fri 9 AM-7 PM, is only worth the trip if you have large amounts in AmEx travelers checks to convert. On the weekend, the larger hotels exchange money, too, but at a bad rate.
Cards
A good alternative is drawing cash (pesos) with your money or credit cards from automated teller machines marked with the Cirrus , Plus or Maestro symbol in all major cities - know your PIN! You have to count on paying a fee (find out from your bank before you leave). You can use your regular credit cards to pay almost anywhere. Only major Hotels and tourists agencies accept US dollars directly.
Police
In Chile there are two police organizations, the uniformed police (Carabineros) and the plainclothes detectives (Policía de Investigaciones). The Carabineros are responsible for safety in the streets and enjoy a high level of trust among Chileans. It's important to always carry your papers with you in case you get stopped, in which case you will be asked for identification (this is legal, if rare, in Chile). Never try to bribe a policeman!
Rental Cars
For renting a car, you have to be at least 21, present an international driver's license, and leave a blank payment slip with your credit card number as a guarantee. In addition to the major international agencies, there are often also local companies at the airports.
The rates are relatively high; but lower in Santiago than in the provinces. With smaller companies, you can try haggling; expect a discount for a long-term rental. A simple subcompact is between USD 25.00 and USD 40.00 per day. The price should include free mileage (kilometraje libre), insurance (seguro), usually with deductible, and value-added tax (IVA). Also inquire about roadside assistance, parts service and liability in case of accident. It usually costs more to take a rental car across national borders, and it requires additional paperwork and insurance; not all rental companies offer this service.
Safety
Compared to most Latin American countries, Chile is very safe for travelling. Exceptions are, as everywhere, the slums and the centers of the big cities. Beware of (well dressed) pickpockets who practice their swift tricks especially on buses, on the Metro and in crowds on busy streets. Since as a foreigner you will stick out anyway, you should heed the following:
- Do not flaunt valuables, cameras, jewelry, etc.
- Leave larger amounts of cash, travelers checks, credit cards, airline tickets, passport, etc. in your hotel's safe, or carry them around your waist or on your chest in a special money belt/pouch.
- Always keep your eyes on your bags and luggage, clutch purses and daypacks in front of your body.
- Do not allow anyone to distract you (a popular ruse) in a crowd, i.e. when getting on and off the Metro or a bus.
- In Cafés and restaurants, never hang your bag over the back of your chair, and never leave it unattended.
- Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a safe place (separate).
- On the other hand, cases of robberies at gunpoint or muggings are rare. When in doubt, don't try to be a hero; hand over your money! It is better not to go for walks alone on Cerro San Cristobal in Santiago, as well as on some of the hills of Valparaíso, and also avoid Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago at night.
Leaving your luggage where you are staying is usually not a problem, even if they should not have a safe.
When valuables are missing, go to the nearest police station, have a report filed (dejar constancia) and make a note of its number (for your insurance company).
Travelling alone
Chile is safe even for those travelling alone, as long as they use common sense and safety rules. Women need to be resolute enough to get rid of unwanted attention. Chilean machos are usually only a nuisance when in groups and verbally; otherwise, they are quite harmless. Never hitchhike alone!
Shopping
Stores open between 9 AM and 10 AM and close around 8 PM; smaller stores observe a siesta between 2 PM and 4 PM. Department stores and supermarkets stay open longer in the evening (until 9, 10 or 11 PM) and they are also open on the weekend.
Over the past few years, numerous malls have sprouted all over the place. And the atmosphere alone is worth a visit to one of the typical fruit, vegetables and fish markets (i.e. Mercado Central in Santiago, Mercado de Chillán). In smaller stores, at market stalls and in the streets it's OK to try and haggle a bit.
Taxis
Taking a taxi is safe and relatively cheap. The black cars with their yellow roofs can be hailed anywhere. In Santiago, there is a base price of 350 pesos (USD 0.60) plus from 60 to 80 pesos for each 200 m driven (or per minute when waiting). The rates are posted on the windscreen; the meter has to be where you can see it. For longer hauls or cross-country, you can negotiate a price beforehand. Tipping is not customary. You cannot rely on some driver's sense of orientation, often they barely know their way around. The more you know about how to get to your destination, the better.
