Travel Information
Dates and Facts
| Area 756,626 km2 |
| Population 15.1 million |
| Population density 20 inhabitants/km2 |
| Religion 70%
catholics, 15% protestants |
| Per capita income approx. 5,600 US dollar/year |
| Unemployment rate
approx. 8-9% |
| Inflation
3.7% (2005) |
How to get there
Roughly a dozen airlines fly to Santiago de Chile via various routes. EU-residents do not require a visa, just a valid passport. On entry you will receive a "Tarjeta de Turismo" (tourist pass), which is valid for 90 days and must be presented on departure. The card can easily be renewed for a further 90 days when leaving and re-entering Chile (free of charge) or through the official channels for 100 US dollars.
Climate Guide & Month of Travel
The seasons are in polar opposition to the seasons in Europe and the climate zones are very diverse. The north is sunny all year round with a dry climate and high temperatures during the day, and low night time temperatures. Central Chile has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and short, mild and rainy winters. In the Small South and Patagonia it gets colder and wetter, here November to March are the local summer months and the best time to visit.
Clothing
Clothing should be appropriate for the region and the season in which it is visited. The sun is very strong in the north and centre of Chile and sun protection such as hats, caps, sunglasses and sun block are highly recommended. In the south a warm jumper, a good weatherproof jacket and solid weatherproof shoes should also form part of the luggage.
Electrical Goods
Local electricity is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, three-pin plugs are used; some appliances require a simple adapter (may be obtained in supermarkets or from specialist traders).
Health Matters
There are no known particular health risks in Chile. Special vaccinations are not necessary as malaria or cholera do not exist. Everyone travelling abroad is recommended to be vaccinated against Poliomyelitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria. The medical treatment in the hospitals of all large cities is first-class, every medication is available. Care must be taken when eating raw vegetables or fish, uncooked seafood, raw eggs and food from street vendors. Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly or peel first.
Hire Cars
To be eligible to hire a car the following requisites
must be met: minimum age 21 years, holding an international
drivers' licence and a credit card with sufficient funds.
A standard middle of the range car costs from 30 Euro
per day. Chileans have a breezy driving style which
is best countered with a more defensive style not based
on consideration. In built up areas the limit is 60
km/h (= 37.5 miles/h), outside built up areas the limit
is 100 km/h (= 62.5 miles/h), on motorways it is 120
km/h (= 75 miles/h). Petrol (93, 95 or 97 octane lead-free)
costs approx. 0.90 Euro per litre. Many ancillary roads
are not tarmacked, the gravel varies in quality, so
precaution is advisable. When leaving the car unattended,
ensure that no valuables are left in sight.
Money Matters
Official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Cash (Pesos)
can be withdrawn without problems from machines displaying
the "Redbanc" symbol with an EC-card or credit card.
Just in case, take along some traveller's cheques in
US dollars and change money in official exchange offices
("Cambios", better exchange rates) or banks. Credit
cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants and hotels.
Prices are very reasonable and the exchange rate is
very good for EU-members. In mid-2006 it stood at approx.
1 EUR = 680 CLP.
Political Situation
Since the return to democracy in 1990 the political
situation in Chile has been very stable. The mid-to-left
wing party coalition "Concertación" has been
in power since then, currently with social democrat,
President Michelle Bachelet (2006-2010), at the helm.
The bicameral parliament congregates in Valparaíso;
Concertación has a small majority in the House
of Representatives and in the Senate.
Language
The official language is Spanish with strong national idiosyncrasies. A few basic terms make the trip more enjoyable! English is only moderately helpful.
Public Transport
Chile has a sound public transport infrastructure. Good
domestic flight connections, comfortable and safe overland
busses and trains ensure travelling is enjoyable, even
over long distances. The Santiago Metro operates a fast
service on four modern lines. Taxis are safe and relatively
inexpensive.
Safety
Chile is an extremely safe tourist destination. Only in the larger city centres one needs to be cautious and weary of pickpockets, who operate dexterously and quickly on the underground, on busses and amongst the crowds in busy streets. Tips: Leave valuables in the hotel or keep out of view, watch handbags carefully and don't change money in the streets. There are hardly any cases of robbery involving weapons or violence.
Shopping
Shops open between 9 and 10 am and close around 8 pm, with a possible break for lunch. Shopping centres and supermarkets have longer opening hours (to 10 or 11 pm) and are also open Saturdays and Sundays. Souvenirs are best bought from the local craft markets (Ferias de Artesan’a). A Chilean specialty are products containing Lapislazuli, a blue semi-precious stone.
Telephone & Internet
Chile's country code is 56. When calling out to another country dial the three digit code of the call provider prior to the country code, e.g. London via the provider "Telefonica": 188-044-20 + phone number. Prepaid tickets, e.g. "L’nea propia", which can be used from any telephone (available at kiosks) come in handy. Triband mobile phones function without difficulty using 'roaming', but only in urban centres. Emergency calls: 131, police: 133, Directory: 103. - Internet Cafˇs exist in every town.
Tipping
A tip of 10% is customary in restaurants, which is not included in the bill. A small gratuity is also expected by petrol station attendants, car park attendants and porters. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
Time Difference
From the 2nd Sunday in October until the 2nd Sunday in March the Chilean summer time applies: GMT - 3 (GMT - 4 at all other times).
Tourist Information
The state-run tourism department Sernatur operates offices and information kiosks in all major towns and airports.
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