Useful Information

Energy

Electric voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles (220v 50Hz). The use of appliances or electric devices designed for 110V need the use of a transformer. Most travel appliances like notebook computers have an auto volt (110V-240V) transformer that will adapt to Chilean electricity.

Public lighting is fairly good everywhere. Most houses and apartments and modern buildings have piped gas distributed through private networks.

Measurememt system

The decimal metric system is used throughout the country, this means that 1 meter is equal to 3.3 feet, 1 kilometer is equal to 0.62 miles, and 1 liter corresponds to 0.26 gallons. Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius, where 0°C is equal to 32°F, and 100°C is equal to 212°F.

Tipping

In Chile there is not a rigid rule about tipping. In general, you tip a 10% in restaurants, depending on the attention received. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but you may round up the fare for convenience, or when the taxi driver has helped you with the luggage.

Currency

The official currency is the peso. Coins of $1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and bills of $1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000 y 20.000 circulate. The exchange rate has been stable lately, between $570 and $600 pesos per American dollar.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted, Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express. In some remote areas, such as the Patagonia, not always cards are accepted. Traveler checks and American dollars accepted everywhere. For lost cards, call Visa / MasterCard (698 2465), Diners (232 0000) and American Express (672 2156).

Transport

Modern commercial airlines have daily service to the main cities in Chile. Lan Chile also offers the Visite Chile Lan Pass, you can buy outside Chile and allows you to travel to different cities in the country for as much as 21 days, for much lower prices.

Comfortable busses serve the main cities in three classes: Salón-Cama, Semi-Cama and Turista, and in some cases they also offer snacks on board.

Seasons

Spring: September 21 - December 20
Summer: December 21 - March 20
Autumn: March 21 - June 20
Winter: Jun 21 - September 20

Visas

It is always safe to check if Visa is requested before you travel, but at your arrival, a Tourist Card is issued, valid for 90 days. If you loose the card, inform the police and ask for a copy at the Departmento de Extranjería (Borgoño 1052 Tel:: 737 1292 Monday to Friday 08:30 / 12:30 and 15:00 a 18:00 hrs.), presenting your passport, air ticket with the departure confirmed.

Holidays in Chile

New Year (Jan 1st)
Holy week (end of March and beginning of February)
Labor day (May 1st)
Naval Combat of Iquique (May 21)
San Pedro & San Pablo (June 29)
Asunción de la Virgen (August 15)
Day of the National Unity (first Monday in September)
Fiestas Patrias (September 18 and 19)
Día de la Raza (October 12)
Todos los Santos (November 1st)
Inmaculada Concepción (December 8)
Christmas (December 25)

Video

Video format: VHS, NTSC Standard.