Learn Spanish Abroad - Travel Information about Chile
If you want to travel to Argentina, there are some things you should know:
When to go?
Chile always has a region ripe for exploration whatever the season. But if your heart is set on one part of the country, pick your dates carefully.
Chile's southern charms, including Torres del Paine and the Lakes District, are best visited in summer (December through March) as some are all but impenetrable in winter (June through September). The summer's long days boost outdoor fun, though the spring months of November and December and fall months of March and April can be nearly as good.
|
|
Meanwhile Chile in the winter can be a wonderland for skiers; the country's resorts attract hordes from July through September. Middle Chile is best in the verdant spring (September through November) or during the fall harvest (late February into April).
The Atacama Desert can be explored all year, but summer days sizzle and nights are bitterly cold at higher altitudes throughout the year. In the northern altiplano, summer is the rainy season, which usually means an afternoon downpour. Easter Island and the Juan Fernández archipelago are cooler and quieter outside summer; March is an ideal time to visit.
High season is December through March
|
Money and Costs
Costs
Chile is not cheap by South American standards, but is more economical than Europe or North America. Prices can double during the late-December to mid-March high season, but travel just before or after the official season and you'll most likely score bargain accommodations. Internal flights devour travel funds at any time of the year.
Shoestring travelers should budget around US$25 per day for food and lodging, though with determination - camping or staying in hostels, eating in markets - you could cut that to below US$20. Surprisingly cheap and ridiculously filling set lunch menus are served by most restaurants - even expensive eateries have very affordable lunchtime deals.
From about US$60 per day you can wine and dine well and sleep in cozy accommodations. Families can enjoy excellent deals in fully equipped cabins wherever Chileans like to spend their summers. Spend more than US$100 per day and you can enjoy luxuries that would commonly cost you double that in North America or Europe.
Money
The Chilean unit of currency is the peso (Ch$). Bank notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10, 000 and 20, 000 pesos. Coin values are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 pesos, although one-peso coins are fast disappearing, and even fives and tens are uncommon. Carry small bills with you; it can be difficult to change bills larger than Ch$1000 in rural areas. Gas stations and liquor stores are usually able to, just make an apologetic face and ask, '¿Tiene suelto?'.
Exchange rates are usually best in Santiago. Generally, only Santiago will have a ready market for European currencies. Chile's currency has been pretty stable in recent years, but fluctuation may occur. Paying a bill with US cash is sometimes acceptable; especially at tour agencies (check their exchange rate carefully). Many top-end hotels publish rates in US dollars with a lower exchange rate than the daily one. Compare the rates carefully to determine whether paying in pesos or US cash is the more favorable option. Other than that, expect to pay all transactions in the local currency.
Money transferred by cable should arrive in a few days; Chilean banks will give you your money in US dollars on request. Western Union offices can be found throughout Chile, usually adjacent to the post office.
Atms
Accessing funds through an ATM, known as un Redbanc is by far the easiest and most convenient way of carrying money while in Chile. Most ATMs use the Plus (Visa) or Cirrus (MasterCard) systems and will accept your debit card. Most also have instructions in Spanish and English. You may have to pick an option titled 'foreign card' (tarjeta extranjera) before starting the transaction.
You'll find machines in most towns (with the exception of Chile's Pacific Islands and small highland villages) and they are often open 24 hours. They give decent exchange rates though your bank will probably charge a fee for each foreign ATM transaction.
Cash
A few banks will exchange cash (usually US dollars only); casas de cambio (exchange houses) in Santiago and more tourist-oriented destinations will also exchange. However, they also charge some commission or have less agreeable rates. More costly purchases, such as tours and hotel bills, can sometimes be paid in US cash.
Credit cards
If you've got plastic in your pocket (especially Amex, Visa and MasterCard) you'll be welcome in most established businesses; however, it's best not to depend on credit. Many businesses will charge up to 6% extra to cover the charge they have to pay for the transaction. Credit cards can also be useful to show 'sufficient funds' before entering another South American country.
