Chile

Region

West coast of South America.

Area

756,096 km² (291,930 sq miles).

Population

16 million (2006 estimate).

Population density

21 per km².

Capital

Santiago (de Chile). Population: 5.5 million (UN estimate 2003).

Government

Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1810.

Geography

Chile is situated in South America, bordered to the north by Peru, to the east by Bolivia and Argentina, to the west by the Pacific and to the south by the Antarctic. The country exercises sovereignty over a number of islands off the coast, including the Juan Fernández Islands and Easter Island. Chile is one of the most remarkably shaped countries in the world; a ribbon of land, 4,200km (2,610 miles) long and nowhere more than 180km (115 miles) wide.

The Andes and a coastal highland range take up one-third or half of the width in parts, and run parallel with each other from north to south. The coastal range forms high, sloped cliffs into the sea from the northern to the central area. Between the ranges runs a fertile valley, except in the north where transverse ranges join the two major ones, and in the far south where the sea has broken through the coastal range to form an assortment of archipelagos and channels.

The country contains wide variations of soil and vast differences of climate. This is reflected in the distribution of the population, and in the wide range of occupations from area to area. The northern part of the country consists mainly of the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world. It is also the main mining area. The central zone is predominantly agricultural. The south is forested and contains some agriculture; further south, the forests on the Atlantic side give way to rolling grassland on which sheep and cattle are raised.

Language

Spanish (official), Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aymara.

Religion

Christian, of which the majority are Roman Catholic.

Time

Mainland and Juan Fernández Islands: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March);
Easter Island: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March)

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Most Chileans use a double surname and only the first part should be used in addressing them. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting local people. It is very common to entertain at home and it is acceptable for invitees to give small presents as a token of thanks.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular metal pins are used

Head of State

President Michelle Bachelet since January 2006.

Recent History

President Ricardo Lagos Escobar stepped down in 2005 and his successor is the first woman president - socialist Michelle Bachelet. She beat conservative billionaire and former Senator Sebastian Piñera in the January 2006 election. No fewer than 58 constitutional reforms came into effect in March 2006. The key features of these include: the end of designated senators and 'senators for life' - the remaining 38 senators will be elected by popular vote; responsibility removed from the armed forces; and the restoration of power to the president to remove the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces.

The reforms are a milestone for Chile's continuing transition to democracy. Michelle Bachelet has already committed to reforming the electoral system during her presidential term.

Climate

Ranges from hot and arid in the north to very cold in the far south. The central areas have a mild Mediterranean climate with a wet season (May to August). Beyond Puerto Montt in the south is one of the wettest and stormiest areas in the world.

Required Clothing

Lightweight, natural fabrics. Rainwear for the wet season. More substantial waterproofs are needed in the south.

Hotels

There are several luxury hotels in Santiago and throughout the country. In all regions of Chile, whatever hotels lack in facilities is made up for by a comfortable, homely atmosphere; Chile's famous hospitality is very apparent in provinces where it is common to see the owner or manager sit down to dinner with guests.

Advance bookings are essential in resort areas during the high season. The cost of accommodation in Santiago is higher than in the provinces. Rates increase during the summer holiday from January to March, particularly in coastal resorts. Members of foreign motoring organisations can obtain discounts at hotels by joining the Automóvil Club de Chile.

A tax of 19% is levied on all hotel bills, except those paid in foreign currencies by visitors, for which an export bill is required.

Grading: Hotels in Chile are graded from 5 (luxurious rooms) to 2 stars (basic commodities).

Youth Hostel

There are several hostels throughout Chile and on Easter Island. Membership of the Asociación Chilena de Albergues Turísticos Juvenilesis required (see Accommodation Information below); many hostels are extremely crowded and it is advisable to book in advance where possible.

Camping / Caravanning

There are plenty of campsites throughout Chile. Some locals will happily allow visitors to set up camp in their garden or land upon polite request. Official sites can be expensive. Further details on campsites may be obtained from the tourist office or from Turistel (website: www.turistel.cl).