You can request a radiotaxi by phone to pick you up from your place (Yellow Pages under "Taxis"). See also Colectivos, Airport Shuttle.
Telephone Calls
The Chilean market for telephones has been vastly liberalized in recent years; several carriers compete with the still dominant, formerly state-owned company Telefónica Chile.
Local Calls
From a regular phone line, approx. 25 pesos (USD 0.04) per minute between 8 PM and 8 AM and about 25% of that on weekends. Coin-operated phones charge at least 100 pesos (USD 0.15) per call (3 minutes), 200 pesos when calling a cell phone. For local calls, simply dial the respective phone number (no prefix).
In-country Calls
The rates for long distance calls are becoming more like those for local calls all the time. Dial the three-digit carrier code before the local prefix and phone number: carrier code + local prefix + phone number; i.e. Valparaíso via Telefónica: 188+ 32+ phone number.
International Calls
The rates are confusing and change all the time and there is no one place to find them all. You have to dial a carrier code +0 +country code + prefix + phone number; i.e. Washington D.C. via Telefónica: 188 + 01 + 202 + phone number. The cheapest rates to Europe and North America are around USD 0.25 per minute and quite a bit higher from a Call Center (Centro de llamados).
Centro de Llamados
Throughout the city centers, various phone companies maintain places from which calls can be made from the privacy of a booth and faxes can be sent.
Phone Cards
A very handy item for travelers in Chile, prepaid phone cards named "Línea propia" from Telefónica and similar cards from Entel and Smartcom allow calls to be made from and to any phone (local, long distance and mobile) without getting charged to that line. After dialing a specific number, the connection is made and the call is debited to the card (or to your virtual account) automatically. The rates are a bit more than those for regular phone lines and the cards are available from kiosks, where you can also obtain cards for the public card phones.
Cell Phones
These have meanwhile become standard in Chile. The different calling plans are confusing and coverage is mainly limited to the big cities and along the Panamericana. Foreigners without permanent visa (i. e. most tourists) can only buy prepaid phones that are more expensive to use, and work for international calls, but at a steep price. There is hardly any difference between the three most important Prepago providers, Telefónica, Entel and Smartcom. Watch for special offers with free minutes of airtime in exchange for some of the purchase price.
If you bring a compatible (GMS only) cell phone to Chile, it will only work if your provider offers roaming for the country (check before you leave).
Cell phone numbers start either with 08 or 8 and with 09 or 9 - when dialing from another cell phone, omit the 0. From abroad, dial 00568 or 00569.
Important Phone Numbers
- Emergency: 131
- Fire: 132
- Police: 133
- Directory Assistance: 103
- Chile's Country code: 0056
Time Zone
UCT/GMT minus 4 hours. Daylight saving time in Chile starts on the second Sunday in October and ends on the second Sunday in March.
Tipping
In restaurants a tip of about 10% is expected, it is not included in the bill. It is customary to take all the change first and then leave a tip. Gas station and parking attendants also expect a tip of 100 or 200 pesos, but cab drivers are not tipped.
Tourist Information
The sate-owned tourism agency Sernatur (Servicio Nacional de Turismo) maintains offices and information booths in all major cities and at the airports. The main office is at Av. Providencia 1550 (Metro Manuel Montt). Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM, Sat 9 PM-1 PM; phone: 236 1416.
Trains
Passenger trains, which had been pushed out of the market by the competition from buses and by a lack of timely investments, have now been modernized and they again offer an excellent service. They run from Santiago south to Concepción (approx. 520 km) and Temuco (approx. 680 km). Compared to the bus, this train is faster and safer. The original 1920's German sleeper coach, however, makes it a nostalgic trip back into the past. Leaves from Estación Central. Reservations: phone (2) 376 8500. There is fast and reliable light rail service once an hour between Santiago (Est. Central) and Talca. See also Buses.
Working in Chile
Foreign tourists are officially banned from working in Chile for money - unless their activity is entirely paid for from abroad (i. e. for artists, exchange teachers, etc.). A temporary work permit will only be issued in exceptional cases (from the Extranjería in Santiago or in the provinces), and it is usually restricted to international artists. However, there is a large, informal (gray) area in the Chilean labor market.