(Last updated: 12 Mar 2011)

Visas

Visitors from Australia do not need a visa for Chile if their stay is a period of up to 90 days. However, on arrival at the airport visitors must pay an ‘Administrative Fee’ of US$30 per person (or pesos equivalent).

Enquiries about visas should be directed to:

Consulate General of Chile -
44 Market St
Level 18, National Mutual Centre, Suite 1803
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel +61 2 9299 2533

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.

Airports

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International airport is located about 30 minutes north of Santiago. During rush hours (7.00am-10.00am, 5.00pm-8.00pm) you should allow for up to one hour in travel time.

Ground transport

The most convenient way to get around town is by taxi:

• Taxis are black with yellow roofs.
• When you exit customs you will find a desk where you can arrange for an official airport taxi, which you will have to pay for in Chilean pesos. You can purchase pesos inside the arrival hall near the luggage carousel.
• All have meters, however, the minimum charge is 150 pesos. A taxi from the airport to most hotels will cost you A$35-A$50.
• There is no need to tip taxi drivers, but the fare can be rounded upwards.
• Radio taxis (sometimes not the traditional black and yellow) are booked by phone and come direct to your door. Although slightly more expensive, this is the safest option when travelling alone at night.

The Santiago Metro is fast, clean and efficient:

• There are currently two lines - one running east/west and the other north/south. The east/west line provides quick, convenient travel from the Providencia area to downtown.
• The two lines intersect at Los Heroes, and there is no extra charge to change from one line to another.
• Fares vary according to the time of day – either peak or off-peak periods. The current time period is posted in the ticket seller's window with its corresponding fare.
• Tickets may be purchased individually or a Boleto Valor allows for multiple trips and automatically deducts the relevant fare.
• You need to take your Boleto Valor when you pass through the turnstile.

Although cheap, plentiful and frequent, buses are not recommended mainly because they are only useful if you already know which one to catch and there are no reliable route maps available for visitors.

Hotels

There are many hotels in Chile’s capital Santiago ranging from five-star chains such as Ritz Carlton, Intercontinental, Marriott, Hyatt and Sheraton, to lower budget hostels. These international chains as well as others also operate throughout the rest of the country.

If you plan to visit Chile, the Austrade office can recommend some hotels depending of the type of visit you are conducting.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Chile. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Major tourist sites such as Cerro San Cristobal, Cerro Santa Lucia are favourite locations for pickpockets. We advise that you avoid going to these places alone, even in the daytime. Take care particularly on all public transportation.

Health

Unless you are arriving from an infected area, vaccination certificates are not normally required.

Over-the-counter and prescription medicines are readily available from chemists.

Tap water is safe to drink, but most people prefer to drink bottled mineral water either con gas (carbonated) or sin gas (non-carbonated).

Tipping

Tipping in Chile is usually 10 per cent of the restaurant bill. However, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers.

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.

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

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).

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.

Dining

There are a wide variety of restaurants located in all parts of Chile. The popular restaurant neighbourhoods in Santiago include Bellavista and Las Condes. Lunch is usually between 12.30pm and 3.00pm and later on Saturday and Sunday, while dinner is from 8.30pm onwards. Many restaurants are open for lunch on Sundays but closed in the evenings.

The typical food preparation is principally based in meat, potatoes, maize and fruits and vegetables. Due to Chile being located on the coast, there is a large range of fish and seafood to choose from including salmon, trout, eel, sea scallops and lobsters.

Tourist attractions

The main attractions for tourists are places of natural beauty situated in the extreme zones of the country: San Pedro de Atacama, in the north, is very popular with foreign tourists who arrive to admire the Incaic architecture and the Altiplano lakes of the Valley of the Moon.

In Putre, also in the north, there is the Chungará Lake, as well as the Parinacota and the Pomerape volcanoes, with altitudes of 6,348m and 6,222m, respectively.

Throughout the central Andes, there are many ski resorts of international repute, such as Portillo and Valle Nevado.

In the south, the main tourist sites are the Chiloé Island, Patagonia, the San Rafael Lagoon, with its many glaciers, and the Towers of Paine national park. The central port city of Valparaíso, with its unique architecture, is also popular.

Finally, Easter Island, in the Pacific Ocean is probably the main Chilean tourist destination.