Backpacker Hostel

Backpacker hostels are cropping up continually throughout the country, and offer friendly and cheap accommodation.

Residenciales

are popular and widely available. Standards vary, but most offer simple rooms in a house or arranged round a courtyard garden.

Cabanas

(holiday chalets) are mostly found in coastal resorts; popular with families self-catering.

GDP

US$141 billion (2005).

Main exports

Copper, fruit, fish, paper and chemicals.

Main imports

Petroleum, chemicals, vehicles, electrical and telecommunications equipment.

Main trade partners

USA, Argentina, Brazil, Japan and China.

Economy

With well-developed industrial and service sectors, Chile has one of Latin America's strongest economies. However, it still depends on export of primary commodities (metals and ores, fruit, fish and wood) for a large proportion of its export earnings. The industrial base has grown substantially and includes steel manufacturing, oil production, ship building, and the production of cement and consumer goods.

The mainstay of the export economy for the time being is metals and ores: Chile is the world's leading exporter of copper and also produces zinc, iron ore, molybdenum, manganese, iodine and lithium. The service sector has developed rapidly in recent years, especially financial services, following the government's introduction in the mid 1990s of a unique comprehensive pension scheme. Chile's economic performance has been strong since 2000 with annual growth around 6% and low inflation; unemployment was estimated at 6.6% in late 2006.

Business Etiquette

Businesspeople should wear formal clothes in dark colours for official functions, dinners, smart restaurants and hotels. Dress is usually stipulated on invitations. There is a tendency to formality, traditional courtesies and politeness. Best months for business visits are April to December.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800.

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.

Currency Exchange

Foreign exchange transactions can be conducted through commercial banks, casas de cambio, or authorised shops, restaurants, hotels and clubs. Visitors should not be tempted by the premiums of 10 to 15% over the official rate offered by black marketeers. Casas de cambio are open daily 0900-1900.

Credit / Debit Cars

Credit/debit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and sometimes American Express) are widely accepted in towns and cities, where Redbanc ATMs are also largely available.

Travelers Cheques

The government does not regulate the market of foreign currency in Chile, making it possible to exchange money and traveller's cheques at any casa de cambio at market-driven exchange rates. There may be some difficulty exchanging traveller's cheques outside major towns. Traveller's cheques in US Dollars offer a better exchange rate.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1400.

Exchange Rates

Date Jan 2009

£1.00 = CH$940.26

$1.00 = CH$645.75

€1.00 = CH$880.75

Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Chile without incurring customs duty:

Items bought duty-free to the value of US$500.

400 cigarettes and 500g of tobacco and 50 cigars

2.5l of alcohol (only for visitors over 18 years of age).

A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.

Shopping

Special purchases include textiles such as colourful handwoven ponchos, vicuna rugs, alpaca jumpers and copper work. Chilean stones such as lapis lazuli, jade, amethyst, agate and onyx are all good buys. Camping and other outdoor equipment can be bought in Santiago as well as in areas where the activity is practised.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400. Large shopping malls are open daily 1000-2100

Food and Drink

Table service is usual in restaurants. Santiago has many international eateries.

National specialties

Empanada (combination of meat, chicken or fish, with onions, eggs, raisins and olives inside a flour pastry).

Fish and seafood, including clams, sole, sea bass and oysters, are very good, particularly in fishing villages on the coast.

Cazuela de ave (soup with rice, vegetables, chicken and herbs).

Bife a lo pobre (steak with french fries, onions and eggs).

Parrillada (selection of meat grilled over hot coals, often including delicacies such as intestines, udders and blood sausages).

National drinks

Chile is famous for its wine.

Pisco (a powerful liqueur distilled from grapes after wine pressing).

Grapes are also used to make the sweet brown chicha as well as aguardiente (similar to brandy).

Chilean beer brands are Kuntsman, Crystal and Escudo.

Tipping

Restaurants and bars add 10% to the bill. However, waiting staff will expect a 10% cash tip in addition.

