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 1.50-3.75.
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.
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