Visiting
Business hours
Generally, business hours are 9.00am to 6.00pm to 7.00pm, Monday through Friday. There is a one hour lunch break at 1.00 pm.
Banks are open from 9.00am to 2.00pm, Monday through Friday.
Public holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day
May 7 - Corpus Christi
August 15 - Sunday Assumption
September 18 - Independence Day
September 19 - Armed Forces Day
November 1 - All Saint's Day
December 8 - Immaculate Conception
December 25 - Christmas Day
Climate
Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Chile are at the same time of year as Australia and the temperatures are in a similar range, although it can get down to 0°C in winter. February is the traditional summer vacation month in Chile. Austrade Santiago highly recommends that you avoid visiting Chile during February, as most business people are away from their offices.
For weather details in Chile, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Time zones and time differences
Chile is 14 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
To find out the current time in Santiago, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Chile's country code is 56.
For calls to Chile from Australia dial: 0011 + 56 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Chile to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Chile's power supply is 220 volts, 60Hz; 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The most common type of plug has two-round pins, similar to those used in Europe.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Tourism Chile – www.turismochile.com/en_index.php
Visit Chile – www.visitchile.com
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
Australia-Chile Free Trade Agreement
The ACI-FTA immediately eliminates 92 per cent of tariff lines on 97 per cent of Australian goods currently traded.
More information on the ACI-FTA
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
IP Passport fact sheets
These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.
The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.