Nightlife

While many restaurants and hotels offer entertainment, there are also a number of nightclubs. Santiago gets lively at the weekends, especially in the zonas of Bellavista, Providencia and Nuñoa. Bands and acts frequently perform; listings sections can be found in Friday's La Tercera and El Mercurio. Things don't usually get going until around 2200 or 2300 in restaurants, and 0100 in clubs and bars. Visitors should be aware that the English word 'nightclub' means 'brothel' in Chile.

Shopping

Special purchases include textiles such as colourful handwoven ponchos, vicuna rugs, alpaca jumpers and copper work. Chilean stones such as lapis lazuli, jade, amethyst, agate and onyx are all good buys. Camping and other outdoor equipment can be bought in Santiago as well as in areas where the activity is practised.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1400. Large shopping malls are open daily 1000-2100

Health

Diphtheria - Sometimes;

Hepatitis A - Yes;

Malaria - No;

Rabies - Sometimes;

Tetanus - Yes;

Typhoid - Sometimes;

Yellow Fever - No

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. HELP (tel: (2) 631 0310) is an ambulance service for some of Santiago's private hospitals. Clínicas (private hospitals) can be contacted directly in the case of a medical emergency.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period:

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day; 10 Apr Good Friday; 11 Apr Holy Saturday; 1 May Labour Day; 21 May Navy Day; 11 Jun* Corpus Christi; 29 Jun* St Peter and St Paul; 15 Aug Assumption; 11 Sep Reconciliation Day; 18 Sep Independence Day; 19 Sep Army Day; 12 Oct* Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day); 1 Nov All Saints' Day; 8 Dec Immaculate Conception; 25 Dec Christmas Day.

2010

1 Jan New Year's Day; 2 Apr Good Friday; 3 Apr Holy Saturday; 1 May Labour Day; 21 May Navy Day; 3 Jun* Corpus Christi; 29 Jun* St Peter and St Paul; 15 Aug Assumption; 11 Sep Reconciliation Day; 18 Sep Independence Day; 19 Sep Army Day; 11 Oct* Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day); 1 Nov All Saints' Day; 8 Dec Immaculate Conception; 25 Dec Christmas Day.

NOTE - *If Corpus Christi, St Peter and St Paul and Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) fall on a day other than Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the holiday is usually held on the nearest Monday.

Things to Do

Strut round Viña del Mar, Chile's principal and most fashionable seaside resort with casinos, clubs and modern hotels.

Trek in one of Chile's most popular regions - the Lake District, with beautiful national parks offering spectactular scenery and abundant flora and fauna.

Spot flamingos, rheas (an ostrich-like bird) and llamas at the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve - the Parque Nacional Lauca.

Marvel at Magellanic penguins in Chiloé Island, a region of evergreen forests and fjords. The abundant coastal wildlife of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego includes large colonies of sea elephants, sea lions and penguins.

Climb the Lake District's Volcán Villarrica and Volcán Osorno. Various companies offer guided ascents, but ice gear is required. Guides are compulsory.

Fish in the Lake District and in Patagonia. The lakes near Puerto Montt, a port city whose economy is mainly based on fishing, offer excellent trout fishing. In Arica, near the northern border with Peru, conditions in the area are ideal for deep-sea fishing.

Go white-water rafting down the Maipo, Claro, Trancura and Bio-Bio rivers. Specialist operators can organise week-long trips. The scenery around the Bio-Bio includes hot springs and waterfalls. Swim, dive, waterski and sail in one of the many bays and fjords of Chile's coastline.

Ski at the world-famous resort Portillo or ice skate on the spectacular Laguna del Inca. Other ski slopes in the area can be found at Farellones-El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado. The ski season runs from June to September.

Be in awe of huge icebergs from a glacier cruise, which follows a spectacular route through Chile's Inside Passage, the Beagle Channel and around Cape Horn, passing through glacial valleys (notably at Laguna San Rafael), fjords and past huge icebergs. Passengers can disembark at various points en route, notably at Puerto Natales and on the Argentinian portion of Tierra del Fuego.

Set out on an expedition to Antarctica from Chile's southernmost city, Punta Arenas.