Moneychangers
A few places have street changers, but they don't offer much difference in rate.
Traveler's checks
Traveler's checks are the least convenient way to go. Hardly anyone wants to exchange traveler's checks, and those who do offer poor rates. Carrying a combination of monetary forms is wise (traveler's checks are a more secure back-up), but depositing funds into a debit account before going will be most useful.
|
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1400. .
Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP; symbol CH$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CH$20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CH$500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Exchange Rate Indicators
| Date |
Apr 09 |
| £1.00= |
CH$855.12 |
| $1.00= |
CH$579.95 |
| €1.00= |
CH$770.05 |
|
|
|
Visa and Passport
Passport required?
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
Visa required?
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/ 2 |
| Canadian |
No/ 2 |
| USA |
Yes/ 2 |
| Other EU |
No/ 1 |
Return Ticket required?
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
|
Passport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport Note
Passports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Greece for up to 60 days and nationals of Romania for up to 30 days.
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding required travel documents for onward destination and not leaving the airport transit lounge.
Visa Note
2. Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA entering Chile for touristic purposes will be charged a processing fee payable on arrival and in cash only. For nationals of Australia, the fee is US$56; for nationals of Canada, the fee is US$132; and for nationals of the USA, the fee is US$100 .
Language
Spanish (official), Mapudungu (the language of the Mapuche), Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aymara.
Health
Vaccinations
| |
Special Precautions |
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
|
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited. |
Food and Drink
Standards of hygiene are generally reasonable in Chile, and should not cause visitors any undue concern.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. When travelling to rural parts of Chile, care should be taken to avoid the Hanta virus, a potentially fatal condition that is spread by rodents. In particular, make sure rustic cabins are well aired out and free from any sign of rodents.
Health Care
Health insurance is essential. Emergency services can be dialled free (tel: (2) 131 for an ambulance), but for medical emergencies, private services may deliver more modern equipment and a faster response. Clínicas (private hospitals) can be contacted directly in the case of a medical emergency.
Security
Chile is a remarkably safe country. Its violent crime rate is one of the lowest in South America (and much lower than the US). Though, it still has a healthy nonviolent crime rate. It's a good idea to take certain precautions, especially against pickpocketing, which is on the rise. Avoid carrying large amounts of money in vulnerable spots. Money belts and leg pouches are two secure means of carrying cash and other important documents.
An annoyance rather than a danger are 'students' who hand out poems with a sob story about their financial status and inability to study. They're rarely students, and the poems are rarely theirs.
Oh, and if you're clearly gringo, you may get charged by the odd maverick park attendant to get into free parking areas.
Photographing military installations may lead to getting the film confiscated or a visit to jail.
Natural hazards
Earthquakes happen here: it's a fact of life for most Chileans. Local construction often does not meet seismic safety standards; adobe buildings tend to be especially vulnerable. If you're hyper-safety conscious, make contingency plans for safety or evacuation before going to sleep.
Volcanoes are less likely to threaten safety, since they usually give some warning before blowing their top. However, a few popular resorts are potentially vulnerable, including Pucón, nestled at the base of Volcán Villarrica.
Many of Chile's finest beaches have dangerous offshore rip currents, so ask before diving in and make sure someone on shore knows your whereabouts. Many beaches post signs that say apto para bañar (swimming okay) and no apto para bañar(swimming not okay) or peligroso (dangerous).
|
|
In the winter, the smog in Santiago can become a health risk. The city declares 'pre-emergency' or 'emergency' states when the level of smog is dangerously high and takes measures to limit emissions. Children, senior citizens and people with respiratory problems should avoid trips to downtown Santiago at these times.
|
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular metal pins are used.
Social Conventions
Chileans are often seen as more formal than others in South America. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting between men. On informal, social occasions, women usually greet friends with a single kiss on the cheek. It is very common to entertain at home and it is acceptable for invitees to give small presents as a token of thanks.
Go back to Learn Spanish in Bolivia
|