Things to See

Visit Arica, with its good beaches and the famous San Marcos Cathedral. Nearby, wonder at the unique landscape of Altiplano with its vast volcanoes, salt marshes and lakes existing together upon a high plateau, and home to the indigenous Aymara Indians. Through the Atacama Desert, excursions can be made to the hot springs of Mamina and to the oasis of the Pica Valley.

From the port of Antofagasta, visit Chuquicamata copper mine; the archaeological oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama; and the El Tatio geysers.

Get some sea breezes at Coquimbo and Los Vilos. Wander fine streets lined with attractive Spanish colonial style architecture in La Serena, the provincial capital. The town is at the mouth of the Elqui River and excursions can be made from here to the rich fruit-growing region of the Elqui Valley.

Explore the Central Region and the Islands,the most temperate and pastoral regions of the country, where the snow-capped peaks of the Andes provide a backdrop to rolling green fields, vineyards and orange groves. Valparaíso, the principal port, has many attractions.

In Santiago, visit sights such as the Virgin Mary on the peak of the 860m (2,822ft) Cerro San Cristóbal (Saint Christopher's Hill) and get great views of the city and the Andes. At the foot of the hill, in the Latin Quarter of Barrio Bellavista,nose round one of poet Pablo Neruda's houses - La Chascona (website:www.fundacionneruda.org).

Sample Chile's wine at vineyards in the heartland of the country.

Journey out to the Juan Fernández Islands (650km (403 miles) west of Valparaíso). Alexander Selkirk was shipwrecked here in the early 18th century, and Defoe based his novel Robinson Crusoe on Selkirk's adventures.

Fly to Easter Island,another Pacific Chilean possession, situated 3,800km (2,361 miles) west of the mainland. Puzzle over the famous, yet mysterious Moai, gigantic stone figures up to 9m (30ft) tall which can be found all over the island. Other sites to investigate include the volcano crater Rano Kao, the Oronco rock carvings, and the museum in the main town of Hanga Roa.

Be amazed by the waterfalls at Laguna de La, in the Southern Region.

Admire the Lake District, where Lake Villarica and the Trancura and Cincira rivers combine to create beautiful scenery, and an angler's paradise. Don't miss Lake Todos los Santos either.

Travel right to the southernmost end of the railway line or the Pan American Highway, where visitors can find the picturesque town of Puerto Montt and, nearby, the colourful small fishing port of Angelmo.

Travel Advice

Most visits are trouble-free. The Llaima volcano, in the Araucania region of southern Chile, erupted on 2 January 2008. Although approximately 150 people have been evacuated from villages in the area immediately surrounding the volcano. Visitors should follow developments in the media and follow any guidance given by the local authorities.

Pickpocketing, other thefts and muggings are common and have been on the increase since the beginning of 2007. Minefields are located in regions I, II and XII. It is recommended checking with the local authorities before travelling to the border areas of these regions. The threat from terrorism is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.

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.
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.

Telephone

Country code: 56.

Public phone boxes are unreliable, and visitors will find it cheaper to use phones in centros de llamadas (call centres) in towns, or in Internet cafes.

Mobil Mobile Phones

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good, except in remoter areas.

Internet

There are Internet cafes in the main towns and tourist areas.

Media

There is freedom of speech in Chile, especially following the 2001 Press Freedom Act, which ended many of the Pinochet-era restrictions on the media.

Post

The postal service, Correos de Chile (website: www.correos.cl), is reasonably reliable. Airmail to Europe and the USA takes approximately three to four days.

in Santiago Mon-Fri 0830-1900; Sat 0830-1300. The central post office in Santiago is located at Plaza de Armas 559. Post offices in villages can have reduced service.

Press

Spanish dailies include El Mercurio (conservative), La Tercera, conservative evening newspaper La Segunda, business newspaper El Diario, and La Nación which is government owned.

Foreign newspapers are available.

The Santiago Times is published in English.

Radio

Stations include Radio Nacional de Chile; news-based national commercial network Radio Cooperativa; commercial Pudahuel FM; Bio Bio La Radio and El Conquistador; and music-based Radio Horizonte.

Getting around by Air

There are frequent services between main towns. The southern part of the country relies heavily on air links. Reservations are essential. Flights are operated by the domestic subsidary of LAN - LANexpress (LU) (website: www.lan.com), and Sky Airline (H2) (website: www.skyairline.cl), as well as by a number of air taxi companies.

There are regular flights with LAN from Santiago to Easter Island (journey time - 5 hours). Flights fill up quickly so it is essential to book in advance throughout the year. Discounted flights to Easter Island can only be purchased in conjunction with LAN long-haul flights; some round-the-world tickets include Easter Island.

An air taxi runs a daily service during the summer months to the Juan Fernández Islands from Valparaíso and Santiago. Air Passes - Visit Chile: sold in conjunction with LAN transatlantic flights,covering the north and the south of the country. Passes must be obtained outside South America and it is advisable to make reservations well in advance. Once purchased, reservations can be changed at no additional cost; but for re-routing, a charge is made for each change. Valid for one month.

Water

A network of ferries, including Navimag (tel: (65) 432 300; website: www.navimag.com), operates through the archipelago of the far south. The most popular routes are from Puerto Montt to Chacabuco and the San Raphael glacier, and between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales. Boat services run from Valparaíso to Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island (part of the Juan Fernández Islands) once a month. Contact local travel agents on arrival for details.

Road

Traffic drives on the right. Chile generally has good roads. The Pan American Highway crosses the country from north to south (a total of 3,455km/2,147 miles) from the Peruvian border to Puerto Montt. It is advisable in remoter areas to carry plenty of water, spare petrol and an additional spare tyre; tyres should be hard-wearing. In some areas with dirt roads it is neccessary to use a jeep or pick-up truck.

Bus

Intercity buses are excellent, comfortable and reliable. There is a luxury north-south service running most of the length of the country. Most long-distance coaches have toilets and serve food and drink. For further details, contact SERNATUR (see Contact Addresses).

Car hire

Drivers must be over 21 years old. Self-drive cars are available at the airport and in major city centres. A 20% tax is added and a credit card is required as guarantee. The Automóvil Club de Chile in Santiago can supply road maps (tel: (2) 431 1000; website: www.automovilclub.cl).

Regulations

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and passenger. Smoking, using a mobile phone or a personal music player with headphones is prohibited for the driver. The maximum legal speed limit, unless otherwise stated, is 120kph (75mph) on highways and 70kph (45mph) in urban areas.

Documentation

A valid driving licence.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Santiago (in hours and minutes) to other major cities/towns in Chile:

Getting there by Air

Chile's main airline is LAN (LA) (website: www.lan.com), which deals with international flights. Air Passes - Mercosur Airpass: valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile (except Easter Island), Paraguay and Uruguay. Participating airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR), Aerolíneas Del Sur (AS), Pluna (PU) and VARIG Airlines (RG).

The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and must be booked in conjunction with an international ticket. It is valid for a minimum of seven to a maximum of 45 days.

At least two countries must be visited; dates can be changed but the flight route cannot. A maximum of three stopovers is allowed per country.

Oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are Aer Lingus (EI), American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF).

The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to 34 cities. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with a maximum of 20; prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure tax

None

Main airports

Santiago (SCL) (Arturo Merino Benitez) (website: www.aeropuertosantiago.cl). The airport is 21km (11 miles) northwest of Santiago (journey time - 30 minutes).
To/from the airport: Bus services to the city centre operate from 0530 to 2400 every day. Metro services operate to Los Héroes, Central, Universidad de Santiago, Las Rejas and Pajaritos stations. Taxis to the city are also available; official taxis are blue and have documentation.
Facilities: Bar, ATM, bureaux de change, restaurants, shops, car hire, post office and tourist office.

Getting there by Road

The Pan American Highway enters Chile through Arica. There are frequent, reliable and comfortable buses that can come from as far north as Ecuador. There are also services from Argentina and Brazil to Santiago.